H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan.By Michael Bonté.
As Uzbekistan further opens its doors to tourists from all over the world, the Uzbek Embassy in Brussels organized a tourism presentation and a walking dinner in The Hague. The event “Welcome in Uzbekistan,” organized in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine and Diplomatic Card, took place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel of The Hague, where the guests enjoyed presentations about Uzbekistan and the country’s hospitality.
For additional Hester Dijkstra’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157698778605355Part of the guests attending Welcome in Uzbekistan. We can see among them Ms Diana Eggleston, from Eggleston Partners, Ms. Flora Bühler and Mr. Nguyen Hai Tinh, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Viet Nam.
H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov opened the proceedings by welcoming all the guests. Although there is no Uzbek Embassy in The Hague, the Ambassador noted, Uzbekistan holds a special interest for the Netherlands, and it would like to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. In particular, he added, in this moment “Uzbekistan has entered a new stage of development not only in the political, socio-economic, cultural spheres, but also in the field of tourism,” thus providing one more relevant field for expanding cooperation.
Tourists can find a wide array of reasons to visit Uzbekistan, including natural, cultural, and historical motives. The country was at the center of old civilizations and empires, such as that of Alexander the Great, and it was also part of the Great Silk Road.
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazines publisher during the opening remarks.
As such, Uzbekistan has a rich historical and cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions, and unique architectural monuments of ancient cities of the Great Silk Road.
For example, cities such as Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand, in the past capitals of powerful kingdoms for many centuries, are located in Uzbek territory, and they attract a significant amount of tourists from abroad.
Mr. Ulugbek Agzamov, Head of Political Section, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Brussels.
In order to attract an increasing number of tourists, several projects have been set in motion recently. Among them, the “Three Cities” scheme in the capital Tashkent. This project is aimed at attracting both foreign and domestic visitors in the Uzbek capital, and it revolves around three themed areas.
The first is the People’s Diplomatic City, which is set to host centers for exhibitions, meetings and conferences, as well as offices for national cultural centers. This project will also include a 5000 seats concert hall with cinemas, restaurants and a shopping mall. Moreover, there will be space for a Great Silk Road fragment, and streets for holding festivals, carnivals and other crowded events.
The second theme will be represented by the Ethnic City. This City will feature replicas of historical streets (with artisan areas where craftsmen display their work), museums of costumes, traditional restaurants and cafes, and up to eight ethnically-themed hotels.
Finally, the Cinema City will present production stages, office space, the Tashkent Film Academy, shopping areas, food and beverage outlets, hotels, and a cosmetologist treatment center. Tax breaks and other incentives will be also given to film production companies to exploit the potentialities arising from Cinema City.
H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of Russia together with Ambassador Khakimov.
The Uzbek authorities expect that up to one million people will visit the “Three Cities” park in the first three years after its inauguration, with projected revenues of up to USD 1 billion. While at the moment Uzbekistan attracts a little less than 3 million visitors, the country’s new focus on tourism is expected to boost such figures to almost the double.
In order to do so, Uzbekistan is also set to loosen its visa requirements. This is happening both via bilateral visa-free regime accords (e.g. with Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, among the others) and via a simplified E-Visa system implemented from July 2018 (e.g. with most Western and Eastern European countries).
H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov and H.E. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice.
During the “Welcome in Uzbekistan” event, explanations of Uzbekistan’s richness were also accompanied by several video clips of the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Termez, which sparked great curiosity in the guests.
The participant were many, and of a high profile.
Eduard Slootweg, EPP Group Press and Communications Service with Ambassador Khakimov.
Among the many attending the event, there were Russian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanon, H.E. Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Mr. Yun Young Lee, Ambassador of Korea, H.E. Maria Teresa Infante, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Jose Bucarelo, Venezuela Alternate Ambassador to the OPCW, H.E. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice, Mr Amokrane Mourad, Chargé d’affaires of Algeria, Argentina’s Chargé d’affaires, Mr. Pablo Pineiro Aramburu, as well as many other guests from the Dutch tourism and business sectors.
The guests were also able to enjoy the hospitality of the Uzbek people and their culinary delights. Among the many dishes served in the Crowne Plaza’s meeting room, there were samsa, the baked meat buns; lagman, a soup with Uzbek noodles, vegetables, and lamb; and the plov, arguably the most famous Uzbek dish.
In particular, the Samarkand version of plov was served, with the dish cooked in layers so that the meat juices are soaked up by the rice. The dish also includes other ingredients, such as carrots and sour red raisins.
With the food and drinks served, the conversation flowed and the room transformed in an international/Uzbek community sharing warmth and conviviality.
The presentation and the display of hospitality would certainly encourage people to make up some time for a visit to Uzbekistan: mission accomplished!
Further information on touristic visas to Uzbekistan:https://uzbekmissiontoeu.blogactiv.eu/2018/07/06/uzbekistan-launching-e-visa-system-5-day-visa-free/
Mr. Huib-Jan de Ruijter, F.M.O. Dutch Development Bank, H.E. Mr. Agustin Vasquez Gomez, Embassy of El Salvador, Mr. Jaime Bakker, Dutch Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Sonia Meijer, Founder and President of the Bilateral, Chamber of Commerce El Salvador -Holland, Mr. Max Wehrle, Estilo Europe, Ms. Vanesa Bandak, Proesa El Salvador, Drs. Paul Dufour, Secretary/Treasurer of the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce El Salvador Holland , Mrs. Sandra Morales Duje, Minister of Foreign Affairs, El Salvador.
By Guido Lanfranchi.On May 15th, 2018, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam hosted the launching event for the newly established Bilateral Chamber of Commerce of El Salvador and the Netherlands, which is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing business contacts between the two countries.
Since May 15th, 2018, businesses from El Salvador and the Netherlands willing to expand their activities in the other country are able to benefit from a new facilitating institution: the newly established Bilateral Chamber of Commerce of El Salvador and the Netherlands.
During her opening speech, the President and Honorary Consul of El Salvador in the Netherlands, Ms. Sonia Meijer said: “It has not been an easy job to build this Chamber of Commerce because of the Dutch Privacy laws, but we managed to find 118 Dutch companies that have done and still have trade with El Salvador. Additionally we found 226 Salvadoran companies which could very well export to the Netherlands, but there are a lot more.”
In the Chamber’s first newsletter, Ms. Sonia Meijer expressed her gratitude to H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, Ambassador of El Salvador to the Netherlands, and all the participants to the launching event, as well as to Ms. Sandra Morales, from the Salvadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Vanesa Bandak, representative of PROESA.
In the newsletter there was also space for the successful experience of the Salvadorian company “Caposa Plants.” Only a few months after the Chamber’s establishment, Caposa’s Raquel Jean Diaz described how the Bilateral Chamber provided her company with additional opportunities for exporting Salvadorian plants to the Netherlands. Moreover, the Chamber’s staff announced an upcoming fair, Chocoa 2019, which will take place in Amsterdam in February 2019. In this venue, businesses involved in the chocolate supply chain will be able to gather, network, and discuss their strategy.
The import of El Salvador from the Netherlands in 2016 was $ 29.479.300 and the export of El Salvador to the Netherlands was of $ 32 .869 .000
In the light of the many opportunities arising from this newly established institution, the staff is currently inviting companies to become members of the Chamber. The cost of membership is of 50 euros per year, and it comes with a wide list of services. Among the many opportunities, there is the possibility to meet and negotiate with the two country’s businessmen and experts in different sectors, participate to business fairs and events, as well as keeping contacts with other members of the Chamber and confront the companies’ inventories and needs.
July 2018, Paris, France: Spanish Hollywood actress Penélope Cruz embarked on a joint venture with Atelier Swarovski, and presented during Paris Haute Couture Week her new line of ethical jewerelly in the presence of Swarovski’s CEO Nadja Swarovski.
A preview into Penélope Cruz’s collection had been offered at the LXXI Cannes Film Festival. Every outstanding design features a combination of Swarovski created diamonds and created rubies and sapphires as well as Swarovski genuine Topaz, all handset in 18-karat fairtrade Gold.
This collection ultimately showcases sustainable and innovative high-end jewerelly as all diamonds and gems are laboratory-made for the luxury contient client. For further information:http://www.atelierswarovski.com/articles/conscious-luxury-on-the-red-carpet
Andorran Foreign Affairs Minister, Maria Ubach Font, during the press conference. Picture by Government of Andorra.
30 June 2018, Principality of Andorra: the EU and Andorra have agreed to an accord to facilitate the free circulation of goods for the micro-state landlocked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain.
A highlight is a 30 years transitional period for tobacco, which shall remain outside the Customs Union’s regime. This being the longest span for a transitional period ever granted by the EU. After seven years, however, customs rights shall progressively be suspended. The tobacco industry is pivotal for governmental revenue, the economy, and the working world in Andorra. Other agricultural products shall enter directly into the customs union according sources from the the Andorran Foreign Affairs Minister, Maria Ubach Font, who is indeed pleased to have obtained thirty years to diversify the Andorran economy and depend less on tobacco revenue.
In return for the long transitional period, the Principality committed itself to applying European directives concerning tobacco, reinforcing the fight against trafficking, increasing the price difference of tobacco with Spain and ratifying the OMS agreement to fight tobacco addiction.
These discussions stand within the framework of the negotiations on the association agreement between Andorra and EU which began three years ago and is due to becoming more intense during the months to come, for the intention is to conclude the technical aspects from here to the end of 2018, or beginning 2019.
Jean-Christophe Barbin, CEO of Bvlgari – Getty Images for Bvlgari.Tuesday, 29 June 2018, Stadio dei Marmi, Rome, Italy: Bvlgari’s CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, hosted an exquisite dinner and subsequent feast to début the brand newest high jewellery collection entitled “Wild Pop”.
All in all the occasion was described by the press as a dazzling, larger-than-life occasion, bridging the grandeur of Rome with the magnificence of Bvlgari jewels.
Ginebra Valsecci and Lady Amelia Windsor, Bvlgari.
Bvlgari brand ambassadors Princess Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and Lady Kitty Spencer were at hand to support Wild Pop’s launch.
H.E. Brândușa Predescu, Ambassador of Romania and Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands between 2002 and 2010.By Djoeke Altena.
Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands between 2002 and 2010, received the “SteauaRomâniei”, The Star of Romania in the rank Grand Cross from H.E. BrândușaPredescu, Ambassador of Romania. This prestigious decoration is awarded for the crucial role he played, in the context of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2004, in supporting Romania to successfully finalize its negotiations for accession to the European Union.
In the presence of friends, family, diplomats and dignitaries, H.E. Predescu expressed gratitude to Mr. Balkenende, “Undoubtedly, Mr. Prime Minister, by the leadership and vision you have shown in supporting Romania’s accession to the European Union, you have made a major contribution to the deepening and expansion of relations on all fronts between our two countries. For this Romania and the Romanians are appreciative and grateful.”For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157668905750497Mr. Bernard Bot, former Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Not only within the context of the European Council, but also within the Dutch Parliament and Senate Mr. Balkenende played a decisive role in Romania’s Accession to the EU. The arguments used then – claiming that it is essential to be strict, but also fair to Romania (and Bulgaria), that the countries had implemented deep and far reaching reforms– succeeded in tipping the spirit in the TweedeKamer.
Probably more important was the insistence on another dimension, the economic one. Balkenende, as head of state, and H.E. Mr. Bernard Bot, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in his Cabinet at the time, emphasised that the Netherlands had only to gain from Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession, in terms of a larger market for Dutch exports and investments.
H.E. Andrea Gustovic Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia with one of the guests.
The Dutch were proven right; In only 3 years after accession, by 2009, the number of Dutch companies in Romania almost doubled, reaching more than 5,200 today. “Likewise, the exports from the Netherlands to my country multiplied by five in the same period of time. Maybe even more significant than sheer numbers is the context and the share of total foreign investment in Romania that Dutch companies are responsible for. The good news is that The Netherlands outranks even Germany when it comes to overall capital originating from another country that is invested in my country,” said. H.E. Predescu.
H.E. Brândușa Predescu, Ambassador of Romania and Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende with his spouse.
Balkenende expressed his gratitude for the great honour of receiving this decoration and stressed the importance of the relationship between The Netherlands and Romania within the European Union. “Of course there are issues, difficulties and incidents, but the European Union has to think about its own future. But I want to underline that we are all part of the same continent, and that we need each other,” said Balkenende.
The ceremony was followed by a short reception in honour of Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, with Romanian wines and bites.
UN Security Council re-appoints Prosecutor Serge Brammertz as Prosecutor of the MechanismArusha, The Hague, 3 July 2018– The United Nations Security Council, by resolution 2422 (2018), has reappointed Prosecutor Serge Brammertz to a new term as Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), with effect from 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2020.
Prosecutor Brammertz has served as Prosecutor of the Mechanism since 1 March 2016. Previously, he served as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) from 1 January 2008 until its closure at the end of 2017.
By Dr. Bernard Nikaj, Head of Mission of Kosovo to the EU, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
On 17th of February Kosovo celebrated its tenth anniversary of independence. This makes Kosovo the youngest state in Europe, but as I will argue in this article, it is also the most dynamic newcomer to the European family.
It is safe to bet that when anybody thinks of Kosovo today in Europe, the images of war, suffering, massive exodus as well as international intervention to build a state come to mind. Beyond these images, what has actually happened in Kosovo in the last ten years could be described as full undertaking in state building.
Today, Kosovo is recognized by 117 UN member states, it is part of more than 50 international organizations and is working steadily towards its future in the European Union. Kosovo is continuously growing presence in the international community as an equal member. Whenever our young people are given the opportunity to shine, they consistently do so. Should you need proof of this, just look at the recent competitions in Judo, from Olympics to latest Mediterranean Games, and you will notice a real dominance of Kosovo judokas in both female and male competitions.
Beyond the story developing in the public eye, there is another side of Kosovo developing quietly but not less importantly, that of an up and coming European technological cluster. Building on its young population, strong integration in the international community through its diaspora, great knowledge of foreign languages and existing connectivity infrastructure, Kosovo is taking an important role in the region in the field of technology. But what can Kosovo offer?
I will start by noting that more than 50% of Kosovo’s citizens are under the age of 30. While it might be considered a challenge for most countries, in Kosovo this is the cornerstone of its technological boom. When you combine youth with more than 80% internet penetration in the country, we get an ecosystem that is conducive of development. To boost the entrepreneurial and innovative skills in the country various Innovation Centers and Entrepreneurship support groups have been created. In 2010 Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo agreed to fund and support the establishment of Innovation Center Kosovo (ICK). ICK, besides offering office space at very low rates, offers the whole package of services one would expect from an accelerator/incubator in the ICT industry.
Trainings in starting a business, coaching on business plans, technical sessions on specific technologies and assistance and support with finding funding were only some of the services offered at ICK. Furthermore, the whole idea of the ICK was and is to create a community of enthusiasts and businesses that could help each other and learn from each other to turn their ideas into successful businesses. But ICK went one step further. Building on the opportunities offered by the Internet, ICK started leveraging international ecosystem of opportunities.
Soon Prishtina came to host a number of Startup Weekends, Startup Yards, NASA App Challenge and many other events bringing the opportunity to young Kosovars to leverage the rising importance of ICTs in the world economy. More than fifty new businesses have come to use and grow out of ICK. Most of these businesses employ between two and twenty-five youngsters working on things from mobile app development to applications supporting organization critical functions. Moreover, most of these companies are becoming trusted partners to global companies working in the area of ICT. Startups coming out of ICK have implemented project for companies all around Europe, USA and other regional markets.
Besides ICK, Kosovo hosts the first Ballkans maker’s space in the form of Bonevet which enables youngsters from all ages to learn the basics of electronics and robotics. Moreover, Bonevet provides the link between local private initiative and diaspora funding and experience, both a very important element of Kosovo’s development.
Building on these assets Kosovo has managed to increase the export of services, especially in the field of IT, by more than fifty percent each year.
Kosovo, as any other country, has its share of challenges and obstacles on its way forward. However, we strongly believe that our biggest assets, in this age of artificial intelligence and information technology, is our youth. We look forward in harnessing this resource and working together will all partners to make our common future bright.
The guests were also able to enjoy the hospitality of the Uzbek people and their culinary delights. Among the many dishes served in the Crowne Plaza’s meeting room, there were samsa, the baked meat buns; lagman, a soup with Uzbek noodles, vegetables, and lamb; and the plov, arguably the most famous Uzbek dish.
In particular, the Samarkand version of plov was served, with the dish cooked in layers so that the meat juices are soaked up by the rice. The dish also includes other ingredients, such as carrots and sour red raisins.
With the food and drinks served, the conversation flowed and the room transformed in an international/Uzbek community sharing warmth and conviviality.
The presentation and the display of hospitality would certainly encourage people to make up some time for a visit to Uzbekistan: mission accomplished!
Further information on touristic visas to Uzbekistan:
https://uzbekmissiontoeu.blogactiv.eu/2018/07/06/uzbekistan-launching-e-visa-system-5-day-visa-free/
