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.
H.E. Ambassador Jaime Ledda.By Roy Lie Atjam. “Kalayaan” is about Liberation
Filipinos all over the world have been celebrating the Philippine 120 Independence Day. It is for this reason that H.E. Ambassador Jaime Ledda has chosen the prestigious Hotel Des Indes in The Hague to celebrate this momentous day. June 19, 2018, has been a day full of activities.
The evening reception was preceded by a workshop on tourism, in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism-Frankfurt and Turkish Airlines Inc. Amsterdam. Many responded positively to Ambassador Ledda’s invitation to join in the festivities.
For memorable Robert Huibers’ pictures , please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157670922046058H.E. Ambassador Jaime Ledda, welcome the Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Aviv Shir On.
Ambassador Jaime Ledda and spouse Veredigna(Gina for intimates) Ledda and Filipino Diplomats, cordially welcomed the many colleagues, friends, fellow Filipinos and other guests.With the following remarks, Ambassador Ledda bid his guests welcome:“First of all, I woutd like to warmly wetcome everyone to our reception marking the 120th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine tndependence. Today is also the 157th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero who inspired the movement for Philippine independence. This month, Filipinos all over the world have been celebrating the Philippine national day with events that proudly showcase and share our heritage, culture and traditions, as we remember our national heroes, like Dr. Jose Rizal, who with their exemplary patriotism, courage and sacrifice bequeathed to us the gifts of independence, freedom and democracy – gifts which we should cherish and ensure for future generations to enjoy.H.E. Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda with the Ambassador of United Arabs Emirates, H.E. Mr Saeed Ali Alnowais.It is a time for Filipinos to reinvigorate efforts toward nation building and social transformation. lndeed, it will take all Filipinos – whether they be engineers or caregivers, in civil or military service, in academe or the business sector, at home or abroad – we all need to work together for law, order, development and economic progress.So I would like to thank my kababayans in The Netherlands who have overcome many obstacles and difficulties, for keeping that indomitable Filipino spirit and love of country, for your invaluable contribution to your motherland, for being productive and abiding members of your host country, truly making you modern-day Philippine heroes and deserving of the best efforts of your Embassy in The Hague.lt was actually very heartwarming to personally witness Filipinos and many Dutch friends join hands in celebrating the Philippine national day all over the Kingdom of The Netherlands, in Spaarnwoude in Nord Holland; in Zuiderpark in Zuid Holland and Aruba in the Carribean. This is also an auspicious time to fondly renew our very friendly relations with the Kingdom of The Netherlands, recall our collaborations and chart how we can deepen our bilateral ties further. Let me focus on the water cooperation that the Republic of the Philippines and Kingdom of The Netherlands have forged, being natural partners in this sense, both countries being highly vulnerable to climate change and the impact of natural disasters.Five years ago, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines and your country responded with generous help and solidarity during the difficult times; for this we are sincerely grateful. Please be assured that we are one with you as with Sint Maarten which was severely affected by Hurricane lrma almost a year ago. On many occasions, our two countries have worked together in disaster risk reduction and management planning coastal defenses and exchange programs. After years of study and scoping missions, last January, we signed an MOU on the Sustainable Development Master Plan covering the 190 kilometer long coastline of Manila Bay.H.E. Marthiza Ruiz de Vielman, Ambassdor of Guatemala, H.E. Willys Delvalle, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru and Veronique Micléa, Tatiana Delvalle and Jane Berger de Salvador together with Ambassador Ledda and Gina.The formulation of the master plan will provide a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and management of the entire area and guidance for future decisions on programs and projects in Manila Bay.This will indeed be a challenging endeavor to undertake in the most densely populated area in the Philippines, Metro Manila, a megapolis where 12.8 million people live. But with Filipino best practices and resilience and Dutch experience and expertise combined, the framework and its implementation could become a model for water management and sustainable development to the world.Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Hiroshi Inomata, the Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Ambassador of Belgium, Christ Hormaert and the Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Fernando Arias.Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Gina and I together with my colleagues in the Philippine Embassy are truly honored and absolutely delighted by your gracious presence this evening. I sincerely thank all of you for joining us tonight despite your very busy schedules.Thank you very much for your kind support and very warm friendship. Please join me now in a toast to the Philippines, our friendship with the Kingdom of The Netherlands and to health and happiness for everyone. Mabuhay!”“The Nightingales“, from The Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy in the Hague in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism-Frankfurt and Turkish Airlines, hosted a Tourism Workshop. Turkish Airlines gave away two (2) roundtrip tickets to the Philippines.
A duo named “The Nightingales“, Bianca Camille Lopez and Ma. Rhina Paula Cruz animated the reception with their songs. They were jut great!
Thursday, 19 April 2018, Hamburg Airport: Adria Airways inaugurated its line from the hanseatic city to Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana, one of the few capitals that the airport did not hitherto served.
Hamburg Airport wins thereby a new attractive line for business travellers and tourists alike but also a new airline, for Adria Airways was until then not active in Fuhlsbüttel.
All in all there are 60 airlines represented at Hamburg Airport with 130 direct destinations, and 1000 with but a single transfer.
For further information:
Wednesday, 6-7 June 2018, Düsseldorf: NRW and the Chinese province of Sichuan have celebrated 30 years partnership with a high-ranking visit to Düsseldorf.
Representing Premier Armin Laschet, State Secretary Mark Speich received the Sino delegation led by the General Director of the Organisational Department of the Communist Party in Sichuan, Huang Jianfa. Main topic of conversation was trade relations, and how to intensify them further but also topics concerning electro-mobility, industry 4.0, digitalisation and sustainable city development.
The Province of Sichuan is located in the west of mainland China, and borders the Tibetan high plateau. Its capital Chengdu is the centre of finances and economy of West China. Sichuan’s industry is well-developed, and includes electronics, IT, automobile infrastructure, chemistry, medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Ambassador Inomata during Japan Self-Defence Forces Day.On June 26th, 2018, the Embassy of Japan organized a reception in order to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. For this occasion, H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata, his spouse Midori, and the Embassy’s staff welcomed a great number of Ambassadors and military attachées in the Ambassador’s residence.
Nine years had passed since the catastrophic end of World War II, when on July 1st, 1954, Japan retook full responsibilities for its security and established the Japan Self-Defense Forces. For the 64th anniversary of this event, the Embassy of Japan organized a reception at the Ambassador’s residence. A large number of guests attended the event, including many Ambassadors and military attachées from the Embassies in The Hague.
The guests were warmly welcomed at their arrival at the residence’s entrance, and were accompanied in the mansion’s main salon. There, H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata delivered a speech to celebrate the Japan Self-Defense Forces Day.
The Ambassador stressed the nature of Japan as a “peace-loving nation,” pursuing a policy of “proactive contribution to peace” not only for Japan, but also for Asia and the whole world. In this framework, he highlighted the pivotal role of not only deterrence, but also international cooperation.
Mrs Hayakawa, Colonel Kentaro Hayakawa, Defense Attaché, Mrs. Midori Inomata and His Excellency, Hiroshi Inomata.
As for this latter, H.E. Mr. Inomata noted Japan’s contribution in international peace cooperation efforts, with the participation in about 30 missions since the first dispatch of troops in Cambodia in 1992. More in particular, the Ambassador highlighted the efforts for enhancing bilateral military cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands. While the December 2016 memorandum on defense cooperation already strengthened the military partnership between the two countries, the Ambassador announced that further developments should be expected in the future.
H.E. Mr. Inomata also decided to spend a few words on the recent developments in the Korean peninsula. He expressed his country’s hope that North Korea will take “concrete measures for denuclearization in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner,” while also stressing Japan’s desire to “cooperate closely with the related countries.”
Concluding his speech, the Ambassador mentioned some of the fundamental values of Japan and the Netherlands, such as “freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” hoping that this convergence will lead to enhanced cooperation “for the sake of peace and stability in the world.”
The guests were then encouraged to enjoy the reception. The topics for conversation among those presents were many, ranging from Japan’s role in Asia to the ongoing OPCW Fourth Special Session of Conference of the States Parties. Such conversations were accompanied by several rounds of exquisite sake, sushi, and a variety of Japanese traditional dishes, enjoyed by the participants alongside their conversations.
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Pictures by the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands
Queen Elizabeth II and The Hon. Titilupe Fanetupouvava’u Tuita Tu’ivakano, High Commissioner of Tonga, Picture by the British Royal Household.Wednesday, 27 June 2018, London, UK, Buckingham Palace: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II held an audience with Her Excellency the Honourable Titilupe Fanetupouvava’u Tuita Kaho for the latter’s accreditation as High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga.
Her Majesty enquired after the Hon. Fanetupouvava’u’s father, Chief and IX Lord Tuita of ʻUtungake, the Honourable Siosa’ia Ma’ulupekotofa Tuita who was himself High Commissioner of Tonga to the United Kingdom between 1989 and 1992. Today the latter is Tonga’s General Consul based in San Francisco. The high commissioner’s mother is HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Pilolevu, sister of HM King Tupou VI of Tonga.
High Commissioner Fanetupouvava’u is also to be accredited to the European Union, and several European countries as the mission she now leads is Tonga’s only diplomatic entity in Europe.
The Hon. Fanetupouvava’u wore black during her presentation of credentials at St James’s Court to honour the recent passing of her aunt HRH Princess Taone Tuku’aho and uncle Siale ‘Ataongo Puloka.
For further information:
Tongan High Commission to the UK (Mission to the EU, Embassy to Israel, Russia, the Benelux countries, etc., H.E. The Hon. Fanetupouvava’u Tuita Kaho): http://tongahighcommission.com/about/
Diplomatic Corps accredited to Germany accompanied by President Frank alter Tinmeier. Mayor of Bremen Carsten Sieling in
July 3, 2018.
Wednesday, 27 June 2018, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen: A 150 members delegation arrived in Bremen accompanied by Germany’s highest representative, the Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Dr. Nikola Eterović, Apostolic Nuncio, and business representatives who landed on time at 9,30am at Bremen Airport, and were welcomed by the President of the Bremen Senate and Mayor Carsten Sieling.
Their first engagement was also related to airplanes; a visit to Airbus Group followed by a joint presentation by Ariane Group and OHB Bremen on the aviation industry. In fact, the first part of the visit was dedicated to the “Aviation City Bremen” before the delegation headed to the historic city centre for a family picture, and subsequently a guided tour of the City Hall, which is inscribed as UNESCO world heritage.
During a luncheon hosted by Mayor Carsten Sieling, the latter highlighted that Bremen in 2017 was the fastest growing economy from all German Bundesländer owing to the harbours of Bremen and Bremerhaven that are pivotal for the German industry, logistics and exports. Likewise the city-state is an attractive location for research and sciences with eight different universities, and over 35,000 students and researchers residing therein.
Second part of the programme was a trip to Bremerhaven, with a focus on migration and climate change issues as well as an evening reception for the diplomatic corps.
For further information:
Being listed gives them legal protection under international treaties.
The UN’s cultural organisation, meeting in Bahrain under the auspices of UNESCO’s Director General H.E. Mme. Audrey Azoulay, H.E. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of BACA, and H.E. ChairwomanSheikha Haya bint Rashed Al Khalifa, have been agreeing which landmark sites around the world need preserving for their cultural, historic or scientific significance.
Ancient port city: Qalhat, Oman
In the east of Oman, the walled city of Qalhat was a bustling port in the 11th and 15th Centuries. It is a “unique archaeological testimony” to the links between the east of Arabia and the rest of the world, says UNESCO.
Hidden Christian sites: Nagasaki, Japan
The site on Kyushu island consists of 10 villages, a castle and a cathedral and were built between the 18th and 19th Centuries, at a time when the Christian faith was banned in Japan.
They reflect the earliest activities of Christian missionaries and settlers in Japan, and “bear unique testimony to a cultural tradition nurtured by hidden Christians”, UNESCO says.
Gothic and Art Deco architecture: Mumbai, India
Having become a global trading hub in the late 19th century, Mumbai embarked on an ambitious urban planning project, constructing beautiful buildings for residential and commercial use. The Victorian buildings are more classical constructions with balconies and verandas, while the Art Deco buildings are cinemas, flats and hospitals in an array of colours.
“These two ensembles bear testimony to the phases of modernization that Mumbai has undergone in the course of the 19th and 20th centuries,” UNESCO says.
Evolving cultural oasis: Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Al-Ahsa, in the eastern Arabian peninsula, is the largest oasis in the world and has been home to humans from the Neolithic era to the present day. It also boasts 2.5 million date palms, gardens, canals, springs, wells, a drainage lake, historical buildings and archaeological sites.
UNESCO called it “an exceptional example of human interaction with the environment”.
Mountain monasteries: South Korea
The Sansa mountain monasteries in the south of South Korea have been operating as centres of faith since the 7th Century. The seven temples contain open courtyards with lecture halls, pavilions and ornate Buddha halls. UNESCO called them “sacred places, which have survived as living centres of faith and daily religious practice to the present”.Sassanid archaeological landscape: Iran’s Fars region
The mix of fortified structures, palaces, and city plans – at eight archaeological sites across Fars province – date back to the era of the Sassanian Empire, from the 3rd to 5th Centuries.
The sites not only reflect the “optimised utilisation of natural topography”, but also bear witness to the influence of Roman art and the Achaemenid and Parthian cultural traditions, UNESCO says.
Dry-walled settlement: Kenya
The Thimlich Ohinga is the largest and best preserved dry-stone wall settlement, typical of Kenya’s Lake Victoria region.
The settlement, situated north-west of Migori town, is thought to have been built in the 16th Century and appears to have served as a fort for communities and livestock. UNESCO called it “an exceptional example of the tradition of the first pastoral communities in the Lake Victoria Basin”.Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke: Germany and Denmark
The archaeological site of Hedeby consists of the remains of an emporium – or trading town – containing traces of roads, buildings, cemeteries and a harbour dating back to the 1st and early 2ndmillennia CE. It is enclosed by part of the Danevirke, a line of fortification crossing the Schleswig isthmus, which separates the Jutland Peninsula from the rest of the European mainland.
For further information: http://whc.UNESCO.org/en/newproperties/
Five years ago, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines and your country responded with generous help and solidarity during the difficult times; for this we are sincerely grateful. Please be assured that we are one with you as with Sint Maarten which was severely affected by Hurricane lrma almost a year ago.
On many occasions, our two countries have worked together in disaster risk reduction and management planning coastal defenses and exchange programs. After years of study and scoping missions, last January, we signed an MOU on the Sustainable Development Master Plan covering the 190 kilometer long coastline of Manila Bay.
Five years ago, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines and your country responded with generous help and solidarity during the difficult times; for this we are sincerely grateful. Please be assured that we are one with you as with Sint Maarten which was severely affected by Hurricane lrma almost a year ago.
On many occasions, our two countries have worked together in disaster risk reduction and management planning coastal defenses and exchange programs. After years of study and scoping missions, last January, we signed an MOU on the Sustainable Development Master Plan covering the 190 kilometer long coastline of Manila Bay.
