ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – July 05, 2018: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (2nd L) and HE Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan (R) attend the opening ceremony of Astana International Financial Centre. Seen with HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs (L). (Hamad Al Kaabi / Crown Prince Court – Abu Dhabi).
Thursday, 5 July 2018, Astana, Kazakhstan: The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) was officially inaugurated in the presence of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, and guest of honour, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Accompanying the latter was HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs upon his arrival at the Centre.
The Astana International Financial Center is the brainchild of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s long-serving president. He’s been at the country’s helm since independence. To everyone with money at work there, his government’s reformist ideas are welcome and forward-thinking.
The AIFC is like a country within a country, modelled on Singapore and Dubai centres that have English as the main language, U.K. securities and corporate law, visa and tax waivers (though not tax-free) for global financial players to set up shop, and maybe an experiment with blockchain and cryptocurrencies while they are at it.
To observers, the AIFC is also Chinese big thinking, whereas you build something out of nothing and eventually create demand. Albeit Astana’s population is around one million. Shanghai has 24 million alone and is located in the second-largest economy in the world.
In a speech delivered before senior international financial officials and guests, President Nazarbayev said that AIFC will serve Central Asian countries by supporting the development of the private banking sector, and opening investment opportunities. It will also facilitate the development of Green Finance, and support environmental-friendly investments.
He also pointed out that the official launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of the founding of the capital Astana, and is part of the country’s continuous quest for modernisation and development.
AIFC – positioned as a financial hub for Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Middle East, Western China, Mongolia and Europe – is located at Expo 2017, and is equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced technologies. Another key strategic objective of the Centre will be to provide financial solutions as per Islamic laws.
The VIP Emirati delegation accompanying the guest of honour included: Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry, Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Executive Affairs Authority, and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan.
For further information:
• AIFC: https://aifc.kz/en
• President of Kazakhstan: http://www.akorda.kz/k
In July 2018, the Kingdom of Sweden holds on rotation the Presidency of the Security Council for the second time.
Sweden’s first term took place from January through July 2017, when Spain’s seat’s period expired.
The Security Council is the UN’s most powerful body, and may impose sanctions and authorise military interventions. Respect for international law, human rights, gender equality and a humanitarian perspective are fundamental in the Swedish agenda.
US Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz presented his credentials to His Majesty King Philippus of the Belgians – Picture by Belgian Monarchy.
Wednesday, 4 July 2018, Brussels Royal Palace, Kingdom of Belgium: Timely on the 242nd Independence Day of the United States of America, Ambassador Ronald (Ron) Gidwitz presented his credentials exclusively on that day to the Belgians’ monarch, King Philippus.
Ambassador Gidwitz is henceforth the 35th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Belgium. He hails from the State of Illinois, holds a bachelor degree in Economics from Brown University, and is married to Christina Kemper Gidwitz. Previously he was a businessman and politician in Chicago.
For further information: https://be.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/
Mrs Lam (third left) shakes hands with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau (second left) – Picture by Brand Hong Kong.
14-19 June 2018, Europe: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Carrie Lam paid business-oriented visits to Belgium and France to strengthen links with them.
She began her tour in Belgium on 14 June, where she met HM King Philippus of the Belgians at the Royal Palace, senior officials of Belgium, and of the European Commission, including the Commission’s President Jean-Claude Juncker and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Commissioner Federica Mogherini.
Carrie Lam and Federica Mogherini – Picture by Brand Hong Kong.
In France, on 16 June, Chief Executive Lam and the Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux Stephan Delaux witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Convention and Tourism Office of Bordeaux Metropole to strengthen collaboration in wine and food tourism promotion between the two places.
On June 18, she formally accepted three new H-175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government Flying Service.
Ruby necklace for Dame Elizabeth Taylor – Picture by Cartier.
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra: There are few brands that conjure up quite the same sense of glamour, and this exhibition traces the evolution of that style across the 20th century, starting with pieces worn by the likes of Australian opera star Dame Nellie Melba, who was a client of Cartier at the turn of the century.
The exhibition features more than 300 extraordinarily intricate pieces for you to get up close and personal with, worn by royals, film stars and fashion icons alike. One is even be able to catch a close glimpse at some spectacular jewellery from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II‘s Royal collection, including the Halo Tiara that she lent to Kate Middleton for her wedding to Prince William. The tiara has travelled all the way from London to Canberra for this NGA Australian exclusive.
Never before have so many incredible diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones been seen in Australia. The exhibition runs till 22 July 2018. For further information:
De-Beers Haute Couture Jewellery – Picture by De Beers.Thursday, 5 July 2018, Paris Haute Couture Week: De Beers centred its showroom with a rough 109-carat diamond of windowpane transparency which, once cut, could likely yield a 50-to-60-carat pear (or emerald-cut diamond). This display of “raw beauty with no filter,” as De Beers CEO François Delage stated it in a press release, showcased the house’s diamond expertise; nearby sat five loose diamonds perhaps worth a cumulate $30 million-plus, just making a brief appearance on their way to becoming bespoke creations. Stealth diamonds, the ones with once-in-a-blue moon colours, is what clients are after now, CEO Delage noted. “They can be enjoyed, hold or increase value, and travel easily—and to a casual observer, they don’t scream money. No other investment comes close.”For further information:
Chopard Precious Couture Collection – Picture by Chopard.
Thursday, 5 July 2018, Paris Haute Couture Week: Necklaces dripping with emeralds took central stage at Paris Haute Couture Week as Chopard joined fashion houses in boasting off their most elaborate creations.
Chopard Precious Couture Collection mixed gemstones and precious metals with less noble metals such as aluminium that can be dyed and worked into lightweight, ornate structures.
Chopard’s latest high jewellery display include a necklace in red aluminium adorned with rubies and shaped into pompoms.
Another highlight was a large cameo pendant mounted onto an necklace made out of iridescent heron and pheasant feathers.
For further information:
César Habib – Picture by Rolls-Royce Motorcars.
Mr. César Habib has been appointed as regional director, Rolls-Royce Middle East & Africa and shall take up the new role from August 2018.
Prior to working for Rolls-Royce, Habib held a number of BMW Group senior positions including five years based in the regional BMW office in Dubai.
Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,Mr. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said in a statement “I am delighted to announce that César Habib has been appointed as Regional Director, Middle East & Africa. César has an exceptional track record and, with his broad experience and in-depth knowledge of the business and the region, he is ideally positioned to take on this new role.”
Last year, Rolls-Royce stated that its Dubai dealership, AGMC, had overtaken Abu Dhabi to become the brand’s most successful and highest selling dealership in the world during 2016.
For further information:
PRC’s Huawei, the world’s largest maker of telecommunication network equipment, does not see itself becoming the target of US sanctions and will keep buying US-produced chips this year
Huawei HWT.UL, also the world’s third-largest smartphone maker, is a private company yet has found itself battling perceptions of ties to the Chinese government, which it has repeatedly denied.
Several US lawmakers last month claimed its research funding to American universities posed a “significant threat” to national security, the latest difficulty Huawei has faced operating in the United States.
Asked if Huawei could do without U.S. components, Chairman Ken Hu said the company’s logistical chain was international. “We must be open and choose the best technologies, the best products. We will therefore keep buying American chips this year.”
For further information:https://www.huawei.com/en/?ic_medium=direct&ic_source=surlent
Ms. Halima Fonda Haga, Counsellor Embassy of Cameroon, Ms. Rose J. Sumbeiywo, Chargé d’affaires du Kenya, Mr. Amokrane Mourad, Chargé d’affaires Algeria, H.E. Ms. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda, H.E. Ms. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania, The Ambassador of Morocco, Dean of the African Group, H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki and the Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Bruce Koloane.By Roy Lie Atjam.
22 June 2018 – The African Group of Ambassadors in the Netherlands, hosted dignitaries, the African diaspora, and many other guests to the 55th anniversary of “Africa Day”,this in commemoration of the foundation on 25 May 1963 of the Organization of African Unity which is now known as the African Union since its name change on 25 May 2001.
For memorable Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157698357808664H.E. Mr. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, Ambassador of Nigeria and the Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Bruce Koloane.
The theme this year, “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation” the messages of determination and resilience did not hamper an evening full of festive cheer, a wide range of national culinary tastes, and a spontaneous dance party ended the fabulous evening. More than 350 individuals joined in the celebration.
Addressing the event, H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, expressed pleasure that the African countries are celebrating “Africa Day” 2018.
H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda and spouse Mrs. Vibviane Uwicyeza Mironko. with Rwanda’s diplomats and members of the diaspora.
Furthermore, Ambassador Abdelouahab Bellouki mentioned the fact that the African Union is moving ahead. In March of this year more than 44 African countries, signed an agreement on establishing a Free Trade Zone.
H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki’s integral welcome remarks reads:on behalf of the Group of the African Ambassadors, it is a great honor and pleasure for me to welcome you all to this wonderful celebration of Africa Day 2018.
H.E. Ms. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania in the Netherlands with Tanzania’s diplomats.
This year, the Group of the African Ambassadors decided to celebrate with a delay the Africa Day. This is because the date of the celebration of Africa Day, which is annually on May 25th, coincided this year with the Holy month of Ramadan.
Africa Day is annually celebrated to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. This day is particularly special and significant in many aspects, as it marks the solidarity, unity in diversity and common strategy for the development of the African continent and the prosperity of its peoples.
H.E. Mr. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, Ambassador of Nigeria, Mr Amokrane Mourad, Chargé d’affaires Algeria, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Amgad Ghaffar and the Ambassador of the Sudan Mr. Dr. Hassan Ali Hassan Ali.
In 1963, African leaders were committed to helping bring about change and freedom to many African countries and restore dignity of African peoples. It is therefore our responsibility to continue that pledge for the unity of the continent and for the political and economic emancipation of its peoples as well as cooperation among them.
The celebration of Africa Day is very particular this year, declared the African Anti-corruption Year, as it focused on this important theme: “Winning the fight against corruption: A sustainable path to Africa’s transformation.”
This theme was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of States and Government of the African Union, meeting at their 30th Ordinary Session on 28 January 2018, who decided to join efforts to speed up the fight against corruption.
The Ambassador od the Sudan, Mr. Dr. Hassan Ali Hassan Ali and spouse Rana, with the embassy team.
As you know, there is an African Union Convention on preventing and combating corruption, adopted on 1st July 2003 and entered into force on 6th August 2006. Among its objectives: Promote and strengthen the development in Africa by each State Party of mechanisms required to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption and related offences in the public and private sectors.
Another objective is to promote, facilitate and regulate cooperation among the State Parties to ensure the effectiveness of measures and actions to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption and related offences in Africa. Also, an African Union Advisory Board on Corruption was created.
The focus on combating corruption comes at a critical juncture as African citizens consistently place corruption among their top concerns and priorities. This scourge is the most pressing governance and development challenge that most African countries are confronted today.
The eradication of corruption in all its forms is equally important than the other challenges for the development of the African countries, as it is a powerful obstacle to sustainable economic development.
A report issued by the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA), says that during the period 2000-2015, there was an annual illicit financial flows between Africa and the rest of the world average $73 Billion, from trade misinvoicing alone.
This illicit financial leak could be reinvested in our countries, in our local firms if the corruption could be stopped. This important amount would provide jobs, relaunch our economy, and therefore reduce poverty. Corruption is a destroyer of human prosperity. We should endeavor constantly to eradicate this plague.
Our role and duty, is also to change the vision that most people have on Africa, as being one of the most affected by corruption as the non-governmental organization Transparency International maintains it. The fight against corruption must be our priority, it has to be persistent, and we must not rest even if improvement is visible.
The Africa Day’s theme of this year send a strong signal that Africans are convinced that the fight against corruption can actually be won and this provides a great hope for African citizens.
There are many levers that we can use to gain the fight against corruption. First, we must strengthen the principles to fight corruption as a guarantee of transparency in the public account and public procurement contract. Similarly, the involvement of all the population, the responsibility as well as honesty must be the values shared amongst our populations and their leaders.
Alongside these values and to render their expression easier, we have to implement efficiently our laws and make sure that no-one is above them.
As we are educating our youth we have to make sure they will continue fighting this scourge that is corruption and be even wiser than we are by continuously raising their awareness.
Profound and multidimensional changes are under way in our continent.
Africa is 30 million square kilometers of opportunity. It has the youngest population on earth. By 2050, there will be 2.5 billion inhabitants on the Continent, half of whom will be under 25 years of age.
These young people will constitute an enormous asset. Young Africans are a precious element in the achievement of development; through them, we have an incredible opportunity for emergence – one on which our Continent ought to capitalize.
H.E. Ms. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of Burundi with Burundais and friends of Burundi attending the event.
As we commemorate Africa Day, we can’t celebrate only the past or the present, but we also need to reflect upon the common challenges we face in a global environment and our aspirations for Africa we want to fulfil. Among these pressing challenges there is undoubtedly the achievement of the goals assigned in the Agenda 2063 established by the African Union.
A decisive accomplishment took place recently. The creation by the African Leaders of the largest free trade area in the world, with the youngest population on the planet. It is a landmark event which attests to our shared determination to build a new Africa for the future.
This initiative brings in new prospects, practices and solidarity mechanisms. A continental free trade area stimulates capacities and enhances knowledge and insight. More than anything else, however, it fulfils the desire and ambition of our young people to build a strong, integrated Africa.
This initiative expands and builds on the countless measures taken by our respective countries to promote intra-African trade. It will boost investment, stimulate economic growth, enhance continental interconnectivity and inject fresh momentum into African integration. This is a pragmatic step towards an integrated, prosperous Africa which is attuned to international realities.
These important goals remain at the heart of the aspirations of the African citizens.
Indeed, what is more wonderful than a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; an integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance.
Africa Day 2018
What is more wonderful than an Africa of good governance, democracy, and respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
What is more wonderful than a peaceful and secure Africa, an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics; an Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth. In fact, none of our aspirations will be met if disease, poor health, armed conflicts, climate change or terrorism continue to affect millions of our citizens.
Our commemoration of Africa Day reminds us, as Africans, that we have all the responsibility to succeed in developing a better Africa, and a better world. This must be our shared responsibility. This must be our vision. This must be the right thing to do.
Before opening our celebration, I am very glad to see you all looking happy, and some dressed in wonderful colors representing our rich and diverse African cultural heritage.
On behalf of the African Ambassadors, I would like to wish you all, a Happy Africa Day.
God bless Africa, a continent we want to be prosperous and great always.
The eradication of corruption in all its forms is equally important than the other challenges for the development of the African countries, as it is a powerful obstacle to sustainable economic development.
A report issued by the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA), says that during the period 2000-2015, there was an annual illicit financial flows between Africa and the rest of the world average $73 Billion, from trade misinvoicing alone.
This illicit financial leak could be reinvested in our countries, in our local firms if the corruption could be stopped. This important amount would provide jobs, relaunch our economy, and therefore reduce poverty. Corruption is a destroyer of human prosperity. We should endeavor constantly to eradicate this plague.
Our role and duty, is also to change the vision that most people have on Africa, as being one of the most affected by corruption as the non-governmental organization Transparency International maintains it. The fight against corruption must be our priority, it has to be persistent, and we must not rest even if improvement is visible.
The Africa Day’s theme of this year send a strong signal that Africans are convinced that the fight against corruption can actually be won and this provides a great hope for African citizens.
There are many levers that we can use to gain the fight against corruption. First, we must strengthen the principles to fight corruption as a guarantee of transparency in the public account and public procurement contract. Similarly, the involvement of all the population, the responsibility as well as honesty must be the values shared amongst our populations and their leaders.
Alongside these values and to render their expression easier, we have to implement efficiently our laws and make sure that no-one is above them.
As we are educating our youth we have to make sure they will continue fighting this scourge that is corruption and be even wiser than we are by continuously raising their awareness.
Profound and multidimensional changes are under way in our continent.
Africa is 30 million square kilometers of opportunity. It has the youngest population on earth. By 2050, there will be 2.5 billion inhabitants on the Continent, half of whom will be under 25 years of age.
These young people will constitute an enormous asset. Young Africans are a precious element in the achievement of development; through them, we have an incredible opportunity for emergence – one on which our Continent ought to capitalize.
The eradication of corruption in all its forms is equally important than the other challenges for the development of the African countries, as it is a powerful obstacle to sustainable economic development.
A report issued by the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA), says that during the period 2000-2015, there was an annual illicit financial flows between Africa and the rest of the world average $73 Billion, from trade misinvoicing alone.
This illicit financial leak could be reinvested in our countries, in our local firms if the corruption could be stopped. This important amount would provide jobs, relaunch our economy, and therefore reduce poverty. Corruption is a destroyer of human prosperity. We should endeavor constantly to eradicate this plague.
Our role and duty, is also to change the vision that most people have on Africa, as being one of the most affected by corruption as the non-governmental organization Transparency International maintains it. The fight against corruption must be our priority, it has to be persistent, and we must not rest even if improvement is visible.
The Africa Day’s theme of this year send a strong signal that Africans are convinced that the fight against corruption can actually be won and this provides a great hope for African citizens.
There are many levers that we can use to gain the fight against corruption. First, we must strengthen the principles to fight corruption as a guarantee of transparency in the public account and public procurement contract. Similarly, the involvement of all the population, the responsibility as well as honesty must be the values shared amongst our populations and their leaders.
Alongside these values and to render their expression easier, we have to implement efficiently our laws and make sure that no-one is above them.
As we are educating our youth we have to make sure they will continue fighting this scourge that is corruption and be even wiser than we are by continuously raising their awareness.
Profound and multidimensional changes are under way in our continent.
Africa is 30 million square kilometers of opportunity. It has the youngest population on earth. By 2050, there will be 2.5 billion inhabitants on the Continent, half of whom will be under 25 years of age.
These young people will constitute an enormous asset. Young Africans are a precious element in the achievement of development; through them, we have an incredible opportunity for emergence – one on which our Continent ought to capitalize.
