H.E. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, Chairperson of the Fourth Review Conference, is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of El Salvador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in The Hague. Ambassador Vásquez Gómez is a career diplomat and has built experience in diplomacy, international law and multilateral organisations, particularly in negotiations at bilateral and multilateral level on political, economical and cooperation for development initiatives and programs, mainly in the framework of the Organization of American States from 2007 to 2014.
In the OPCW, Ambassador Vásquez Gómez represented his country as Vice Chair of the 22nd Conference of State Parties and since November 2017 has participated actively as member of the Bureau of the Open Ended Working Group for the Preparation of the Fourth Review Conference, in representation of the Latin American and Caribbean Group.
His experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador goes back to 2001, year when he was appointed as Strategic Affairs Advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for the Gulf of Fonseca; later on, in 2004, he became the General Director of Sovereignty and Borders.
Ambassador Vásquez Gómez chaired a number of Working Groups and Negotiating Mechanisms within the Inter-American Council for Integral Development; he was Vice President of the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development and Advisor of the Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States.
From 2001 to 2003 Ambassador Vásquez Gómez was Deputy Agent of the Republic of El Salvador to the International Court of Justice in a case related to the Application for Revision of a Judgment delivered by the ICJ on land, island and maritime dispute in 1992. During the same period, Ambassador Vásquez Gómez held the Chairmanship of the Special Commission for Demarcation El Salvador – Honduras and was Deputy Commissioner to the International Boundary and Water Commission El Salvador – Guatemala.
Ambassador Vásquez Gómez is also a retired Navy Officer from the Salvadoran Naval Forces.
On the picture Iranian Foreign Ministry Director General for International Peace and Security, Reza Najafi. Photography by OPW.
Statement of the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran In response to the US Statement
Delivered by the Iranian Foreign Ministry Director General for International Peace and Security, Reza Najafi – November 23, 2018.
“We are not surprised by the new baseless accusations of the United States under the current administration which we categorically reject. As my Minister twitted “if they say Iran perhaps is responsible for the California fires, because we didn’t help rake the forests— just like the Finns do!” you should not be surprised.
But let us look at the facts.
1. During the 8-year imposed war by Saddam’s regime on Iran, the United Stated as a permanent member of the UN Security Council turned a blind eye to the extensive and brutal use of chemical weapons against Iranian civilians and servicemen, and by so doing, shouldered responsibility for tens of thousands of Iranians who continue to suffer and perish as a result of chemical weapons.
Some of them are present in this Conference. The components of those chemical weapons came from the US and its allies’ companies. There are substantial evidences such as UNSCOM that many American and western companies provided Saddam with the required equipment, materials and technology to develop its chemical weapons program. Given that all of those companies needed to obtain export licenses from their governments, they could not transfer chemical weapons precursors to Saddam without the US government’s blessing. Thus US must be held accountable for complicity of such war crimes.
2. The reports about the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups in Syria, are very disturbing. It is evident that those terrorist groups could not procure toxic chemical agents as well as produce and use chemical weapons without the external assistance and support. This situation is very similar to how Saddam’s army could acquire and use chemical weapons in the 1980s.
3. We should not forget that the United States is the only possessor State Party that has not yet completed the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile, while it has all of the necessary financial and technical capacities to do so. Furthermore, the US has not withdrawn its reservation on the 1925 Geneva Protocol where it still reserves its rights to use chemical weapons contrary to its obligations under the Convention.
Keeping chemical weapons stockpiles together with its reservation to the Protocol, give rise to the assumption that US would like to maintain its chemical weapons as a so-called strategic reserve forever in full non-compliance with the Convention. US must make an official statement in this Conference to make commitments that it will withdraw its reservation on Geneva Protocol immediately and will never use chemical weapons under any circumstances and also it will complete destruction of all of its remaining stockpiles on time.
4. The US staunch ally in the Middle East, i.e. Israeli regime has also developed chemical weapons with the help of US which is another case of US non-compliance with the Convention.
5. The US history in developing WMDs and using these inhumane weapons is very dark. It has developed nuclear weapons and used them in Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. It has developed chemical weapons and used them in Vietnam War killing more than 400,000 peoples. Contrary to its obligations under the Convention, US did not declare its abandoned chemical weapons in Vietnam and neighbouring countries. A fact that just recently was revealed and shows US non-compliance.
6. The US is also in non-compliance with its obligations under Article XI of the Convention and by its unilateral sanctions against other States Parties to the Convention not only hampered the economic or technological development of States Parties but also prevented the importation and purchase of goods required for humanitarian needs, such as medicines and medical devices and agricultural commodities. A fact that was recognized by the International Court of Justice in its recent order.
7. While pretending to have concern regarding non-compliance of the others, the US is in complete non-compliance itself with the UNSC resolution 2231 which it had cosponsored. US also compels the other UN members to violate this resolution and thus the UN Charter too. The US is even punishing its own allies for compliance with the UNSC resolution and now ironically talks about concern over non-compliance with international obligations.
8. Furthermore, the US has also had a history of lying to the world about existence of WMD program of the others. In February 2003 its then Secretary of State in the UNSC meeting lied to the international community in order to invade Iraq. The result of attack, using all kind of weapons including CNS weapons, was the killing of thousands of peoples, including many civilians. Apparently its army believed the US officials’ lies and searched every inch of Iraq. They found Saddam in a small hole but they could not find a single WMD. They claimed 6 years later that they had found something and destroyed it. If it was true, they are in non-compliance with the Convention because they must have declared it to the OPCW and transferred or destructed it under verification of the OPCW. And if it was not true they told another lie to the world again.
9. The US is supporting terrorist activities in the Middle East and indeed it is the mother of terrorist groups as it was reconfirmed by its current president during election campaign who clearly declared that previous US administrations were “the founder ofISIS” (Daesh) and the “co-founder” of the other terrorist and extremist groups. It was a bitter confession but it is very true. All of these facts show that the US is not in a position to introduce itself as the guardian of the Convention.
Eurojust and Europol cooperate successfully with national authorities
With the support of Eurojust and Europol, the Spanish judicial authorities (Juzgado de Instrucción no 1 in Torrevieja) and the Belgian Public Prosecutor’s Office and judicial authorities, in coordination with the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Belgian Federal Police, arrested a Belgian fugitive, described as ‘very dangerous’, in Torrevieja, Spain.
The action day, which took place on 7 November, was prepared by the Eurojust Belgian and Spanish Desks, which liaised directly with their national authorities. The Belgian and Spanish magistrates worked together in Spain to draft the European Arrest Warrant, and direct the arrest, as well as the searches and seizures of three houses and a restaurant in Spain, resulting in the shutdown of the restaurant used to launder the money and the freezing of two properties, bank accounts and a vehicle, as well as documents, electronic devices, credit cards and a substantial amount of cash.
The suspect escaped from Belgium in January 2018 after committing more than 20 extremely violent robberies. He had then been sought by the Belgian authorities. The suspect belonged to an organised crime group and is the alleged perpetrator of other crimes, such as drug trafficking and the illegal trade of firearms. The Belgian Federal Police suspected the fugitive could be hiding in Torrevieja, and requested the cooperation of the Spanish Guardia Civil, which launched an investigation and surveillance activities. The investigation revealed that the fugitive laundered the illicit proceeds derived from his criminal activity in Belgium through a restaurant in Spain – a cash-intensive business – and then reinvested the money in real estate.
Europol provided analytical support during the investigation by cross-checking data and facilitating information exchange.
On the picture Dr. Mayelinne De Lara Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher and H.E. Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel showing the Israeli recipe on the International Flavours Recipes 2018 booklet.Diplomat Magazine Collaboration with Crowne Plaza Promenade: Culinary Walking DinnerByAndrew Gibson.On what was a cool, Dutch November evening, great warmth could be found within the outstanding Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade. The hotel’s General Manager, Patrick Aarsman, and his excellent team played hosts to yet another fabulous culinary spectacle. On this occasion, the collaboration between Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade, Diplomat Magazine, and representatives from embassies worldwide, gave guests the opportunity to sample a plethora of food and drink as part of an international ‘Culinary Walking Dinner’.For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157673772314497The Cuban chef, Lester Fernandez Chapotin, with a fan.Upon arrival, one felt welcomed by a sensory embrace of relaxed musical vibes, a mood-lit venue, and the intoxicating smell of a mixture of spices and fruits. A look to the right revealed a Cuban maestro by the name of Lester crafting what may only be described as the perfect Mojito, the secret to which he revealed to me as being the quality of the rum itself. Enlightened and with crystal glass in hand, one could stroll over to the Pakistani stall and be treated to a helping of delicious Chicken Tandoori, the recipe for which is featured inside the event’s complementary International Flavours Recipes 2018 booklet. Chef Sido de Brabander and Patrick Aarsman, General Manager of Crowne Plaza.Further along, the Peruvian stall revealed the delights of Ceviche to all those with a penchant for fish, whilst those exploring the Tunisian stall were treated to wine from a nation with an ever-growing winemaking industry, in addition to Tunisian Tea and delicious, small, sweet pastries in the form of Makroud. At the adjacent stall, Indonesian flavours came in the form of a scrumptious mini-menu consisting of Spekkoek, Onde-Onde and Tahu Isi, all of which could be enjoyed with a cup of Indonesian coffee. As one progressed further along this culinary journey, one reached the Mexican stall, where it was possible to try two variants of Tequila (Yuri Uraksin and Konstantin Moskovkin of the Russian Embassy and myself found ourselves in agreement about which was our favourite, after many samplings), and then to enjoy some blue-corn tortilla chips and the accompanying guacamole and salsa. Mohamed Armauchi, Crowne Plaza and Renata Siagian, Indonesia Embassy.From the Mexican stand, one need only take a couple of steps to the right in order to be able to find one’s self in receipt of a beautifully refreshing Vietnamese lime drink, another featured recipe in the International Flavours Recipes 2018 booklet. To the right of the Vietnamese stall stood the Georgian stand, where it was more than worth one’s time to indulge in the pleasures of Georgian wine. Through a doorway into an extension of the event, like hidden gems one could discover light Israeli shawarma with lam meat and creamy Italian Panna Cotta, before finally rounding off the evening with a cup of Italian coffee worthy of the reputation that preceded it.Véronique Micléa and H.E. Carlos Herrera, the Ambassador of Peru.Unquestionably a night to delight taste-buds of all persuasions, the Crowe Plaza’s Culinary Walking Dinner was a huge success, and marks yet another fantastic event borne of the fruitful collaboration between Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade and Diplomat Magazine.A Mexican touch.
On the picture with H.E. Konstantine Surguladze and Nino, ambassadors of India, Philippines, El Salvador, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia, Moldova, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Albania, Czech Republic, Romania, Azerbaijan , Kazakhstan.By Roy Lie Atjam.H.E. Mr. Konstantine Surguladze Ambassador of Georgia in the Netherlands took leave of fellow Ambassadors at a Ceremony of Merits, organized by Diplomat Magazine/Diplomatic Card at Hotel Des Indes The Hague on 16th November 2018. A large number of colleagues came by to say farewell to Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze, an upstanding man .
Mr. Konstantine Surguladze, is a career diplomat who has served in various national- and international capacities. He has been Ambassador to the Netherlands and international institutions in The Hague. Prior to his posting to The Hague, Ambassador Surguladze served as a Cabinet Minister and held several other government positions.
For additional Naldo Peverelli’s pictures on this memorable occasion, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157703728981324H. E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan. H. E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in an extemporaneous address, hailed Konstantine Surguladze, whom he has come to know as a warm, hardworking and cordial person.
Congratulations to Konstantine Surguladze for all his achievements. For example the relocation of the Georgian Chancellery to a prominent site overlooking the Binnenhof, seat of the Dutch government. What is more, Ambassador Ilyassov mentioned Konstantine’s artistic qualities such as his passion for painting and related how Konstintine managed to fix an antic clock that was all in shambles, voila another quality of the man, patience…Ilyassov thanked Ambassador Surguladze for the excellent cooperation and particularly the friendship that developed over the years.
H.E. Mr. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of Georgia.
He concluded by saying that Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze will be missed, however, Ilyassov is wishing him lots of success in his new assignment.
Ambassador Surguladze in his acceptance speech referred to the bilateral relations between Georgia and the Netherlands as very good. Proof of this is the import & export growth between the two nations. Noteworthy is the steady increase in the number of Dutch nationals visiting Georgia each year. Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze went on to express his gratitude for the support rendered by the Netherlands and the international community.
The Ambassador of Georgia’s Ceremony of Merits at Des Indes.
Surguladze also expressed his gratitude for the collaboration he received from his staff, his family and the diplomatic community. He will cherish them all and lastingly keep them close to his heart.
Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze was presented with a Certificate of Merits, in recognition for his surpassing contribution in strengthening the bilateral and multilateral relations between Georgia, the Netherlands and international institutions. His spouse Nino was presented a lovely bouquet of flowers.
Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze and his spouse Nino.
We wish Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze and his loved ones endless happiness in their new place of abode, Rome.
8 January 2019, Gucci Garden, Firenze, Italy: Gucci has unveiled its plans for a brand-new exhibition, after dedicating one to Alessandro Michele’s homage to Björk’s, currently in place. Coco Capitán and Jayde Fish shall present their new murals from January. The latter just in time for the 95th Pitti Uomo trade show.
Gucci Garden within the Palazzo della Mercanzia was renovated by Alessandro Michele himself; the spaces holds several exhibition rooms overseen by critic and curator Maria Luisa Frisa, as well as a boutique filled with exclusive products, and a restaurant headed by the finest chef, Massimo Bottura.
The museum stopover may be topped up with a visit to its in-house restaurant. Gucci’s first venture of this kind, the restaurant is being managed by the three Michelin star chef, Massimo Bottura, who was crowned the best chef in the world for his Osteria in Modena.
OPCW’s Strategic Course to be Set During Conference of the States Parties and Review Conference
The Hague, the Netherlands —19 November 2018 — Over the next two weeks, Member States of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will convene in The Hague for the Twenty-Third Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-23), which opened today, followed by the Fourth Review Conference (RC-4), which begins on Wednesday, 21 November. The aim of these sessions is to establish the future direction of the OPCW for the next five years and to review the operations of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
This session of the Conference of the States Parties is chaired by H.E. Ambassador Yun-young Lee, of the Republic of Korea, who replaces the outgoing Chair, H.E. Ambassador Abdelouahab Bellouki of Morocco. The Fourth Review Conference will be chaired by H.E. Ambassador Agustín Vásquez Gómez of El Salvador.
The Director-General of the OPCW, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, in his opening statement expressed: “The implementation of the Convention continues to advance on all fronts, and everybody agrees that this organisation is very much needed.”
The Director-General stressed that the Organisation must adapt to meet the current and future challenges of preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons. He reiterated that “The consistent support of States Parties has made the Convention one of the most effective and successful international treaties in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation”.
The speech from the OPCW’s Director-General encouraged Member States to strengthen global chemical security through collaboration on the decision on addressing the threat from chemical weapons use, adopted by the Special Session of the CSP in June.
Additionally, he highlighted activities to bolster both physical and cyber security of the OPCW, briefed States Parties on the progress of elimination of declared stockpiles of chemical weapons, and outlined progress on the upgrades to the OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store into a new Centre for Chemistry and Technology.
Both Conferences will serve as platforms to discuss and take decisions on topics such as next year’s programme and budget, as well as further cooperation and outreach activities to strengthen the Chemical Weapons Convention and to universalise its underpinning norm.
The Review Conference has the particular goal of reviewing the last five years of OPCW’s activities and setting a new direction for the years ahead. Throughout the Conferences, side events arranged by States Parties and civil society will cover a wide array of topics related to the Convention and chemical warfare.
On Monday, 26 November, delegations and participants present at the Conferences will honour the victims of chemical weapons, and demonstrate their commitment to the norm against chemical weapons in all circumstance. The ceremony will include a wreath-laying and moments of reflection in the Organisation’s memorial garden.
Throughout CSP-23 and RC-4, the Director General will hold bilateral meetings with senior government officials and civil society representatives.
This year, 159 out of 193 Member States are participating in CSP-23. For RC-4, 152 Member States are participating, along with Israel as a Signatory State and South Sudan as a non-Signatory State. Representatives from international organisations, chemical industry and civil society will also attend the Review Conference and make statements.
Mr. Christian Vrouyr, Secretary General of BRAFA, gives an introduction on the fair.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
Art doesn’t only unite, it animates as well, with these words the Ambassador of Belgium to the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Chris Hoornaert welcomed his guests to an exclusive reception on the occasion of the upcoming BRAFA (Brussels Art Fair) at his residence in The Hague.
Apart from Ambassador Chris Hoornaert welcome remarks, other speakers were: BRAFA’s vice chairman Francis Maere and secretary-general Mr. Christian Vrouyr. Delen Private Bank and the Embassy of Belgium co-hosted the exclusive event. The reception clearly offered an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with exhibitors at the upcoming BRAFA.
Simultaneously with the BRAFA promotion, there was the Province of Limburgexhibition at the residence of Ambassador Chris Hoornaert.
BRAFA is the most prominent art fair in Belgium and ranks among the oldest in the world. It all started in 1956 and these days BRAFA isone of the most famous high-quality fine art, antiques, modern- and contemporary art and design fairs.
What is more, BRAFA also organizes art talks and guided tours during the fair. Over the years BRAFA has grown into a well-attended international event with hundreds of exhibitors from various countries and over sixty thousand visitors in 2018.
The 64th edition of BRAFA will run from 26 January to 3 February 2019. It will present private and professional collectors an introduction to twenty different collection disciplines with art objects from antiquity to date.
By all means, BRAFA sets the pattern in the art market.
Photography by Jeanette Gerritsma / Art Content for BRAFA 2019.
By Guido Lanfranchi.U.S. Special Representative for Syria, Ambassador James Jeffrey, clarified that the United States is ready to remain engaged in Syria. In such engagement, the U.S. will step up efforts to defeat ISIS and to reach a political solution to Syria’s crisis.
In November 2018, amost one year after the Helsinki meeting between U.S. and Russian presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, the approach of the United States to Syria has remained consistent: the U.S. is willing to stay “in the long run in Syria to try to come up with a solution that meets the needs of the Syrian people, of the region, and of the international community” – the U.S. Special Representative for Syria stressed in an exchange with the press.
USSR Ambassador James Jeffrey outlined the two main goals of the U.S. approach, namely defeating ISIS in Syria, and reaching a political solution to the country’s seven years long crisis. Concerning the fight against ISIS, the U.S. is currently engaged in operations aimed at crushing the last elements of the Islamic States along the Euphrates.
As for the political resolution of Syria’s civil war, Ambassador Jeffrey underlined the importance of de-escalating the fight, as well as ensuring that a new constitution will be drafted, eventually leading to a credible electoral process. In this regard, the U.S. Special Representative welcomed the recent Idlib ceasefire, as well as the announcement on the creation of a long-awaited constitutional committee before the end of the year.
Ambassador Jeffrey also reiterated the strong U.S. support to efforts led by the United Nations and its Special Envoy Mr. Staffan de Misturain steering the peace process. Moreover, addressing questions from the press on the U.S. position towards Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Mr. Jeffrey clarified that U.S. policy “is not focused on personalities per se, but on what the Syrian government does.”
Special Representative Jeffrey voiced U.S. concerns regarding the presence of several different foreign troops in Syria. The presence of “five outside military forces in close proximity in Syria makes this conflict potentially very dangerous” – he claimed, referring to the presence of Russian, Israeli, Turkish, Iranian, and American troops on Syria’s soil. In the light of this, Ambassador Jeffrey noted that a political solution to Syria’s crisis should lead to the withdrawal of foreign troops, except for those actors, such as Russia, that were already present before the war.
In particular, Ambassador Jeffrey stressed that the U.S. is concerned with the presence of Iranian-commanded forces in Syria. Such concerns – Mr. Jeffrey clarified – are linked with the U.S. overall policy on Iran, which includes considerations on the need to defeat ISIS and to ensure Israel’s security. Eventually, Iranian-commanded forces should leave the entirety of Syria – the Special Representative stressed.
During an exchange of views with the press, Ambassador Jeffrey also touched upon the complicated relation between the U.S. and Turkey. He repeatedly stressed that the U.S. is aware of Turkey’s security concerns in northeastern Syria, and that U.S. officials are acting in close coordination with their Turkish counterparts. Moreover, while some differences persist on the engagement with Kurdish actors in the region, Mr. Jeffrey highlighted that the U.S. and Turkey continue to agree on a broad range of issues, including the fight against terrorism, Iranian influence in Syria, as well as the negative behaviour of the current Syrian government.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Jeffrey looked at the way forward, expressing the U.S. wishes for an extension of the ceasefire, and hoping that such efforts will lead to further progress towards a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
On the picture President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, Emir of Qatar, Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister of Qataré.
Sunday, 11 November 2018, Paris, French Republic: French President Emmanuel Macron opened the inaugural Paris Peace Forum, which seeks to promote a multilateral approach to security and governance that avoids the errors that led to the Great War’s (WWI) outbreak.
Attending global leaders included US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdoğan, German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, HH The Aga Khan IV, HH The Emir of Qatar accompanied by his Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the premiers of Canada Justin Trudeau, of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, who spoke highly of UN institutions that seek multilateral solutions to global issues.
António Guterres addresses the Paris Peace Forum.
The Paris Peace Forum was initiated at the initiative of French President Macron to revive collective governance, international cooperation, norms and institutions at a time when global challenges have never been so pressing.
Conceived as an annual gathering of all actors of global governance, from states and international organisations to civil society, it features projects and initiatives meant at improving global governance in five key domains: peace and security, environment, development, new technologies and inclusive economy.
The first edition of the Forum was inaugurated this past weekend as dozens of heads of state and government were invited to commemorate the fragile peace that followed the First World War, wherein all in all, the world failed to defend common rules and international cooperation.
Image by Paris Peace Forum – World leaders gathered in Paris.
According to the forum’s website, The Paris Peace Forum shall be a new annual event based on a simple idea: international cooperation as a key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. To support collective action, it gathers all actors of global governance under one roof for three days – states, international organisations, local governments, NGOs and foundations, companies, experts, journalists, trade unions, religious groups and citizens.
The Forum is centred on those who seek to develop solutions for today’s cross-border challenges. It is focused on their 120 governance projects and initiatives from around the world, selected from 850 applications, presented in five villages: peace and security, environment, development, new technologies and inclusive economy.
It offers these projects visibility, feedback and connections to potential implementers. Ten projects will also be elected by participants and the Selection Committee of the Forum to benefit from special support by the Paris Peace Forum until the second edition in November 2019.
For further information:
He concluded by saying that Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze will be missed, however, Ilyassov is wishing him lots of success in his new assignment.
Ambassador Surguladze in his acceptance speech referred to the bilateral relations between Georgia and the Netherlands as very good. Proof of this is the import & export growth between the two nations. Noteworthy is the steady increase in the number of Dutch nationals visiting Georgia each year. Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze went on to express his gratitude for the support rendered by the Netherlands and the international community.
He concluded by saying that Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze will be missed, however, Ilyassov is wishing him lots of success in his new assignment.
Ambassador Surguladze in his acceptance speech referred to the bilateral relations between Georgia and the Netherlands as very good. Proof of this is the import & export growth between the two nations. Noteworthy is the steady increase in the number of Dutch nationals visiting Georgia each year. Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze went on to express his gratitude for the support rendered by the Netherlands and the international community.
