The Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Jaime Victor B. Ledda.
05 December 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in The Hague (The Hague PE) successfully conducted on 01 December a forum in observance of PH 18-day campaign to end violence against women, aptly titled, Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW): The International and National Responses.
In his welcome remarks, H.E. Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda informed the participants that the forum is a continuing advocacy on women’s rights and gender equality of the Embassy, in close partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Gender and Development (GAD) program, and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) at the national level.
Ambassador Ledda expressed with pride that the Philippines ranks among top 10 in the world’s most gender equal country based on the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report. Ambassador Ledda acknowledges that while challenges in EVAW remain, the Philippine government remains steadfast and continues to vigorously pursue all means and mechanisms at both national and international levels to “GEWE”, gender equality and women equality.
•Rea Abada-Chongson – Senior Legal Advisor on Gender, Specialist on Gender and Law.
A panel of legal professionals led by Attorney Rea Abada-Chiongson Senior Legal Advisor on Gender of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) in The Hague, gave an overview of the global frameworks on violence against women (VAW), briefly conveying on facts and figures on VAW committed worldwide, eg., 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence by or 1 in 2 women killed were killed mostly by an intimate partner.
Maria Patricia Cervantes-Poco, Lecturer, Ateneo School of Law.
Ateneo de Manila’s School of Law faculty, Attorney Patricia Cervantes-Poco, currently a PhD student in Maastricht’s Law Faculty on the other hand presented the country’s responses to international standards on VAW which included Magna Carta on Women (RA 9710), New Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353), Violence Against Women and Children (RA 9262) and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (RA 10364).
The Hague-based legal NGO, AriseNL was also invited by the Embassy and its representatives, Portuguese-lawyer who has been handling cases on domestic violence among women in the Netherlands, Attorney Marisa Monteiro-Borsbom and Ms. Sogano Mohandes discussed Dutch laws and services, ie paths to pursue when the system fails or delays for victims of domestic violence.
•Marisa Monteiro Borsboom, Lawyer and Member, European Lawyers Bar.
A “Q&A”, moderated by Attorney Neil Nucup, formerly of PH Supreme Court who is also pursuing further legal studies at Leiden University brought out gender-related concerns among members of the Filipino, Dutch and expatriate communities represented, e.g. a Filipino “transwoman” abused by his live-in Dutch partner, among others, that generated compassion among those in attendance.
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Photography is a courtesy of Elena Ratnikova.
An article to celebrate the National Day of the Kingdom of ThailandBy H.E Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
5th December marks Thailand’s National Day, Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) and the Father’s Day of Thailand. In this connection, this article celebrates such auspicious occasions.
The Thai-Dutch relations started off at the beginning of the 17th Century with next year to reach 415th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. The site of the old trading station, called “New Amsterdam” by the Dutch or “Baan Hollanda” by the Thais, can be visited by the public today in Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam at the time. Over the centuries, bilateral relations between the two countries have flourished, and remains strong.
At present, around 200,000 Dutch tourists visiting Thailand each year while over 300 Dutch companies have been investing there. This makes the Netherlands the largest investor amongst EU countries in Thailand. The number of exchanges of visits and communications at all levels and across different sectors has also reflected growing dynamic between both sides.
Looking ahead, Thailand has embarked upon a new chapter. The Government has worked towards fulfilling its commitment in carrying out comprehensive national reform according to its announced Roadmap, paving the way towards a genuine and sustainable democracy. The 20-year National Strategy (2017-2036) has been adopted as a long-term vision and a legal framework in steering socio-economic policies of the country to ensure sustainable development while enhancing conducive environment for trade and investment.
Given such promising context, Thailand looks forward to forging partnership and collaboration with the Netherlands through the following areas:
Thailand 4.0: Towards an enhanced partnership
With the shared values aiming to enhance competitiveness through value- and innovation- based economy, “Thailand 4.0” development plan and the Netherland’s “Top Sectors” policy as well as the triple helix model are mutually reinforcing. Great potentials and opportunities have been identified and concretized, utilizing each other’s strength to enhance synergy for win-win collaboration to achieve innovative and inclusive growths, especially in the areas of smart agriculture and food technology, water resources management, logistics, bio-economy & circular economy, science, technology & innovation and SMEs & Start-ups. Thailand signed its first comprehensive Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters with the Netherlands in September this year. Such development has underpinned Thailand’s effort to boost its partnership with the Netherland.
As an overarching economic policy aiming to steer Thailand forward amid the fast changing global developments, Thailand 4.0 has been introduced since 2016 covering ranges of policies and measures including reform efforts to streamline rules and regulations to ensure compliance with the international standard as well as to enhance transparency and confidence among investors and all stakeholders. These include identifying targeted sectors to be further upgraded and promoted (so-called the “S-Curve” and the “new S-Curve”), e.g. agriculture & biotech, food for the future, smart electronics, robotics, aviation & logistics, biofuels & biochemical, digital and comprehensive medical industry.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has also been designated as Special Economic Zone along Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard covering Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong Provinces. The EEC is aimed to serve as technological manufacturing and services as well as trade and investment hub connecting the production, supply and value chain under the ASEAN Economic Community through various investment incentives, plans and projects to upgrading and expansion of comprehensive infrastructure and logistics systems as well as R&D facilities. The projects encompass the following key elements:
Improved infrastructure and facilities for business and industrial clusters through smart urban planning;
Seamless connectivity to ASEAN neighbours via all means of transportation;
Newly reformed rules and regulations that provide maximum incentives for qualified investment projects, such as exemption of corporate income tax for up to 15 years, matching grants for investment in R&D, innovation and human resources for targeted industries, including permission to own land for BOI promoted projects;
Simplified application processes to facilitate all foreign investors on the issuance of permits and licenses through One Stop Service (OSS) center.
The continual pattern of Thailand’s accelerating economic growth rate – from 3% in 2015 to 3.3% in 2016, and 3.9% in 2017, with 2018 projected growth in the range 4.2-4.7% -, not only echoes sound economic fundamentals and resilience of the country, but also confidence in the prospects of the Thai economy and its future directions under this Thailand 4.0 policy framework toward an enhanced partnership with the Netherlands and beyond.
Sufficiency Economy for Sustainable Development Goals (SEP4SDG)
Thailand joined forces with the international community in the adoption of the SDGs in 2015 and has attached great importance to mainstreaming sustainable development in all dimensions of its key policy priorities as well as daily living of the people to prepare and face the global challenges in a sustainable and responsible manner. The concept of sustainable development has long taken root in the country as our home-grown approach guided by His Majesty the late King Rama IX’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). Based on the principles of moderation, reasonableness and prudence, guided by knowledge and virtue, SEP stresses balance in the use of economic, social, environmental and cultural capital, while underlining the importance of preparedness in dealing with changes in these four dimensions. Progress with balance promote stability and, ultimately, provide a basis for sustainability.
Thailand has also worked closely with many partners in promoting awareness and capacity building with other developing countries on bilateral and trilateral basis under the policy of “SEP for SDG Partnership”. Given the high priority both the Netherlands and Thailand place on promoting sustainability at national and international levels, both countries can partner under trilateral cooperation, sharing experience and expertise contributing to other developing countries’ efforts towards achieving the SDGs.
According to former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “Sufficiency Economy” was of great relevance and has reinforced the United Nation’s efforts to promote a people-centred and sustainable path of development. An outstanding aspect of the SEP is sustainable soil management, which has been internationally recognized when the FAO supported the formal establishment of World Soil Day as a global awareness platform. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly declared 5th December, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Rama IX, as the World Soil Day.
2019 ASEAN Chairmanship
Assuming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019, Thailand looks forward to working with our partners including the Netherlands and the European Union, to promote sustainability in ASEAN Community-building, in the ASEAN-centered regional architecture, for regional peace, stability and prosperity. This can be done through various frameworks such as the ASEAN-EU dialogue relations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Collaboration through such sub-regional fora as Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), in the areas where the Netherlands possesses expertise i.e. agriculture and water resource management, will also be valuable.
Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship will seek to build on the accomplishments of past ASEAN Chairmanships as well as to create momentum for the future. Thailand will focus on sustainability in key dimensions including economic, human security and regional security, which will help promote the shared goal of building a people-centred Community that leaves no one behind. To this end, we look to enhancing seamless connectivity, effective partnerships, and laying a foundation for future-oriented ASEAN.
With the Netherlands and the EU’s leading role in sustainable development and innovation and Thailand and the ASEAN’s dynamic growth, enhanced collaborative partnerships would generate strategic impetus for further mutual benefits.
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For further information, please contact: TheHague@ThaiEmbassy.nl.
By Guido Lanfranchi.
Addressing the diplomatic and press corps in Joint Base Anacostia – Bolling, United States, US Special Representative for Iran Mr. Brian Hook showed “tangible evidence” of Iran’s “malign activities” in the Middle East, and urged the international community to support the US-led pressure campaign on Tehran.
The Iran Materiel Display (IMD), hosted by Joint Base Anacostia – Bolling, is a showcase of missiles, rifles, hand grenades and a number of other Iranian-made weapons collected by the United States and its allies in the region. Such exposition – US Special Representative for Iran Mr. Brian Hook explains – should be a warning for the international community: something should be done to curb Iran’s increasing military capabilities and its support for rebel groups throughout the Middle East.
In a conference at the IMD on November 29th, 2018, Mr. Hook invited the press and the diplomatic corps to observe the “tangible evidence” of Iran’s “malign activities”. In addition to a number of journalists and diplomatic staff from several countries, the Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Israel attended the event, receiving a warm welcome from Mr. Hook.
In his remarks, Mr. Hook exposed some of the weapon systems displayed at the IMD, such as the surface-to-air missile Sayyad-2C, highlighting the danger of ballistic missiles development in Iran. Such increasingly sophisticated systems – Mr Hook stressed – could be a threat not only for US allies in the Middle East, but even for some European countries.
The US Special Representative also voiced the US’s concerns over Iran’s export of different types of weapons, ranging from missiles to small-size rifles, to an increasing number of groups in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis. In particular, Mr. Hooks stressed the gravity of the situation in Yemen, regretting that a strong involvement of Iran in the conflict is not only affecting the Yemeni people, but also the security of the whole region.
Mr. Hook reiterated that the United States will continue to exert maximum pressure on the Iranian regime, in order to starve Tehran of the resources used to fund its “malign activities” throughout the Middle East. While the sanctions imposed by the US have already taken their toll on Iran – Mr. Hook noted – the US stands ready to impose further measures. The standoff continues.
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The full video of Mr. Hook conference is accessible here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/643891/state-department-briefs-press-irans-weapons-violations
Friis Petersen (Denmark), Per Thöresson (Sweden), Michael Kretschmer (Saxony), Ritva Koukku-Ronde (Finland), Petter Ølberg (Norway), Martin Eyjólf.
Monday, 26 November 2018, Berlin, Complex of the Nordic embassies, Tiergarten: The Premier of the Free State of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, paid a visit to the Pan Nordic Building (felleshus) of the Nordic embassies complex in Berlin to hold talks with the five Nordic ambassadors in topic concerning multilateral Saxony-Nordic countries cooperation, trade and politics.
Premier of Mecklenburg West Pomerania Manuela Schwesig and State Secretary for Federal Affairs Bettina Martin – Picture by Nordic embassies in Berlin.
Normally ambassadors resident in Berlin pay courtesy visits to the premiers of the German federal states, nevertheless, and in the spirit of Nordic unity and cooperation, all five Nordic heads of mission normally invite the premiers for a multilateral encounterat the Pan Nordic Building.
On 24 September 2018 it was the Premier of Mecklenburg West Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig as well as the State Secretary for Federal Affairs of Mecklenburg West Pomerania Bettina Martin who paid a maiden visit to the joint representation of Nordic states.
For further information:
The Hague, 26 November 2018, Diplomatic The Hague bids farewell to Latin American Ambassadors. Hence, Diplomat Magazine sponsored by Diplomatic Card throw a valedictory ceremony in recognition for what these two highly esteemed sons of the Latin America region have achieved during their stint in the Netherlands.
The spotlight was on the Ambassador of Costa Rica H.E. Mr. Sergio Ugalde Godinez and the Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Dr Elias Azar.
The two ambassadors were each presented with a Certificate of Merit. Diplomat Magazine award a certificate of merit to parting Ambassadors as a token for the outstanding contribution made to strengthen the ties between their countries and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Furthermore, for the significant collaboration with the multilateral institutions in the Netherlands.
H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and H.E. Mr. Juan José Quintana, Ambassador of Colombia, lauded and express thanks for what the two Ambassadors have achieved for the Diplomatic Community in general and by extension for GRULAC.
Ambassador Ellias Aznar is an advocate of Justice, Democracy and Human rights. Ambassador Sergio Ugalde Godinez was praised for one of his qualities, finding common ground, bringing the sheeps back to the fold despite the different viewpoints. He is a genuine bridge builder!
Ambassador Ugalde Godinez expressed this thanks to all as follow:
“I am honoured by this token of appreciation hosted by the Diplomat Magazine, who I would like to thank for having us today, at this memorable venue, and for taking up this notable initiative, that is, to bid a farewell ceremony to diplomats who are ending their tenure in the Netherlands.
I am also grateful to share the spotlight with Ambassador Edgar Elias Azar, who I am certain is more deserving of this recognition than myself.
I am particularly indebted to Ambassador María Teresa Infante for her kind and certainly unworthy remarks about me and my time in the Netherlands, but which I accept with infinitive thanks.
I presented credentials to His Majesty, King Willem Alexander, four years ago, and although I had the opportunity to be involved earlier with the Netherlands in other capacity, serving my country as its Ambassador here has been an extraordinary experience.
Costa Rica shares with the Netherlands a long history of diplomatic relations, spanning nearly 170 years, marked by shared interests and policies. Indeed, we have worked closely at the multilateral level on several important issues, including human rights, democracy, the rule of law, the fight against impunity, gender equality and climate change; we are like minded countries, and our desire for a peaceful and fairer world will continue tirelessly.
During my time, together with the Dutch Foreign Ministry, we managed to strengthen our bilateral relations even more than before. On that note, we gave a renewed push to the Treaty of San Jose on Maritime Drug Interdiction in the Caribbean Sea, and an important regional security multilateral treaty.
My Embassy also saw an important increment in trade and investment, and during my tenure we managed to increase trade by around 50%, from some 450 million dollars to nearly 750 million dollars, expected this year. Investment is also strong, as a result of the near completion of a container terminal port being built in Costa Rica by APM Terminals, with an investment of one billion dollars, which will further the trade relations between both countries.
On the political sphere, the Netherlands also hosted my President last year, on an incredibly friendly and fruitful visit, including meetings with His Majesty and the Prime Minister.
Personally, I had gain much from my time here. I am particularly grateful to my country for having afforded me the opportunity to lead its defense in five contentious cases before the International Court of Justice, all of which, I am happy to report, ended in undisputed victories!
I had also an opportunity to actively participate at the International Criminal Court, acting in two consecutive years as its acting President, at the 2016 ASP in The Hague, and the 2017 ASP in New York, where we made history.
During my time I had the great opportunity to share experiences with audiences and students on issues concerning policies that Costa Rica cherishes, which saw me lecturing at the University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam and even the Hague Academy on International Law.
However, my fondest memories will have to be from the many friends I made in The Netherlands, including some who are here today. The warmth and exceptional friendship of the Dutch people, and that of many colleagues in the diplomatic circles will be prized for years to come.
Lastly, I like to thank my colleagues at the Embassy, past and present, without whom none of our successes would have been possible. They deserve as much or more merit!
I wish to thank again the Diplomat Magazine, specially Mayelinne De Lara, who I recognized for her leadership and extraordinary contributions to the diplomatic circles in The Netherlands, for the honour which is bestowed today to this, your humble servant.
Thank you very much!”
Ture, they will be missed. However, they have left indelible footprints.
The ceremony, although serene, concluded with a joyous Latin American reception.
H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan is the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He presented his credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on November 28th, 2018.
Mr. Balayan was born in the Armenian capital city of Yerevan. This is where he earned a degree in History and International Relations from the Yerevan State University (YSU) in 1999. Three years later, he also acquired a Ph.D. in History, which was in the International Relations department of YSU. During his time as a Ph.D. student, Mr. Balayan was simultaneously studying in the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Russian Federation. Furthermore, while acquiring his degree, he was the assistant to the Permanent Representative of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) in Armenia and was responsible for public relations. Afterward, he was the assistant to the Head of the Political Department in the Embassy of Armenia in Russia until he earned his Ph.D. degree.
After completing his education, Mr. Balayan pursued a career in both diplomacy and education. Between 2002 to 2004, he taught at the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University. During this time, he was also an attaché at the department of Information and Public Relations of the Armenian MFA. Following this position, he became an attaché and later Third Secretary at the NATO division of the Arms Control and International Security Department of the MFA.
From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Balayan served a term at the Embassy of Armenia in the Kingdom of Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as the Third and later Second Secretary. Upon returning to Armenia in 2007, he became the acting head of the Media Relations division of the Press and Information department of the MFA. Simultaneously, he took up being a lecturer in the YSU International Relations Department and would maintain this role for the next 10 years. He eventually attained the academic rank of Associate Professor in 2013. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Balayan was the acting spokesperson as well as acting head of the Press and Information department of the MFA.
From 2010 onwards, Mr. Balayan was the spokesperson of the MFA until earlier this year. During this time, he was also the acting head of the Information and Public Diplomacy Department of the MFA for two years before coming to the Netherlands. In addition, he has participated in a multitude of summits and international conferences throughout the decades as a member of the Armenian delegation. Mr. Balayan currently holds the diplomatic rank of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia.
Since October, Mr. Balayan has begun his term as the Ambassador of Armenia to the Netherlands as well as the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the OPCW.
At this moment in time, Mr. Balayan is also the author of more than a dozen scientific articles, as well as the monograph entitled Nagorno-Karabakh Issue and International Diplomacy in 1991-1994. He is likewise the person behind a collection of lectures on Multilateral Diplomacy and Information Support of Foreign Policy.
Throughout his career thus far, Mr. Balayan has amassed numerous awards for his contributions. These include the Medal of “Mkhitar Gosh”; the Medal of Gratitude of the Artsakh Republic; the Medal of NKR MFA 20th Anniversary; the Medal of “John Kirakosyan”; and the Medal of “Vazgen Sargsyan” of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. Furthermore, he has received letters of appreciation from the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of Armenia.
In addition to Russian and English, Mr. Balayan is also fluent in French.
The diplomat community in The Hague sends a warm welcome to Ambassador Balayan and wishes him all the best in his new term.
The Extra Ordinary Italian TasteOn the picture at Crowne Plaza kitchen, Mariska Perugini-Viser, Grabriela Gavazza, H.E. Andrea Perugini and Mario Andolfi.By Roy Lie Atjam.
A renown Italian Chef demonstrated his cooking skills at an Italian gastronomic festival at Hotel Crowne Plaza The Hague. Organizers of the festival are the Embassy of Italy, Diplomat Magazine and Hotel Crowne Plaza. The authentic Italian taste was lead by Daniela Gavazza and Mario Andolfi, two Italian chefs awarded with one Michelin Star coming directly from the Liguria region.
Zooming into the program one learns that the festival was not only about Italian gastronomy, but also included wine and opera.
For additional Robert Huiberts’ pictures please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157704092176805Franca Pampaloni, Irene Geninatti Chiolero and Nicanor Cancellieri, from Opera Guitta.
There have been a number of food festivals in 2018, co-organized by Diplomat magazine, Crowne Plaza Promenade Hotel and an Embassy.
On 22nd November 2018, it was the turn of H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy in the Netherlands, a lover of gastronomy, to place his country Italy in the limelight. It turned out to be an eventful evening one will not easily forget.
Opera Guitta.
Ambassador Perugini related how the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in 2018 launch the third edition of the Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo.
Pergugini added, in 2018 the Italian Mission in The Hague has organized 22 major events.
To mention one example, restaurants of the European Patent Office, The European Space Center and other institution in the environ of The Hague, had Italian food on the menu for a week. It has been a successful phenomenon.
H.E. Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinean Mission, writing a message on Opera Guita’s guest book.
Furthermore, a sparkling opera performance by Opera Guitta, the Italian Trio Trioche has been an integral element of the Italian food festival.
Trio Trioche consists of the following performing artists: Nicanor Cancellieri,Irene Geninatti Chiolero, and Franca Pampaloni. The director is Antonio Vergamini; Opera Guitta is anything between melodrama and clownery, further, its an impassioned tribute to the greatest opera arias from Donizetti to Mozart, from Rossini to Verdi.
Italian opera singer Francesca Patane, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, tenor Marc Chingari and H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco.H.E. Mr. Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel and H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India at the Italian Flavours buffet.
The dinner was a combination of a sitting dinner and buffet was marvellous. To mention a few items on the menu: Rosa di Prosciutto San Daniele, Arancini and Cuoredi Cioccolato.
Italian cuisine is very popular throughout the world. The Italian Flavours soirée at the Crowne Plaza Hotel The Hague was, therefore, an enormous success.
On he picture Ambassador Najeeb Al-Bader and Ambassador Jauhar Saleem – Picture by Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin.
Thursday, 1 November 2018, Berlin, Embassy of Pakistan to Germany: HE the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Germany, Najeeb Al-Bader paid a courtesy call upon his Pakistani colleague HE Ambassador Jauhar Saleem. Issues concerning bilateral ties as well as regional and economic issues vis-à-vis Germany were discussed by the two heads of mission.
Ambassador Al-Bader was accredited on 20 September 2018 at Bellevue Castle by German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He previously served as ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia as well as non-resident head of mission to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. His predecessor in Berlin, Ambassador Monther Al-Eissa now occupies that Kuwaiti ambassadorship in Canberra.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem is at the helm of the Pakistani mission since 3 February 2016. Before his service in Germany he was Pakistan’s main envoy in Bahrain.
On the picture Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi, Ambassador Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Sultan, Dr. Peter Ramsauer – Picture by Ghorfa.
Tuesday, 20 November 2018, Berlin, Germany: At the premises of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa), the Royal Saudi Ambassador, HRH Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was introduced to Bavarian Dr. Peter Ramsauer, erstwhile Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (2009-13), in his capacity asChairman of the Committee for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) by Ghorfa’s President Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi.
Prince Khalid is the head of mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 16 October 2017. He is a graduate from Oxford University (Oriental studies), Royal Sandhurst Military Academy as well as Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy in Massachusetts. His father, HRH Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud served as Saudi ambassador to the USA between 1983-2005.
On the picture Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher and the Tunisian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Elyes Ghariani.
The end of the summer and the welcome of the diplomatic community returning to town was celebrated with glamour by Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with Crown Plaza Hotel and the embassies of Argentina, Italy, and Switzerland.
The reception included an exquisite motorcars show, a luxury cars exhibition of the world’s most renowned car manufacturers, who presented their latest developments to the Diplomatic Corps. The V Diplomats Welcome After Summer and 2nd Diplomatic Car Tryout showcased the best new cars on the market from the Louwman museum exclusive brands, Maserati, McLaren, Lexus, Mercedes, Alpha Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep.
For additional pictures by Robert Huiberts, please open here below: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2018/11/25/44741/https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157703946331344
Two live Jazz bands led by Daniel Nicolas and Claudio De Rosa serenaded the many diplomatic guests in attendance, as well as special guests including ambassadors from all over the world and people from the business industry.
Moreover, numerous Dutch politicians, judges from international courts, and the heads of various international NGO’s headquartered in The Hague also paid their visit to this special event.
For additional pictures by Roy Strik, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157700774105502H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy with Erick Louwman, from Louwman museumPatrick Aarsman, the General Manager of Crowne Plaza and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine Publisher welcomed the guests followed by speeches of Veronica Ferrucci, the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy, Nicolas Vidal, the Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Argentina and Mirko Zambelli, the Minister Counsellor of the Swiss Embassy. Besides, each presented the flagship products of their home country.
Nicolas Vidal, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Argentina, Veronica Ferrucci, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy, and Mirko Zambelli, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Switzerland.
“It is a great pleasure to support this year’s Diplomat Magazine After Summer Event. I arrived in The Netherlands last July as the new Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy and Diplomat Magazine welcomed me on the table of my new home in the Hague, giving me the chance to get acquainted to this city and the diplomatic community.
AD News in Dutch.
Today’s event is a great opportunity of networking and promotion and I am very glad that, together with the Swiss and Argentinean Embassies, we were able to support it offering excellent coffee, coming straight from Italy thanks to our sponsor.
I wish you all a very pleasant night and I thank Diplomat Magazine for the initiative.” Expressed Veronica Ferrucci.
Café Fadi
Attendees enjoyed Italian coffee from Café Fadi, who came to Crowne Plaza with a barista from Italy making authentic Italian coffee on site.
The most popular of the night was an amaretto café, and a special collection of top wines generously provided by the Argentinean embassy.
H.E. Mr. Amgad Ghaffar, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Ms. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman, Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India, Mr. Aart Kleinveld, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz and H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy.
Nicolas Vidal, also added the overview of the worldwide known quality Argentinean wines and introduced two wine importers from Argentina, Belgerette Wines by José Belgerette, and La Giostra del Vino by Jacques Hoogeveen.two wine importers from Argentina, Belgerette Wines by José Belgerette, and La Giostra del Vino by Jacques Hoogeveen.
“ I would like first to thank Diplomat Magazine and the Crowne Plaza for the opportunity that has been given to us to be present today with Swiss/Lindt stand. And of course a big thank to Lindt Netherlands for being present and for their generosity.” Said Mirko Zambelli.
On top of that, the guests were positively surprised by the Swiss presentation of the exceptional chocolates produced by Lindt. Attendants were amazed by the magic of all flavours of the excellent selection of chocolates by Lindt, and everyone was happy to leave the event and come back home with half a kilo of these exquisite Swiss specialties.
H.E. Mr. Fernando Buchelli, from Ecuador
“It is a wonderful occasion to briefly making reference to the history of chocolate in Switzerland. The starting point is: how did Switzerland, a country without colonies or cocoa, come to be one of the leading countries in the chocolate market?
And it a began in the south of Switzerland, the Italian speaking canton (Canton Ticino) from which I come from. But chocolate wasn’t the luxurious eating experience of today, chocolate was gritty and chewy. In 1836 the Sprungli family set up a shop in Zurich and they later (1899) merged with Mr. Lindt’s from Bern to become the famous brand “Lindt & Sprungli”. Rodolphe Lindt was at the origin of a “chocolate revolution” when he left his machines running overnight that he discovered the conching process which became later the “long conche”, a machine to mix and distribute cocoa butter within chocolate. It is thanks to these pioneers that we can today experience the sweet stuff melting in our mouths.
You are all invited to visit us at the Swiss/Lindt stand, a place where you will experience the best of Swiss tradition.” Stated Mr. Zambelli.
“Chocolate diplomacy”, a term invented by Mirko Zambelli, was among the main topics discussed among the guests.
This was a special occasion for all attending, not only to connect with many partners, but also to exchange views with colleagues and counterparts.
