US Head of Mission to the EU accredited

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US Head of Mission to the EU accredited

US Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland and President Donald Tusk – Picture by European Union.

 

Monday, 9 July 2018, Brussels: US Ambassador Gordon Sondland arrived in Brussels on 8 July 2018, and presented his credentials at the European Commission and to the President of the European Council Donald Tusk on 9 July 2018.

Ambassador Sondland is the Founder and CEO of Provenance Hotels, a national owner and operator of full-service boutique “lifestyle” hotels.  Provenance and its affiliates (founded in 1985), currently own and/or operate 19 hotels in seven states and have another six hotels currently under development.

Sondland, a first-generation American whose parents fled from Germany after the rise of the National Socialist Party, is a long-time member of the Republican establishment.

For further information:

Representation of the USA to the EU / H.E. Ambassador Gordon Sondland: http://www.useu.be

Rwanda celebrated Kwibohora24

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Rwanda celebrated Kwibohora24
H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga and his spouse Mrs. Vibviane Uwicyeza Mironko. Kwibohora24: 24th anniversary of liberation of Rwanda celebrated in the Netherlands The 24th anniversary of liberation was held under the theme “Together we prosper”. On Wednesday 4 July the Embassy of the Republic Rwanda in the Netherlands hosted the Kwibohora24 celebration with a reception and lunch at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague, in order to pay tribute to Rwandan men and women who in different ways contributed to Rwanda’s liberation. The fallen heroes paid the ultimate price during the liberation struggle. For additional Naldo Peverelli’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157697220207991
Ambassador Karabaranga, Ntokozo Koloane, Vibviane Uwicyeza Mironko and the Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Bruce Koloane.
The Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague initiated this reception to celebrate 24 years freedom, peace, security and unity that have been the backbone of Rwanda’s political and social economic transformation. Rwanda has made tremendous strides in all aspects and Rwanda has been repeatedly ranked the safest, peaceful, cleanest and one of the most economically progressive country not just in Africa but also in the world. H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, his spouse Mrs. Vibviane Uwicyeza Mironko and the Embassy team welcomed more than 200 guests including the diplomatic community, representatives of international organizations, Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands, Friends of Rwanda and others. The program started with the national anthem of Rwanda, followed by the national anthem of the Netherlands followed by a word of welcome  by Mr. Emmanuel Safari, Chairman of the Diaspora Committee in the Netherlands.  H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga gave a remarkable keynote speech to the crowded venue in The Hague. After the speech, the audience enjoyed traditional Rwandan dance called Intore and the celebration was concluded with a lunch, where also Rwandan coffee with a Rwandan Coffee Brownie was served. All guests received a goody bag with Umushanana Coffee from Rwanda, sponsored by Starbucks Netherlands. In his speech H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga said that The 4th of July is for Rwandans a time for reflection. “A time to look back, to see where we are coming from, assess what we have achieved as a nation and re-assess our targets to ensure that they remain relevant to the nation’s needs within the regional framework and international responsibilities. Kwibohora is an opportunity to share Rwanda’s liberation story, the journey of unity and reconciliation since 1994 and the country’s on-going renewal and vision for a brighter future.”

German speaking foreign ministers meet in Schengen

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German speaking foreign ministers meet in Schengen
Swiss, Liechtenstein’s, Luxembourgian and Austrian foreign ministers – Picture by Gouvernement grand-ducal. Tuesday, 3 July 2018, Schengen, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: German-speaking ministers of foreign affairs gathered in Schengen to discuss a common strategy for the challenges of protectionism, migration, terrorism, climate change and free trade. Only the German counterpart Heiko Maas was missing because of an internal accord in Germany to reduce the number of arriving refugees to the country. For further information:

Astana International Financial Centre opens

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Astana International Financial Centre opens
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

Sweden takes seat at UN Security Council

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Sweden takes seat at UN Security Council
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.

For further information: 

US Ambassador to Belgium accredited

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US Ambassador to Belgium accredited
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/

HK Chief Executive Lam in Belgium and France

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HK Chief Executive Lam in Belgium and France
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.
  For further information: 

Cartier: The Exhibition at National Gallery of Australia

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Cartier: The Exhibition at National Gallery of Australia
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:
  • National Gallery of Australia: https://nga.gov.au/cartier/
  • Cartier: http://www.au.cartier.com/en-au/maison/events/cartier-the-exhibition.html

De Beers Haute Couture collection 2018

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De Beers Haute Couture collection 2018
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 2018

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Chopard Precious Couture Collection 2018
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:
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