Albanian Women in Business – Mission to the Netherlands Unique, Powerful, Inspiring

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Albanian Women in Business – Mission to the Netherlands Unique, Powerful, Inspiring

On 4th and 5th November, a group of lady ministers and successful businesswomen from Albania organized by the Ambassador of Albania to the Netherlands, H.E. Ms Adia Sakiqi together with the Ambassador of The Netherlands to Albania, H.E. Ms. Guusje Korthals Altes, gathered in Amsterdam to follow a rich business and cultural program.

Women in Business Mission was focus in strengthening networks by connecting the public and the private sector, as well as build knowledge of the institutions of both countries on topics related to infrastructure, water, energy, access to finance, urban planning, film & documentary makers, innovation and other creative industries.

Ambassador Sakiqi (centre) Guusje Korthals Altes, Ambassador of the Netherland to Albania and Marry de Gaay Fortman – the host of the dinner in Amsterdam.

The mission was headed by the Albanian Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Ms. Belinda Balluku, the Minister of Culture, H.E. Ms. Elva Margariti, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Ms. Belinda Ikonomi and the Deputy Mayor of Tirana, Ms. Anuela Ristani.

“The cherry on the top of this mission”, as expressed by Ms. Ambassador Sakiqi, “was the participation of the Mayor of Tirana Mr. Erion Veliaj, as part of Amsterdam International Water Week. His speech at Leaders Forum lifted up the room. He is doing tremendous work for Tirana and allowing for a lot of positives changes.”

The Mayor of Tirana Mr. Erion Veliaj, a “gender champion”, was one of the Keynote Speakers for the 2019 Amsterdam International Water Week, the Resilient City Leaders Forum and the Integrated Leaders Forum, where he discussed his work and challenges in improving the city’s infrastructure.

Women in Business from Albanian at Rijksmuseum.

The programme of Albanian Women in Business headed by the Minister of Culture, H.E. Ms. Elva Margariti, included visits and sharing of experience at the EYE Museum, FOAM Photography Museum, Dutch Culture, Rijksmuseum.

Moreover, the agenda included roundtable discussion at Rabobank headquarters, meetings at Amsterdam Economic Board, Amsterdam Smart City and Arcadis, headed by Ms. Belinda Ikonomi  Albanian Deputy Minister of Finances and Ms. Anuela Ristani, Deputy Mayor of Tirana.

CEO of Shell, Ms. Marjan van Loon talks to Albanian Women in Business group.

In addition to the planned visits to several organizations, companies and institutions, the group participated in three roundtable discussions on which issues such as finance, infrastructure development and culture were analyzed in depth. Ms. Sakiqi declared “One of the aims of these roundtables was to build connectivity between the participants of the Albanian delegation and the city of Amsterdam, as well as with the employers’ organization, the Dutch businesses, cultural institutions, experts, and leading women and men from different sectors.”

Not least, a meeting between the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Ms. Belinda Balluku and the CEO of Shell, Ms. Marjan van Loon was held. The importance of this meeting was unequivocal, as Shell’s biggest European operation is in Albania. 

Dinner hosted by Marry de Gaay Fortmans, Thecla Bowedes, Melinde Kassens, Betteke de Gaay Fortman, Carolien Gerhels.

“Albania is a country that bases all its energy production on hydro-power and we have the opposite of the challenges of the Netherlands on energy transmission, but it is very important also to learn on how the Dutch diversify the energy sector from their energy point of view.” emphasized the Ambassador Ms. Sakiqi. 

While the Deputy Minister of Finance Ms. Ikonomi was guest speaker at Rabo Bank, the Minister for Culture, Ms.  Elva Margariti was at Dutch Culture Union  discussing  artistic entrepreneurship, branding marketing, while Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Ms. Belinda Balluku was at Amsterdam International Water Week together with the Mayor of Tirana, Mr. Erion Veliaj.

Since the time at which Albanians women first gained the right to vote in 1945,their situation has changed significantly in Albania.

The level of education of women in Albania is increasing constantly. The number of graduates from higher education in the academic year 2017/2018 amounted to 34,000 students, of whom 63.3% were girls.

Leonie van der Beuk, Director of Amsterdam Smart City gave a presentation for Albanian Women in Business Mission at Amsterdam Economic Board.

The number of women in decision making has also been increasing, which is made possible largely thanks to the inclusion of the 30 % quota, in the amendments made to the Electoral Code in 2008.Women are now an indisputable force in the country’s sustainable development, and contributing along Albania’s path to European Union integration. 

“We were coordinating this work with five top Dutch ladies who helped us to get this program together. A very special thank you goes to Ms. Marry de Gaay Fortman, Ms. Carolien Grehels, Ms. Thecla Bowedes, Ms. Melinde Kassens, and Ms. Betteke de Gaay Fortman.”

“The Dutch Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Ms. Guusje Korthals Altes, also accompanied us; it was a very good synergy between the two embassies.

We visited the port of Amsterdam and had a presentation from the director of the port, then we when to Rijksmuseum and had a review of a museum as entrepreneurship case of study, we visited Arcadis, an engineering company, there we had as keynote speaker CEO of Shell, Ms. Marjan van Loon.”

Port of Amsterdam – Guusje Korthals Altes – Elva Margariti, Minister of Culture, Belinda Balluku Minister of Infrastructure and Energy and Ambassador Adia Sakiqi.

“This visit of top Albanian Women in Business to the Netherlands, was the product of the initial Dutch Women in Business visit to Albania in June 2019. We are all inspired to work on a cross sectorial follow up of these two fruitful exchanges, match the right enterpreneurs, academia and institutions to the next step, a follow up  that will bear fruits in concrete projects be it in infrastructure, finance and art.” Concluded Ambassador Sakiqi with satisfaction when looking back at the successful mission, and encouraged a follow up in the weeks to come. 

The Albanian Embassy in The Hague will organize another business forum on December 3 in Rotterdam with the Albanian diaspora business chamber, the Municipality of Tirana and Shell Albania and many companies.

Albanian Women in Business – Mission to the Netherlands : Mrs. Belinda Balluku, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Mrs. Elva Margariti, Minister of Culture, Mrs. Belinda Ikonomi, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, Mrs. Doris Alimerko, Ministry of Culture, Mrs. Matilda Kercaku, Ministry of Infrastucture and Energy, Mrs. Majlinda Demko, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ms. Anuela Ristani, Deputy Mayor of Tirana, Mrs. Milva Ekonomi, MP/Former Minister of Economy, Mrs. Adelina Greca, Head of the National Urban Planning Agency, Mrs. Gerta Lubonja, Head of Technical Water Secretariat, Mrs. Iris Elezi, National Film Archive, Mrs. Linda Shomo, CEO Easypay, Mrs. Enida Bezhani, Women Mentoring Programme, Mrs. Ardjana Shehi Kalo, Lawyer/ Embassy network, Mrs. Jonida Skendo, Lawyer/Energy Trade, Prof. Denada Veizaj, Head of Architecture Department/PUT, Ms. Marry de Gaay Fortman, Ms. Carolien Gehrels, Ms. Thecla Bodewes, Ms. Melinde Kassens, Ms. Betteke de Gaay Fortman, Ms. Femke Brenninkmeijer, Ms. Sophie de Lint,Birgit Otto, Ms. Nina Tellegen, Ms. Femke de Vries, Ms. Femke de Vries, Ms. Merei Wagenaar, Ms. Jet Bussemaker, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Albania, Ms. Guusje Korthals Altes, and Albanian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ms. Adia Sakiqi.

Photography by Aldo Bonata / Embassy of Albania in The Hague.

Inauguration Ceremony Renovated Hungarian Embassy

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Inauguration Ceremony Renovated Hungarian Embassy

H.E. Mr. Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó during the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Hungarian Embassy in The Hague.

By Roy Lie Atjam.

The Ambassador of Hungary in the Netherlands, H.E. Mr András Kocsis cordially welcomed guests to the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Hungarian Embassy in The Hague on 31 October 2019. The inauguration was held in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó and his Dutch counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr Stef Blok. The two performed the official opening by cutting of a ribbon.

The Ministers performed the official opening by cutting of a ribbon at the new Hungarian Embassy in The Hague. In the picture the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr Stef Blok and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó.

Among the dignitaries attending the inauguration ceremony were the Director General of the OPCW, H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias and his deputy, Ms. Odette Melono. Furthermore, the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jhr Ir József Béla Jankovich de Jeszenice, Hon Consul of Hungary, members of the Hungarian community and others.

The playing of the Hungarian and Dutch national anthem was followed by the inaugural speech by Ministers Péter Szijjártó and  Stef Blok. In short, this is what they said.

Contribution by H.E. Minister Péter Szijjártó:

“We respect the Netherland a lot, we respect the Dutch people a lot. And we know we have debates when it comes to some issues on our agendas. We have to accept that we look at the world from a different angle; we have a different vision. This should not prevent us from cooperation on some very important issues.

First of all, I hope today at this meeting we can come to some kind of agreement to help the Christian communities being prosecuted in the world. We are a country which has been Christian for more than a thousand years. Our heritage is that we feel responsibility for persecuted Christians in the world.
          

Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr Stef Blok, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó and H.E. Mr. András Kocsis Ambassador of Hungary to the Netherlands.

In the framework of NATO we have a strong defence cooperation. Military practices have been carried out together and we respect the role of the 24 Dutch soldiers serving in Hungary in the framework of the heavy [airwave wing] capacity. We respect that the Netherlands is the number one contributor to the [B4 fund], especially when it comes to the Eastern partnership. We do agree that countries East from the European Union who would like to have an European future should be helped and assisted by us. And we have a common position when it comes to managing security as well.

We both believe that the composition of the national [..] should be taken in consideration as a national competence. Here as we are present at the opening of the newly renovated embassy, we have to say thank you to our Dutch colleagues for our consular cooperation. The Netherlands provides consular service to Hungarian citizens at eight locations. Soon it will be seven since I will follow my Dutch colleague and we reopen our embassy at Amsterdam. 
         

When it comes to economy, I am happy to note that the Netherlands is the seventh most important trading part for Hungary. We have a strong cooperation which is reflected by the figure of 8.7 billion euros of trade exchange. Last year we had 7% growth and so far this year we had 6% growth. As we can recognize representatives of some Dutch companies investing in Hungary I would like to mention that the Dutch companies form the eight largest group of investors in Hungary. We respect them very much given the fact that there are 15.000 Hungarians who have been employed by Dutch companies. Even the big ones like Shell, Heineken, Phillips or FrieslandCampina. We are happy that they are happy.

We are happy that they are take advantage of a very competitive business environment offering the lowest tax rates in Europe. In order to improve our trade exchange, I just gave instructions our [man] to open a 1.7-billion-euro credit line to finance Hungarian Dutch business to business cooperation.

So, regarding the future we are interest in a constructive, mutual beneficial cooperation. And we are definitively ready. And you can count on me when it comes to the mutual benefits and the mutual interest to be realized. “

The Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade held a bilateral meeting with Lamberto Zannier, the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on the situation of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

Contribution by H.E. Minister Stef Blok:

“This neighbourhood was designed in the 19th century and has the elegance of that era. It has pleasant parks and villa’s and breathes the spirit of diplomacy. The Hague is internationally known as the city of peace and justice. Many of the embassies, missions and organisations work hard to make this slogan a reality. This gives the neighbourhood also a kind of togetherness and unity and the buildings reflect that. This embassy is a fine example. The villa has connected our two nations since 1971. It has been home to a generation of Hungarian diplomats and many visitors who received the Hungarian hospitality, right here.

This year we celebrate a century of our bilateral relations.It is a year to look back on our shared history and look forward to our common future. Our economic ties are stronger than ever. As you have explained we are working hard to reach ten million euros and of course we are not only connected by economic interests. We are also united by NATO and part of the EU

These relationships come with responsibility. The best way we can be partners, is to be honest with each other. To give praise when its due, and express criticism when necessary. It is in the spirit of our partnership that I want to express my concern about the rule of law in Hungary. I worry about the recent developments in your country. This sits uneasily with the community of values that is the European norm.

 No doubt, after a major renovation your embassy is once again fit to represent the Hungarian people. We can continue our dire work about these issue in a fitting location. Today would have been a memorable day for two reasons. Firstly, it is the opening of this wonderful embassy building. Secondly, today might have been Brexit day. The Brexit process turned out to be as complicated as the Hungarian language. Although the language is more beautiful than the Brexit.

But if the British do leave – and we will be sad to see them go – I see their departure as a wakeup call. We need to invest more in our European partnership. And above all we need to do a better job at explaining to our citizens why the EU is matters. And that is something, the remaining members of the European Union, need to do together. We do not agree on everything, but we do agree on one thing: that the EU makes our citizens safer, freer and more prospers. A shared notion on which I believe Hungary and the Netherlands can further strengthen our bilateral ties and continue our open dialogue.

Heartiest congratulations on your renovated embassy, may it be a source of prosperity and enjoyment for you.”

Availing himself of the opportunity, Minister Péter Szijjártó, met  at OPCW Headquarters with H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, Director General of the OPCW.

Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Visits OPCW. The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó. Following the meeting the minister announced that Hungary contributes 35 000 EUR to the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
During his short stay in The Netherlands, Minister Szijjártó gave a lecture at Leiden University about the Hungarian perspective on the future of Europe. After the lecture he answered the questions from the audience.

Photography by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.

Conversation with Justice Minister Judit Varga

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Conversation with Justice Minister Judit Varga

On 14 November, the Minister of Justice of Hungary, H.E. Ms.  Judit Varga will be in The Netherlands.

As part of her visit, she will have a conversation at De Balie in Amsterdam about the state of the rule of law in Hungary and its position in the EU.

Member of the European Parliament for D66 Sophie in ‘t Veld and assistant professor in History and European Studies Ferenc Laczó will join the conversation that will be moderated by De Balie Director Yoeri Albrecht.

Photography by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.

President Agius concludes high-level meetings with Tanzanian officials

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President Agius concludes high-level meetings with Tanzanian officials

Arusha, 8 November 2019- The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, today concluded his second visit to Dar es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania (Tanzania), where he held high-level meetings with Government officials. 

Having travelled to Arusha earlier in November to spend time with staff at the Mechanism’s Arusha branch, President Agius took advantage of his presence in Tanzania to visit Dar es Salaam. There, he met with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, and Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, on 7 and 8 November 2019, respectively.

President Agius provided the Ministers with an update on the Mechanism’s work and reiterated his gratitude for the unwavering support that the Mechanism continues to receive from the Tanzanian Government. 

The President also met with members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Tanzania, who he briefed on the progress of the Mechanism’s work and the various challenges it faces in the implementation of its mandate. 

Before travelling to Dar es Salaam, and in the spirit of fostering strong working relations between the Mechanism and other judicial institutions in Arusha, President Agius met with the President of the East African Court of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, to discuss matters of mutual interest to both institutions. 

External Affairs Minister of India to visit the Netherlands

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External Affairs Minister of India to visit the Netherlands

Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony and India Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar.

External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar will visit the Netherlands from November 9-11, 2019.  

During the visit, Dr. S. Jaishankar will meet Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok for comprehensive discussions on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest. He will also interact with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives of the Dutch Parliamentand Dutch dignitaries across the political spectrum.

India and the Netherlands have a long history of friendly bilateral relations going back to more than 400 years, encompassing many areas of shared interest. The Netherlands is one of the first three countries that established diplomatic relations with independent India in 1947. 

The two countries have witnessed a series of high-level exchanges in recent years. Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima concluded a highly successful State Visit to India from October 14-18, 2019. 

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands visited India in May 2018 along with a high-level delegation comprising of four Cabinet Ministers and the Mayor of the Hague. He was also accompanied by a trade mission comprising of 130 companies/institutions and nearly 200 trade representatives.Both countries have strong economic interests in each other.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Mark Rutte also met on December 1, 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 in Buenos Aires and held discussions on boosting economic and cultural ties between India and the Netherlands. The high level visits from the two sides have provided new vigour and momentum to the relationship. The forthcoming visit of the External Affairs Minister will further strengthen the ties. 

India and the Netherlands share values of democracy, rule of law and justice. Both sides have been supportive of each other on multilateral fora. Economic and Commercial relations provide a strong underpinning of bilateral cooperation. During the recently concluded State Visit, the largest ever trade delegation comprising of 250 members from 140 companies and organizations accompanied the Dutch Royals to India.

 The Netherlands was the third largest investor in India in FY 2018-2019 with investment worth US$ 3.87 billion. The cumulative investments from the Netherlands to India in the period April 2000 – June 2019 amounts to US$ 28.7 billion. The Netherlands is also a major investment destination for Indian companies with a total investment (ODI Stock) by Indian companies estimated over US$ 12 billion as on March 2018.

Lecture by Harvard Professor Dani Rodrik

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Lecture by Harvard Professor Dani Rodrik

In the picture, Dani Rodrik

By Tereza Neuwirthova.

On Thursday 7th November, the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague hosted a lecture by Dani Rodrik, a Harvard professor of International Political Economy who is receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Erasmus University Rotterdam on 8th November during the celebration of the Dies Natalis of the university. 

During his lecture, professor Rodrik presented an argument about the economic growth that the world has experienced over the last century, whereby he stressed that the miracle which was commonly found and stood behind the convergence of the inequalities between developed and developing countries was a rapid industrialisation, especially such that is oriented to manufacturing exportable products.

By showing the experiences of “economic growth miracles”, in other words the countries that have experienced a constant GDP growth over the past 20 years such as China, South Korea, Singapore, or Japan, Mr. Rodrik demonstrated how the structural change of industrialisation enables for expansion.

Professor Dani Rodrik, During his speech.

Moreover, two cases of recent high growth miracles -India and Ethiopia- were scrutinised. These instances are remarkable since they are not following the traditional industry-led mechanism, and conversely pursuing the development of modern sectors, which according to Mr. Rodrik might prove to be self-limiting and unsustainable in the long-term.

Lastly, by showing the developments in today’s economies, as well as the external factors such as shifts in consumer demand, globalisation, off-shoring, and technological change, Mr. Rodrik explained how the current path leading to premature de-industrialisation. Having pointed to this relation, the professor drew a conclusion that this mechanism of an industry-led economic development will no longer be applicable in the future. 

With the attendance of numerous diplomats, employees of ministries, as well as professors and researchers from many Dutch universities, the lecture by Mr. Rodrik marked an interesting and worthwhile afternoon.

On 40thanniversary of the hostage crisis, US-Iran frictions continue to escalate

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On 40thanniversary of the hostage crisis, US-Iran frictions continue to escalate

By Guido Lanfranchi.

Forty years after the 1979 hostage crisis, tensions between the United States and Iran are once again escalating. On November 4th, the US administration imposed new sanctions on Iranian individuals close to the country’s Supreme Leader. On the same day, Iran announced it would walk back from another of its commitment under the Nuclear Deal – citing Washington’s lack of compliance as the move’s rationale.

In early November 1979, a diplomatic standoff emerged when 52 United States’ diplomats were taken hostage by supporters of the Iranian Revolution in Tehran. In early November 2019, forty years after the hostage crisis, tensions between the two countries are again on the rise – with the US administration imposing sanctions on Tehran, and the Iranian government re-starting nuclear-related activities in its Fordow facility.

The new US Treasury Department’s sanctions – a Senior US Administration Official explained – are set to target a range of high-level individuals involved in policy-making in Tehran. The targets include a number of individuals deemed close to the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, such as his second son Mojtaba, his chief of staff Mr. Golpayegani, as well as Mr. Haghanian, identified by the US as Mr. Khamenei’s right hand.

Moreover, the sanctions will also hit Ebrahim Raisi, the head of Iran’s judiciary, as well as Iranian individuals linked with “brutal terror actors outside Iran”, notably Ali Akbar Velayati and Hossein Dehghan – the US Official revealed. 

The reaction from Tehran has been swift, with the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi, swiftly condemning the US “unilateral and futile” sanctions and its “anti-Iran statement”. In his statement, Mr. Mousavi first accused the US of “bullying” other countries due its “inability to use diplomatic or logical solution”. Moreover, referring to the US accusations on the hostage crisis, he blamed the US for “misrepresenting the realities and distorting the history by keeping open an already-closed case” – and instead accused the US of committing crimes against Iran.

This most recent spat comes on the background of broader tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The administration of President Trump accuses Iran not only of oppressing its own people, but also of pursuing a terrorist agenda across the Middle East, including by seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Consequently, in May 2018 the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal), which provided for economic benefits for Iran in exchange for stricter controls on its nuclear program. Since then, Washington has re-imposed increasingly harsh sanctions on Iran, with the declared aim of changing the policies of the Iranian government. 

As for Iran, after having failed to reap the economic benefits foreseen by the JCPOA through the help of the remaining signatories, in the last months policymakers in Tehran have announced the suspension of some of Iran’s obligations under the deal. In parallel to the US announcement of the latest round of sanctions in early November, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has announced that Iran will restart to inject gas to the centrifuges in its facilities in Fordow – a move prohibited by the JCPOA. This move – the President stressed – is completely reversible, and – as previous steps taken by Iran – “will be conducted under the monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency”. 

The door for diplomacy remains thus open – although by now the opening looks rather small. 


About the author:

Guido Lanfranchi is a student and young professional in the field of international affairs. He has pursued his studies both at Leiden University and Sciences Po Paris, where he is currently enrolled. In parallel, he has been gaining professional experience through internships (first at the Council of the European Union, and currently at Clingendael Institute), as well as by working as reporter and associate editor for Diplomat Magazine The Netherlands. His research and work focus on the Middle East and Africa, and especially on conflict situations in these regions.

Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Visits OPCW

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Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Visits OPCW

In the picture the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó.

The Hague, Netherlands — 31 October 2019 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó, met today at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.

The Director-General and the Foreign and Trade Minister discussed the progress in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and the Organization’s activities to address current challenges in achieving the total and permanent elimination of all chemical weapons, while promoting scientific advances for peaceful purposes.

The Foreign and Trade Minister described how Hungary remains committed to the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention and highly appreciates the OPCW’s dedicated work aimed at eliminating chemical weapons worldwide. He remarked: “The Organisation is an essential pillar of the international non-proliferation system. Hungary strives for a strong and efficient OPCW, based on mutual co-operation among Member States. Therefore, I am delighted to announce that Hungary contributes 35,000 Euros to the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology.”

The Director-General remarked: “Hungary has my sincere gratitude for its commitment to the Convention and its continued support for the Organisation, including our new ChemTech Centre. We look forward to our continued cooperation to ensure chemical weapons are eliminated and that chemistry is used for exclusively peaceful purposes.”

Following the Minister’s announcement that Hungary would make a financial contribution to the new ChemTech Centre, the Director-General provided a status update on the project, emphasising its importance in strengthening technological development and fostering peaceful uses of chemistry.

Photography by OPCW.

President of Poland Visits OPCW

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President of Poland Visits OPCW

OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the President of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda, meeting at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 30 October 2019 — The Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the President of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda, met today at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.

The Director-General briefed the President on the progress of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Their discussions focused on the OPCW’s efforts to not only ensure the total and permanent elimination of all chemical weapons, but also to promote scientific advances for peaceful purposes. Both sides agreed on the necessity to support capacity-building initiatives and to strive for transparency and cooperation.

The President of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda, OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and Ms Odette Melono, Deputy Director General at OPCW.

President Duda remarked: “I wish to congratulate the Director-General and the OPCW staff on their commitment and dedication in striving for a world free from chemical weapons. Poland will continue to support strongly the OPCW and the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, recognising current and new threats and challenges related to the use and re-emergence of chemical weapons.”

Director-General Arias stated: “Poland has my sincere gratitude for its commitment to the Convention and its continued support for the Organisation, including our new Centre for Chemistry and Technology. We look forward to our continued cooperation to ensure chemical weapons are eliminated and that chemistry is used for exclusively peaceful purposes.”

The Ambassador of Poland, H.E. Mr. dr Marcin Piotr Czepelak, the President of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda, H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director General OPCW and Ms Odette Melono, OPCW Deputy Director General, with colleagues during the president of Poland visit to the OPCW in The Hague.

Following Poland’s €100,000 contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology project last year, the Director-General provided a status update on the project, emphasising its importance in strengthening technological development and fostering peaceful uses of chemistry.

Pictures by OPCW

France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Visits OPCW

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France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Visits OPCW

The Hague, Netherlands — 1 November 2019 — The Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, met today at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.

The Director-General briefed the Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister on the OPCW’s progress in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention. Following France’s $1.5 million USD contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology project earlier this year, the Director-General also provided a status update on the project.  

The Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Both the Director-General and the Minister further acknowledged the need to intensify international cooperation and assistance to promote the peaceful application of science and technology.

The Director-General stated: “France has my sincere gratitude for its steadfast commitment to the goals of the Convention and for its support of the OPCW. We look forward to our continued cooperation to ensure that chemical weapons become a thing of the past.”

The Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister reiterated France’s strong support for the OPCW and continuous political commitment to a world free of chemical weapons and against impunity for the use of such weapons. He further stated: “Today, I announced a $1 million USD contribution for OPCW activities related to Syria, which remains a priority for France. This comes in addition to previous support, including a $1.5 million USD contribution to the OPCW ChemTech Centre that will notably enhance international cooperation.”

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