By Lucia Puttrich, Minister of European and Federal Affairs and Representative of the State of Hessen at the Federal Government. Hessen is a federal state, which is located in the middle of Europe and at the same time, deeply rooted to Europe. Through the airport in Frankfurt, one of most significant air traffic hubs of the world, and a large number of transnational companies, Hessen is globally oriented unlike any other German federal state. Our universities in Hessen and research institutes have an excellent international reputation and have a wide-reaching international (contact) network. The control centre of the European Space Agency (ESA) ,located in Darmstadt, makes us Europe’s doorstep into space. Finally, Frankfurt is also one of the most important financial centres on the European peninsula and hosts, in addition to the European Central Bank, several other financial institutions. The skyline of Frankfurt resembles that of an American metropole, therefore the city has received the nickname of ‘Mainhattan’.

Keeping this in mind, it becomes self-evident that the state government of Hessen has a strong interest to have our position in Europe voiced and understood. This is my responsibility, which I enjoy fulfilling on a European level in Brussel and on a national level in Berlin. With a combination of federal and European affairs, important decisions are made significantly faster. A lot of decisions, which are being made in Brussels, have to be further translated into the national law. The Federal Council, as the representative of the federal states, play a crucial role in these affairs.

Both representatives are an important showcase of Hessen in Brussel and Berlin. Delegates, representatives of companies and several other politically interested people enjoy coming to Hessen in order to network with us and each other. In Brussel, we are working close with several other regions, namely, Emilia-Romaga, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Wielkopolska, since we believe that regions play a vital role in the development of the European Union. In this regard, the federal structure of Germany plays a significant role.

Citizens from Hessen are closely related to their home, which stands out for its distinctive dialect and traditional dishes. Dishes such as ‘Handkäs’, ‘Grüne Soße’ and ‘Ebbelwoi’ are specialities that make the cuisine from Hessen remarkable. At the same time, we are dedicated Europeans and stand for a community based on similar norms and values. After two world wars, this community has provided the European continent with the longest phase of peace, freedom and wealth in its lengthy and ever-changing history. Neighbours and Enemies have turned into partners and friends. This united Europe can be regarded as a benchmark for several other regions in the world. On the other hand, The European Union currently faces several challenges, of which the withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union is just one. Never before, in the history of the union, has another country decided to leave. Brexit will have significant effects on Hessen due to the international connections in economy and science within the federal state. Nevertheless, we also view this change as an opportunity to establish something new. The government of Hessen is working on providing this. In a rapidly changing world we, as Europeans, have to face these upcoming tasks. I am convinced, that most of these tasks, such as the flow of migrants, can only be solved with partners outside of Europe. At the same time, I am also convinced that we will be able to do so. As the Minister for the federal and European affairs of Hessen, I will provide my help in this.

By H.E. Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs. – Ms Hyslop, everyone is acquainted to the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, The Rt Hon Boris Johnson yet few are aware that through devolution Scotland is entitled to a degree of external (i.e. foreign) policy, which you embody since 2011. What is briefly your role as Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs? To which degree is Scotland able to conduct a policy on external affairs, and which are the ongoing priorities. My role is simply to promote Scotland where it is, and where she wants to be. Through devolution and normally through the Commonwealth Secretariat, we can engage with foreign governments, and in fact do, but in practice we accomplish much more. For example, in globally significant issues such as climate change, Scotland has exemplary legislation. From anywhere in the world, we have the most powerful wind turbine near Aberdeen, which is due to power up to 70% of the city’s energy needs, and we hope to expand this success to other cities. We have world leading universities in Scotland, four in total before even the English counterparts such as Oxford were founded. Our research is likewise remarkable, and Germany is our main partner in the latter field in connection to our universities. Our reach is global, we have Scottish offices in Beijing, in Washington D.C., Dublin, London, and now also in Berlin. This is an important statement from the Scottish Government to highlight the importance of Germany as our partner in Europe. While we do not engage in defence policy, we have so much work to do promoting exports, trade, environmental protection and education.

– Scotland’s Government is represented in London, Dublin, Brussels, Beijing and Washington DC. Now also in Berlin. Why Berlin, why Germany? Will the office liaise also for other countries? Germany is number one vis-à-vis our university partnerships, number two concerning tourism and as trading market. This summer is particularly important, for Glasgow and Berlin are co-hosting the European Championships. People will be attending physically as well as watching all over Europe. What better example of European cooperation between Scotland and Germany? The Berlin’s office’s location allows us to combine increasing government contacts as well as the promotion of tourism, trade and research. In terms of historical connections, the links go back very far. For example, William Wallace in the XIII century wrote a letter encouraging ties with the Hanseatic League, chiefly cities in the German Empire. We also wish to use our Berlin hub to reach out to Central Europe in particular. People may not be aware than almost half of EU nationals living in Scotland hail from Poland. Our Polish connections are very important for us as well. The Baltic States might also be included because of our Nordic-Baltic Strategy. As you are likely aware when Scottish philosopher David Hume visited the then Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, he wrote that “should Germany be united, it would make the greatest country” in Europe. The Hanoverians once inherited the British throne through their Stuart consanguinity, and their descendants are still at the helm of the UK. Are you planning to build upon the historical bands between Germany and Scotland. I am focusing on the future, and naturally understanding each other, which comes from fathoming the past. We would like to ensure that our connections have a focus on young people, hence the very first European Championships hosted jointly by Glasgow and Berlin are so important to us. Culture will play a role during the event. For instance, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of Arts in Berlin will host a concert together, and there will be a plethora of opportunities for youngsters to convene. We want relations based on building a common future. – The Commonwealth of Nations Summit 2018 was just held at London 19-20 April. What role plays Scotland within this free association of 53 sovereign states? What do you say to those who deem it as the prime alternative to EU membership? For the Scottish Government remaining in the EU is the preferred choice, unfortunately some of the other parts of the United Kingdom voted to leave the Union, and that goes against our wishes. We shall endeavour to maintain the best ties with the EU, ideally within the Common Market. On the other side, many Scots left Scotland generations ago to all parts of what is today the Commonwealth. Hence you shall find many Canadian, New Zealanders or Australians, for example, with Scottish descent who maintain their ties with Scotland, and this encourages our contact with other countries. Scotland also has a significant development aid budget, where we work with countries of the Commonwealth such as Malawi. In fact, our development aid has had a huge impact for the country, and the President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika recently paid a visit to Scotland to reinforce our connections. This is a practical example of our active diplomacy but also of the people-to-people contacts which are paramount for our external affairs. For further information: Fiona Hyslop: https://beta.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/cabinet-secretary-culture-tourism-external-affairs/ http://www.parliament.scot/msps/currentmsps/Fiona-Hyslop-MSP.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiona_Hyslop European Championships 2018 in Berlin and Glasgow: https://www.europeanchampionships.com      

The Ambassador of Brazil’s welcome speech. 6. 12th BND The Hague. Photographer Maira Ximenes. By H.E. Regina Maria Cordeiro Dunlop, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil of the Netherlands.   The economic relations between Brazil and The Netherlands, which date back to the XVI century, are nowadays stronger than ever, due to significant flows of bilateral investments and trade, and the presence of important companies of Brazil in The Netherlands, and Dutch companies in Brazil. Ever since I arrived at The Hague as Ambassador of Brazil, in February 2017, I have been trying to foster these economic ties even further. Besides receiving relevant business delegations and governmental missions in the fields of transportation, agribusiness, innovation and tourism, the Embassy works on a daily basis to promote better knowledge between Brazilian and Dutch business communities. In this regard, the Brazil National Day (BND) is the most important investment and trade promotion initiative organized by the Embassy. Twice a year, the BND brings together an average of 300 participants, mainly executives from Dutch businesses that invest (or plan to invest) in Brazil, CEOs of Brazilian companies established in The Netherlands, governmental authorities, opinion makers, Brazilian entrepreneurs, as well as business delegations from different States of Brazil.      

Throughout its 14 editions, organized since 2011, always in association with a Dutch municipality, the BND has served as a platform for exchange in many sectors in different regions of The Netherlands. Its most recent editions were dedicated to renewable energy and biofuels (Rio Grande do Sul and Rotterdam, March 2018), agriculture and agribusiness (Santa Catarina and Utrecht, November 2017) and port cooperation and tourism (Ceará and The Hague, March 2017). Besides building bridges between private companies, the BND has also been attracting significant governmental presence. Organized in cooperation with the Municipality of The Hague in March 2017, the 12th BND had, as its guest of honor, the Governor of the Brazilian state of Ceará, Camilo Santana, who came to The Netherlands accompanied by a delegation of 40 governmental officials and businessmen. The event was also attended by representatives from the West Holland Foreign Investment Agency and from the Municipality of The Hague. The contacts held in the occasion led to significant developments, such as the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Port of Rotterdam and the port of Pecém, as well as the opening of a new KLM flight to Brazil, a direct service to the city of Fortaleza beginning May 2018.  

In November 2017, the BND was held jointly with the Municipality of Utrecht and Rabobank. As keynote speakers, the Vice-Minister of Agriculture of Brazil, Eumar Novacki, and the President of the Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (FIESC), who informed about the Brazilian agribusiness sector as well as the prospects and opportunities of doing business in the Southern region of Brazil. The audience also heard presentations from the Mayor of Utrecht, Jan van Zanen, from the Director General of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and from a representative of Rabobank Manage Board.   The most recent edition of the BND, in cooperation with the Municipality of Rotterdam, took place in March 2018. Officers from the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy and from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, representatives from Shell and Petrobras, secretaries from the state of Rio Grande do Sul and a business delegation led by Federation of Industries of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (FIERGS) discussed opportunities in the sector of renewable energies, with emphasis on bioenergy. Through initiatives like the BND, the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague facilitates business and investment opportunities for Brazilian and Dutch entrepreneurs. As Brazil ushers in a new period of economic growth and development, the positive results of BND also show us, more than ever, that pursuing business opportunities in Brazil is mutually beneficial.

By H. E. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanon to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I present my warmest greetings to the readers of Diplomat Magazine. I have the honour to be, since the 21^st of February the new Ambassador of Lebanon to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The impressions, I have had of the Netherlands in these past few weeks, are of a beautiful country. The nature is well preserved, and the efficient sustainable development can be seen everywhere in the Dutch landscapes. The cities I have visited till now, privately or officially are all elegant, full of cultural and historical sites. These two elements, a beautiful nature and a rich heritage, when mixed with the friendliness and open minded spirit of the Dutch people, give the formula that makes the Kingdom of the Netherlands one of the big tourist destinations in the world. Lebanon “Le pays des Cèdres” has this magic formula too. It is a small country. It’s surface is 10.452 Km, smaller than the Kingdom of the Netherlands by almost 4 times. The same applies regarding its population (4,6 millions). But Lebanon is a very rich and diverse country. The natural landscape is composed of a varied coastline, where sandy and rocky shores give the opportunity for multiple water sports all year long. A second feature of the natural landscape in Lebanon is its mountains that culminate at the height of 3,088m. This makes my country one of the rare ski destinations in the Middle East with ski seasons that can last till the end of April. This fact means that tourists can enjoy snow skiing and the pristine waters of the Mediterranean in the same time. Lebanon is also rich in its historical and cultural heritage. It has some historical sites dating back to 7000BC. The Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Ottomans, all passed, ruled and left their mark in these ancient lands. This explains why a small country like Lebanon has five sites on the UNESCO World heritage list: Anjar, Baalbeck, Byblos, Ouadi Quadisha, Tyre. If the visitor does not have enough time to visit all the famous historical sites spread all around Lebanon, a half day spent at the National Museum in Beirut, would surely give him a condensed preview of the rich history of the country. As for the lovers of cultural and artistic vibes, Beirut would give them a treat with its numerous galleries, theatres and music halls. The third element of the magic formula, the friendliness of the Lebanese people is as famous as their exquisite cuisine, all over the world. Composed of eighteen religious confessions, they are tolerant and open to all cultures of the world, and master in addition to Arabic, the French and English languages. This explains why Europeans find it easy to live and communicate in Lebanon. I encourage the readers of Diplomat Magazines to visit my beautiful country. To help me in convincing them to do this trip, I present some pictures of Lebanon, cause as we say a picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoy!

---

For additional information please visit the Ministry of Tourism of Lebanon, www.mot.gov.lb  Photography by the Ministry of Tourism of Lebanon.

H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the EU and the Benelux countries. Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia, a region that lies at the heart of the Eurasian continent. Uzbek people have a rich history, culture, art, and literature. Among the array of values that characterize the Uzbek society, family definitely plays a major role. The people believe that a strong family is the basis of a strong society, and therefore they assign to it a great value when making their choices, both in the personal and the political sphere. For instance, Uzbekistan declared the Preservation of the Family Institute as one of its priorities, and the government has invested a lot of money and efforts to create favorable conditions for mothers to care about their families. In order to do so, a number of state programs have been recently implemented in the country, focusing for instance on the improvement of medical services for the population, and specifically for women and children. In addition, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has lately directed his efforts at improving the system of preschool education, thus positively impacting the lives of the 2.45 million Uzbek children in preschool age. Moreover, it is planned that in 2017-2021 the country will implement a special state program for construction and reconstruction of kindergartens. Вy 2018 alone, the plan envisages an investment of about $100 million for reconstruction of 427 kindergartens. The state is also taking care of women in need of social protection and psychological support. For instance, the State Women’s Committee, chaired by the government’s Deputy Prime Minister, who is in charge of women’s affairs, has been a focal agency to coordinate nationwide programs in this regard. Besides, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been championing further enhancement of state’s efforts to protect women’s rights, and to provide them with additional opportunities for realizing their potential. For instance, the latest Presidential decree mandated the establishment of “Oila” (Family) Scientific and Practical Research Center under the Cabinet of Ministers. The aim of this newly established think-tank is to identify and address a range of problems affecting women, and to provide support to families on the ground. Specifically, in 2017 the Center provided family and marriage-related consultations to over 5 million families, thus preventing 22,000 divorces, employing 36,000 women, and allocating preferential loans to 14,500 people. As for the employment, Uzbek women make up 45.5% of the country’s whole workforce, and 34% of the whole number of private company managers. Besides, women hold an array of relevant positions in Uzbek society: 500 of them are doctors of sciences and academicians, 15 are Heroes of Uzbekistan, 17 are senators, and 16 are members of the Lower house of the Parliament. The government and the people of Uzbekistan believe that, in times of globalization and mutual penetration of cultures, the preservation of national cultural and moral values is an important matter. And, in this process, the family is a major pillar. To this end, the country is currently drafting a Concept of Strengthening the Family Institute: this institute will identify the main priorities for all stakeholders in the process of making the family a primary cell of society, in order to preserve the traditions of the Uzbek people. Despite being different countries in different parts of the world, Uzbekistan and the Netherlands are somewhat similar in terms of protecting and empowering women. On the one hand, the Dutch are well known for their values of freedom, protection, and tolerance. On the other hand, Uzbekistan can be proud of its accomplishments in this regard, especially among fellow Central Asian countries and in the Islamic world at large. To closely observe Uzbekistan’s achievements and explore opportunities for cooperation, Diplomat Magazine is currently planning a visit to Uzbekistan in July this year. Women ambassadors accredited in the Netherlands and a number of women leaders from business and industry would be invited to this trip. In light of vast transformations which are now underway in Uzbekistan, interaction between women leaders from various countries might well lead to a broader dialogue on the very important issues, such as preservation and strengthening of family values. Diplomat Magazine is proud to facilitate this process, and to be part of this interesting and relevant initiative.