Monday, 19 February 2024, Bavaria’s Minister of European Affairs Eric Beißwenger, together with the Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery, State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann, welcomed the consular corps to a New Year’s reception in the dome hall of the Bavarian State Chancellery.
State Chancellery Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann said about the ocassion: “The wide range of consular representations in Bavaria shows: We are at home in the world and the world in Bavaria. The consular location is the largest outside of Berlin and represents the diversity of our country . We value the consuls as the first point of contact for the many bilateral issues that concern us. It is the excellent cooperation that creates the special spirit in Bavaria. Thanks to the consulates, which are indispensable bridgeheads from Bavaria to the whole world .”
French General Consul, Corinne Pereira da Silva, Minister Eric Beiswenger. Picture by Bavarian State Chancellery.
Each consulate is headed by a consul. They represent the interests of the citizens of the sending state, carry out official acts and maintain contact with the host country Bavaria in the political, economic and cultural areas.
There are 44 general and 72 honorary consulates in Bavaria. With 116 consular representations, the Free State is the largest consular location in Germany.
The entirety of all consular representatives is referred to as the consular corps. It is headed by a Doyen and a Secretary General.
On February 14, 2024, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and The Hague Conference on Private International Law jointly organized a Roundtable event titled “Building Bridges: Roundtable on Democratic Transformations in Uzbekistan” in The Hague.
The event was organised as part of the visit of an Uzbek delegation headed by Mrs Svetlana Artykova, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to the Netherlands.
The conference was held at the Permanent Bureau of the HCCH and was attended by a diverse group of individuals including politicians, parliamentarians, businesspersons, lawmakers, public servants and the representatives of media.
Mrs Svetlana Artykova, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Dr Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of the HCCH.
Dr Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of the HCCH, moderated and co-hosted the Round table, delivering a captivating introduction.
Dr Bernasconi briefed the audience on the outcomes of his several visits to Uzbekistan in recent years and the transformations he had witnessed during his participation as an international observer in the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2019-2023, as well as the nationwide referendum last year.
The keynote speakers included Mrs Svetlana Artykova, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Kairat Abdrakhmanov, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Mr Jahongir Abdurasulov, Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, Mr Ali Marossi, Managing Partner of the Hague Centre for Law and Arbitration (HCLA), Mr Gayrat Fazilov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and others.
The participants of the event were informed about the key directions of the “New Uzbekistan“ reform strategy, the core and significance of the updated Constitution and the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, as well as the priorities of the multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation with the European Union, in particular with the Netherlands.
The head of the Uzbek delegationMrs. Svetlana Artykova in her speech paid special attention to disclosing the main directions of large-scale reforms aimed at ensuring human rights and freedoms, transparency of public administration, gender equality, development and strengthening of civil society institutions.
Roundtable on Democratic Transformations in Uzbekistan at the HCCH.
Mrs. Artykova provided a detailed overview of the legal and social transformations in the country, steps taken to establish a robust, independent judicial system, and emphasized Uzbekistan’s commitment to consistently pursue irreversible democratic reforms.
Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, welcomed the transformational processes taking place in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and expressed confidence that they would further enhance the well-being of society and strengthen social cohesion in the country and beyond.
“Uzbekistan has created conducive environment for all and equal opportunities for the effective participation of people in public life. During my last visit to Uzbekistan, I witnessed how the commitment of the Uzbek authorities to OSCE principles and values is bringing tangible results in the area of social cohesion and diversity within the country” stressed OSCE High Commissioner.
Mr. Jakhongir Abdurasulov, Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in his speech elaborated on budget reforms in Uzbekistan with the active participation of the public.
The participants were particularly interested in the launch of the Open Budget project, which represents a unique experience in allocating budget funds based on the real needs of the population.
Mr. Ali Marossi, Managing Partner of The Hague Centre for Law and Arbitration (HCLA), delivered a presentation on “New Horizons: How Uzbekistan’s Legal Reforms are Shaping Business Excellence. He analysed in detail the global significance of legal reforms in Uzbekistan. It was emphasised that the country’s evolving legal framework is strategically aimed at encouraging business innovation and attracting investment, creating fertile ground for economic growth.
The speaker noted that since 2016, the President of Uzbekistan has initiated a number of large-scale judicial, economic and arbitration reforms that have fundamentally changed the business environment in the country and laid the foundation for the active attraction of foreign investment.
According to Mr. Marossi, the Law on Investments of 2020 and the Law on International Commercial Arbitration of 2021, adopted in Uzbekistan, encouraged the attraction of foreign direct investment, provided better protection for investors, strengthened the arbitration system and brought the national legislation in line with international standards.
Uzbekistan Democratic Reforms round table at HCCH in The Hague.
Ambassador Gayrat Fazilov underlined that the implementation of large-scale reforms and democratic transformations in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev contributed to the intensification of country’s ties with European countries and the EU.
The Ambassador noted that the European Union supports the good-neighbourly regional strategy of Uzbekistan and the principles of independent, open, pragmatic and peace-loving foreign policy of the New Uzbekistan.
It was noted that the EU is a priority and reliable partner of Uzbekistan in promoting irreversible reforms and strengthening state institutions and civil society. Ambassador Fazilov emphasized that the Leadership of Uzbekistan is pursuing a course of rapprochement of the country and the region with the EU in all spheres from trade, investment and transport to cultural and humanitarian ties, mobility and people-to-people contacts.
It was emphasized that in recent years the relations between Uzbekistan and the EU have acquired a special dynamic and reached an unprecedented high level. The Ambassador informed the participants on the intensive bilateral and regional exchanges at the highest and high level between Uzbekistan and the EU in recent years.
The Uzbek delegation also touched upon the agenda of the Uzbek-European cooperation, as well as expressed hope for the early signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU, and the successful holding of the first ever EU-Central Asia summit in Uzbekistan in 2024.
The Building Bridges: Round Table on Democratic Transformations in Uzbekistan has been a success.
7 February 2024, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia, Germany: Thuringia’s Premier Bodo Ramelow received for bilateral conversation, the Cuban Ambassador in Germany, Juana Martínez González, in office since 7 April 2022.
Ramelow belongs to the Left parliamentary group, which has spoken out in favor of more trade and scientific cooperation with Cuba. The export volume between the Free State and Cuba has fallen from around 5 million euros in 2012 to 586,000 euros in 2021.
There are already initial collaborations in the field of medicine and biotechnology between the TU Ilmenau and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena with universities in Cuba. In the sports and tourism industry, however, there has so far been no exchange.
In the cultural sector, there have been repeated performances by Cuban musicians at the Rudolstadt Festival in the past. According to the data, Cuban students rarely go to Thuringia – only one to three were enrolled at a Thuringian university between the winter semester 2012/2013 and the winter semester 2021/2022.
The Hague 5 February 2024, venue, the Embassy of Kosovo. “It was an honour to host the opening of the photo exhibition ‘The Netherlands through the eyes of Dutch Kosovars’ of the artists Arijan Zymeraj and Miranda Gashi, curated by Bardhi Haliti.”
The photos displayed the daily life of the Netherlands through urban views and human portraits.
Kosovar artists Arijan Zymeraj and Miranda Gashi.
The guests were welcomed by Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mr. Arif Kaçandolli. A particular thanks goes to H.E. Ms. Carin Lobbezzoo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Kosovo, for attending the event and for her insightful words. As part of the programme, the pianist Mirsa Adami played three melodies from the Albanian and Dutch musical traditions.
Reception at the Embassy of Kosovo, photo exhibition ‘The Netherlands through the eyes of Dutch Kosovars’.
The event was attended by representatives of the Dutch institutions and international organisations based in The Hague, as well as members of the Kosovar diaspora.
This is part of a series of activities organised by the Embassy in the framework of the celebrations of Independence Day and contributes to further strengthening the cultural and artistic relations between the Netherlands and Kosovo.
A superb selection of Kosovar dishes by Xhevat Ilazi from Catering Bollenstreek was presented to the guests as delightful small bites.
Reception photo exhibition ‘The Netherlands through the eyes of Dutch Kosovars’
Monday, 12 February 2024, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: Premier Dr. Reiner Haseloff received the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, HE Ahmet Başar Şen, for his inaugural visit to Magdeburg.
The studied political scientist Ahmet Başar Şen joined his country’s diplomatic service in 1996. His first posting abroad was at the embassy in Berlin from 2001 to 2003, before he moved to the representation in Minsk. From 2006 to 2010 he worked at the New York Consulate General. In 2016 he became ambassador to Uzbekistan. He has been ambassador in Berlin since September 2021. Şen is married and has two children. He was accredited in Germany on 1 September 2021 after a ceremony before Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The good cooperation between Saxony-Anhalt and Turkey in various areas was, among other things, a topic in the exchange between Saxony-Anhalt’s Premier Haseloff and Ambassador Şen. The mutual interest in further intensifying bilateral relations was also discussed, for example with regard to possible investments by Turkish companies in Saxony-Anhalt or with regard to deepening scientific cooperation in the university sector.
Thursday, 18 January 2024, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt: Premier Dr. Reiner Haseloff received a delegation from the Lithuanian Parliament at the State Chancellery.
The conversation discussed, among other things, possibilities for deepening economic cooperation. Premier Haseloff praised the trusting exchange and welcomed the expansion of bilateral relations.
The parliamentarians, led by the deputy chairman of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Vytautas Mitalas, visited Saxony-Anhalt from 16-18 January 2024. They met, among others, members of the State Assembly and representatives from science and the media. The focus was on topics such as economic and energy policy, cultural exchange, promoting democracy and opportunities for cooperation. The delegation was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Germany, Ramūnas Misiulis.
Tuesday, 30 January 2024, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: Premier Dr. Markus Söder spoke with the Ambassador of the State of Israel, Prof. Ron Prosor, and subsequently with the Ambassador of the United States of America, Dr. Amy Gutmann, about ongoing topics of foreign and security policy. The bilateral meetings were held ahead of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) to be held between 16-18 February 2024.
Premier Dr. Markus Söder said as per statement provided by the Bavarian State Chancellery: “We keep in touch with the world and are closely networked. Bavaria is closely connected to the USA and Israel. We are friends and partners and stand firmly together. We work together for security in a world that is becoming increasingly uncertain.”
Dr. Markus Soder and Dr. Amy Gutmann.
Bavaria as a strong partner and decades-long host of U.S. Armed Forces. Germany, Bavaria and the USA stand shoulder to shoulder on common goals such as shared security, combating antisemitism & intolerance and their continued efforts to foster free and democratic societies.
Images by Bavarian State Chancellery/Bayerische Staatskanzlei
Thursday, 8 February 2024, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: Pemier Dr. Reiner Haseloff received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, HE Ronald van Roeden, for his inaugural visit to Magdeburg.
The 66-year-old ambassador joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands in 1985 after studying geography at the University of Utrecht. After various positions in the ministry itself and in his country’s missions abroad, he was most recently ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the EU in Brussels from 2017 to 2021. Previously, he was Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2017. He has been accredited as an ambassador in Germany since 1 September 2021. Van Roeden is married and has three children.
The Netherlands is one of Saxony-Anhalt’s most important trading partners. The close economic cooperation also includes, among other things, investments by Dutch companies in Saxony-Anhalt. For example, in July 2023, the Dutch high-tech company Sioux Technologies, which develops strategic solutions for international high-tech companies, announced its 20 million euro investment project in a research and development center in Barleben. The project is expected to create over 300 jobs.
There is also a close cultural connection between the Netherlands and Saxony-Anhalt. The Dutch ambassador had already visited Oranienbaum Palace last summer on the occasion of its 350th anniversary.
Amidst the geopolitical repercussions of ongoing war in Ukraine, the Eurasian connectivity is again in focus. It does not only fall on the consideration of Arctic pathways (as a cheaper and increasingly reliable way to connect norther/Atlantic flank of Europe with the Far East and other premium production spots of Asia). Recent considerations, though less present in contemporary western literature, are thoroughly examining different land corridor on the largest landmass of our planet.
This is how the so-called Middle Corridor has witnessed reinvigorated interest of both scholars and industry. This corridor, encompassing Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Türkiye, has gained prominence as an alternative land route between Europe and the People’s Republic of China. The disruption caused by the war to the Northern Corridor which passes through sanctioned Russian and Belarusian territories, has highlighted the Middle Corridor’s significance which has the potential to diminish Russia’s influence in the region.
The following analysis will briefly elaborate on the Eurasian connectivity and the background to different approaches and interests behind them.
In our globally interconnected world, roads are the arteries of economic progress. Thus, recent incidents, such as attacks by the Yemeni Houthis on cargo ships in the Suez Canal, emphasize the critical importance of secure transportation routes. As global attention pivots, the spotlight now converges on the Central Asian region—an important nexus able to interlink diverse corners of the world. In a period characterized by ever-increasing geopolitical tensions, the emergence of the Middle Corridor, as an alternative to established trade norms, isn’t merely an economic prospect – it is a transformative force that can switch powers and roles.
Throughout history, bridging the gap between Asia and Europe has been a persistent global interest – to enable or to prevent in its few possible modes (land or sea, warm sea – cold sea). The Northern Corridor, once a main land trade route, is experiencing a decline due to geopolitical tensions and Russia’s actions in Ukraine polarizing the world. The road under Russian control is losing its appeal for the west (at least for the time being), exacerbating the need for alternative and more stable pathways. North-South Corridor which was largely analyzed by the IFIMES researcher Lorenzo Somigli is another important road connecting Europe and East Asia.
Yet the Middle Corridor weaves a transformative thread that passes through strategic countries like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, offering numerous economic opportunities. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in their last year publication concluded that the Central Trans-Caspian Network (CTCN) that goes through Southern Kazakhstan is the most sustainable alternative for establishing a connection between Asia and Europe (2023).
The interest in this transport route lies, first of all, in the potential opportunity to reduce the time in which goods can be delivered from East Asia to Europe, which will be only twelve days. In comparison, the Northern Corridor takes nineteen days to complete, while the traditional sea pathway through the Indian Ocean takes up to thirty-seven days (Jafarova, 2023).
Within this changing geopolitical terrain, the transformation in how Central Asia interacts with the global community has become a topic of considerable change and fascination. The Middle Corridor is not a mere choice, it is rather a necessity for countries that seek to broaden trade associations while mitigating geopolitical risks while benefiting all actors. The Middle Corridor is an opportunity to change the trade patterns in the whole of Eurasia while redefining established spheres of influence.
Source: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, 2022
EU: Elevating Diplomacy
In the past year, there has been a significant upraise in diplomatic meetings that underscore the heightened interest of the European Union in boosting ties with Central Asian countries. Examples include Emmanuel Macron from France visiting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (Vock, 2023), along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier hosting Central Asian leaders to bolster diplomatic relations (Euractiv, 2023), as well as introducing such policies as Hungarian “Open to the East” (Toth, 2023). Dependent on Chinese supplies, the EU sees the Middle Corridor as an alternative that will substitute the Northern Corridor. Furthermore, besides counteracting Russian dominance in the region, the corridor aligns with the EU’s broader strategy of engagement with resource-rich Central Asia, offering energy security and diversified supply chains. The region is rich in natural resources that include fossil fuels and minerals. The concern is of the highest importance to the European countries, especially in light of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from reliance on Russian energy supplies (Cam, 2023), further emphasized by the European REPowerEU Plan, which aims to shift away from dependence on Russian sources and transition towards green energy alternatives (so far more a political vision than an attainable goal). On top of that, energy and minerals are playing an important role in the development of the EU and Central Asian relations. During the first official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, they made a shared declaration to enhance trade and collaboration in nuclear energy and minerals (Teslova, 2023).
Following the groundwork on Polar security, demography, economy and transport of prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic as well as the fundamental analysis of the railroad infrastructure in Eurasia’s east and southeast by the WIIW Director Dr. Mario Holzner, numerous European investors have already displayed their considerable interest in the project. For example, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) together with Pasifik Eurasia presented one more solution for the Middle Corridor that will be a connecting point for Asia and Europe, which is Köseköy Terminal (Zhang, 2023). Meanwhile, the EBRD is planning to invest over US$100 million into Kazakh railways (Usov, 2022).
China: Strategic Investments and Commitments
Central Asia finds itself situated between two major powers, Russia and China, both of which significantly influence the region’s policies. From Beijing’s strategic standpoint, the Middle Corridor offers to China a trade route which does not crosses Russian proper. China’s attraction to the Middle Corridor stems from the prospect of accessing global markets and expanding influence in Central Asia, a region historically marked by competition between Moscow and Beijing.
According to the analysis of a Senior IFIMES/DeSSA researcher, Dr. Maria Smotrytska, it can be claimed to be a part of the Chinese “Belt and Road” initiative, which is why the strategic value of the Middle Corridor prompts significant Chinese investment in the logistics infrastructure. The recent China-Central Asia summit in Xi’an at the heads of states/governments level underscores China’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its dominant economic role in the Central Asian region (Devonshire, 2023). Moreover, Chairman Xi, in his speech said that China will support the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, as well as increase the capacity of railway container terminals along the China-Europe route. The discussions during the summit also included regional matters such as visa exemption between Kazakhstan and China, the construction of a fourth branch of the gas pipeline in Turkmenistan, and the construction of a new railway in Uzbekistan. The outcomes of these discussions contribute directly to the development and viability of the Middle Corridor by addressing key aspects of connectivity, trade facilitation, and regional cooperation. Throughout history, China predominantly utilized Kazakhstan and Russia for its shipments. However, in the aftermath of the war outbreak and the enforcement of sanctions, rail transit between China and the EU via the northern corridor in Russia experienced a 34% decline in 2022 (Zhang, 2023).
Türkiye: A Strategic Hub and Cultural Ties
Türkiye is the European end of the Middle Corridor and at the same time, it is a country whose interest in it surpasses any other actor. It has strategically prioritized the Middle Corridor in its foreign policy for Central Asia as it is perceived as an avenue to strengthen economic bonds and enhance its strategic standing in the region. Türkiye shares a common heritage with the Central Asian region and therefore is inclined to play a more active and influential role in the region, seeking to strengthen cultural, economic, and political ties with its Turkic-speaking counterparts. The combination of Pan-Turkic sentiments and pragmatic foreign policy objectives contributes to Türkiye’s active participation in the Middle Corridor. It started in 2013 with the agreement on the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route Development. Acknowledging its importance, such projects as the Marmaray undersea railway, the Eurasia Tunnel, and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge are already completed.
In the meantime, Ankara is building strategic alliances with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in their connectivity initiatives. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) includes the Central Asian region and Türkiye plays an important role in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The Turkic World Vision-2040 recently adopted by the OTS aims to integrate member states into regional and global supply chains through the Middle Corridor.
Current Dynamics: Toward Enhanced Competitiveness
The Middle Corridor is represented by states between which the Caspian Sea is located, and here cargo is transshipped through tankers. That is, cargo is unloaded at the ports of Aktau or Kuryk, then reloaded onto ferries, delivered to Baku, and from Baku by rail sent towards Georgian ports or Türkiye. In Georgian ports, they are again loaded onto ferries and delivered by sea to the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. The current situation forces the participating countries of the Middle Corridor to take several measures to increase the competitiveness of this route. In response to that, nations took a course of action engaging in active negotiations to harmonize tariffs and streamline bureaucratic procedures.
In early March of 2022, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia agreed to enhance soft infrastructure by aligning regulations and lowering tariffs for transit cargo (Azertag, 2022). The Organization of Turkic States has played a crucial role in boosting the efficiency and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor through its initiatives as well. Türkiye itself has taken steps to streamline cargo shipments to southern Europe, introducing new high-speed trains and establishing a quadrilateral coordination council and rail transportation working group with Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary (Bovenizer, 2023). This initiative represents a crucial component in establishing the European segment of the Middle Corridor.
During the 20th Transport Sector Coordinating Committee (TSCC) meeting with delegations of all countries in the Middle Corridor and their strategic partners in the face of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), EBRD, Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD), International Road Transport Union (IRU), and World Bank objectives for the 2024 work program were set under the CAREC Transport Strategy 2030. The main topics of discussion centered around the expansion of the physical capacity of the transport routes, the inclusion of new ports, ferries, and trains, as well as the enhancement of soft infrastructure to decrease the time of shipment. The need for developed infrastructure is rising as in 3 months, from January to March of 2022, only through the Middle Corridor, 266.300 tons of cargo was transited, which is 123 percent higher than in 2021 (Sharifli, 2022).
Conclusion:
Ideologists and advocates of the Middle Corridor push the idea that it is relevant due to the actions of Moscow in Ukraine, which allegedly interrupted the supply chains through the territory of Russia and Belarus from China to Europe. It would be wrong to associate the investments in the alternative route only with war and sanctions. Every local or external actor has its own interest – political, strategic, security and economic, short-mid and long term.
The EU and the United States have long been interested in alternative transport routes bypassing Russian and Belarusian territories to push Moscow and Minsk out of global trade flows. Taking into account the ongoing war in Ukraine, the US and the EU have even more incentives to do so. China made a major contribution to the creation and development of railway communication with Europe as it wanted to reduce its dependency on the narrow Strait of Malacca which can be closed by the US.
Implementing all the required enhancements will make the Corridor a faster and cheaper alternative. The Middle Corridor requires an increase in capacity, more advanced technologies, enhanced soft infrastructure, and optimization to ensure meeting its competitive lead times, transit costs, and efficiency. After all, in the world of increased ‘binary categorizations’ (Bajrektarevic, 2022), de-escalation would mean more middle ground, more listening, finally more inclusion. If so, the Middle Corridor should not be necessarily seen as an alternative to the Northern one. If we are serious on ‘de-binarisation’ and on greening of this planet, we have to accept obvious: the world’s largest landmass is huge enough for more than one, even two corridors. And, they should complement, not exclude or compete one another.
About the author: Zhuldyz Ramazanova, is an information Officer at the International Institute IFIMES.
References:
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Cam, E. (2023). Europe’s Energy Crisis: Understanding the Drivers of the Fall in Electricity Demand, URL. Accessed 06/01/2024.
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The Embassy of Pakistan, The Hague organized a seminar to mark ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ on 05 February 2024.
The speakers included Mr. Ali Raza Syed, Chairman Kashmir Council European Union, Mr. Johannes Karel Gaasbeek, a prominent Dutch Lawyer, Prof. Dr. Tahir Abbas, Chair of Radicalization Studies at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University, The Hague, and Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar.
Prof. Dr. Tahir Abbas, Chair of Radicalization Studies at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University.
The seminar was attended by a large number of participants including representatives of NGOs, academia, university students and community members.
The speakers highlighted the historical, political, legal, human, peace and security dimension of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. They also emphasized the negative implications of India’s unabated unilateral actions in IIOJK.
Mr. Ali Raza Syed
Mr. Ali Raza Syed highlighted key junctures of UN’s involvement in Jammu & Kashmir dispute and efforts by the UN to resolve the dispute, which were thwarted by India. Syed spoke at length about the current situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). He highlighted the atrocities by Indian authorities and violation of human rights in IIOJK.
He urged the international community to play its role in peaceful and just settlement of Kashmir dispute in the light of UN resolutions.
Mr. Johannes Karel Gaasbeek.
Mr. Johannes Karel Gaasbeek condemned Indian occupation forces for illegal detention of Kashmiri lawyers, journalists and activists, and for suppressing the voice of journalists and human rights activist. He asked the international community to play its role in peaceful and just settlement of Kashmir dispute in the light of UN resolutions.
Professor Dr. Tahir Abbas highlighted sufferings of Kashmiri people. He declared human rights violations in IIOJK, a big challenge to the conscience of the international community. He elaborated the consequences of India’s unilateral actions on the peace and security in the region. He said that over the years, numerous reports have emerged from Kashmir alleging widespread arbitrary detentions, severe restrictions on basic civil liberties and freedoms, and the frequent use of excessive military force against civilians. Ignoring, dismissing, or accepting the immense civilian suffering in Kashmir over decades would be the most profound betrayal of our shared ethical values and humanity.
Kashmir Solidarity Day 2024, Embassy of Pakistan The Hague.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for realization of their inalienable right of self-determination. He highlighted security and human rights situation in IIOJK since India’s illegal actions of 05 August 2019. He said that Indian Supreme Court’s decision of 11 December 2023 could not absolve India of its international obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions. He condemned Indian government’s use of Hindutva ideology to subjugate Kashmiris. He reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The special messages by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ were also read out to the participants. The participants were also shown a short documentary on the current plight of the Kashmiris in IIOJK.
