On the picture Sheila Turabaz and H.E. Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja. Photography by Roy Strik . By Sheila Turabaz.
On the 26th of October, the Carlton Ambassador Hotel once again served as the backdrop for the Diplomats Meet and Greet. This time, the much anticipated and well-attended networking event organized by Diplomat Magazine and the Diplomatic Card was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Indonesia.
An eclectic mix of representatives from the corps diplomatique, international organizations, the business sector and others mingled that evening whilst enjoying the finest Indonesian cuisine, such as the classics nasi goring, gado-gado and rendang as well as “Sayah Liquor”, an Indonesian liquor with the unique flavour of spekkoek (an Indonesian layer cake) containing hints of cardamom, cinnamon, anise and vanilla.
H.E. Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, ambassador of Indonesia, welcomed guests, presenting himself as “the food and cultural curator” of the night . He considers it to be one of his favorite functions:
“Food is like a chemistry. It is mixed with different elements. A single bite, will give a variety of taste and nurtures our palate. A single bite, gives us a pleasure to enter into another world. (…) Culture, like food, offers different story lines. (…) While quoting Mahatma Ghandi, the ambassador said that “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. It provides us a clear understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture and traditions. In turn, we all become cultural enthusiasts and at peace with each other.” Guests were treated with artistic performances by InaDance, a traditional Indonesian dance group based in the Netherlands and pianist Stephanus Maximilian Harsono, who won the prestigious Prinses Christina Concours prize in 2014.
Interesting conversations took place, business cards were exchanged, and fabulous food and drinks were enjoyed by all. It’s safe to say that this was yet another successful edition of Diplomats Meet and Greet.
By Diplomat Magazine.
Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Linda Zin, the wife of the Malaysian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We strolled through The Hague, talking about responsibility, work and love. We stopped at the historical Hotel Des Indes in the picturesque Lange Voorhout neighborhood. When sitting down for a cup of tea, we decided to ask her some questions.
Q1: As the spouse of the Malaysian Ambassador, how do you see your role and duties in representing you country?
The role as a spouse to an ambassador is quite similar to my career back home in corporate marketing. It is simply hospitality at its best.
Perhaps, the difference is that now instead of representing a corporation, I represent a country. Further, instead of translating the hospitality to dollars and cents, I translate my conduct and mannerism to the good, dignified name and positive image of Malaysia. That is my primary role and duties here, although I certainly believe that the best way to do it is just simply “to be myself” and “to have lots of fun” doing it.Q2: In the two years that you are here, how do you perceive the Netherlands? Tell us about a time before coming to your first posting as spouse, what expectations did you have at the time and how you performed together with more “experienced spouses”?
The Netherlands is a liberal country with warm people and well developed economy. Recently, I had an opportunity to join my husband to Brainport in Eindhoven and learned about the city’s massive success in bringing back economic life to the city after the economic crisis in the 1990s. I think that the city of Eindhoven is the precise reflection of what the whole country is, in terms of its coordination, synergy and knowledge sharing among the Government, the universities and the industries players. All with one common goal, which is in finding what works best for their people and for the country.
The Dutch are fun and united too. I joined the crowd during the King’s Day when I first arrived in 2015 and I was amazed that it takes only one color, Orange to unite the whole nation.
I also feel very safe, mostly in my neighborhood in Wassenaar. For example, I feel completely safe to go for my run alone in the evening, a simple pleasure like that which I would not be able to enjoy in my neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur.
Overall, I am impressed with the quality of life and the living condition here compared to other European cities that I have been to. After all, I do not have much to complain for a country which its Prime Minister cycled to see his King at the Palace to present to the His Majesty the list of the Cabinet Ministers!
I consider myself as very lucky to be in The Netherlands for my first posting although my husband has been posted to the USA and Indonesia before.
When we received the news that we will be assuming these roles, I did not put any expectation or benchmark to myself but I know it is going to be intricately delicate and demanding at the same time.
It is well understood that being spouses to diplomats, we have certain responsibilities to fulfill and they are all back in supporting our spouses’ official duties in promoting the interest of our country.
I have been blessed too, to become friends with many other spouses of the ambassadors here because of our involvement in the Ambassadors’ Spouses Association (ASA), The Hague. ASA has been an effective platform for me to connect and learn from other more experienced spouses.
Q3: What have you done so far to increase Malaysia’s visibility in the Netherlands? What are your plans, how much more can be done as you perceive the future during your mandate?I accompany my husband in many diplomatic and social functions and gatherings. I take pride in wearing Malaysian’s traditional costume, mostly “baju kurung” to these events. I would also do the same when receiving our dignitaries from home at Schiphol Airport or when I am hosting in our Residence. It is my way in expressing my patriotism and the confidence that comes with it and it is tremendously gratifying.
Malaysia is also enthusiastic in gastro-diplomacy. I have organized numerous culinary events to promote Malaysian food here among the corps diplomatique, the locals, international school community and others. Recently in September we invited one of our celebrity Chefs from Malaysia for a cooking demonstration with the theme of “Street Food of Malaysia” and it was very well received by the guests.
Going forward I would still keep on doing what we are doing best here but I would also like to take the opportunity in shifting the focus to learn and gain from the experiences of the Dutch in the areas that Malaysia and other ASEAN countries could improve on, for example in bridging the gender inequality and key sectors that have specific focus on women’s development.
Q4: Tell us something about your involvement in ASA and the ASEAN Ladies Circle.
I am the Secretary of Ambassadors’ Spouses Association (ASA), The Hague and the President of the ASEAN Ladies Circle (ALC), The Hague.
ASA celebrates diversity and practices equality. Therefore, we do not have ranks in the association. My role as a Secretary is mainly administrative and to handle official correspondences and communications with the members. Together with other committee members, we would plan for activities that we deem could foster closer friendship among the members and local community.
The challenge does lies in finding the right activity that suits the demographic, dynamic and interest of the members. I would really like to encourage more spouses to get more involved with ASA.
Additionally, the association is reviving and all the 5 countries are responding, supporting and cooperating well with each other. At every quarter we will organize an activity which aims to encourage cordial interaction among the members. We do not look at only organizing activity within our circle but also collaborating with other organization, for example in May this year we have organized together with Diplomatic Magazine and Hague Bridge a cycling activity around The Hague which was also joined by all the ASEAN Ambassadors in The Hague. In the coming years, I hope to see that ALC, The Hague would also be thriving as ASEAN is advancing.
Q5: What is your greatest strength and what you can say to the new spouses coming to The Hague to fulfill their role?
You need to have a big heart full of kindness, a growth mindset and positive outlook as this role is almost philanthropic. It is also important to be involved with others beyond your community and official duties as there are many opportunities and platforms to be explored here.
Q6: Is there something you would like to share with the Diplomatic community in The Hague and/or with population in general?
The world today is full of endless possibilities with the advancement of humanity and technology. The world today too, is full of challenges, mistrust, confusion and uncertainties in many parts of the world. People are suffering from poverty, war and injustice.
As a member of the world community we should all come together and do our part to promote peace, harmony and justice. And to me, it is not hard at all. In the simplest manner, we are all can be kind regardless of who we are.
Kindness is empowering and the best place to start is in our own home.
As a mother, I think that it is vital for the parents to model kindness to their children. It is the core of all the education that we could provide to our children. It is so powerful that it will further shape their character and eventually mold our societies, flourish our nations and evolve our world to become a better place for all.
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Photography by Roy Strik.
Esther Boers, General Manager of Carlton Ambassador Hotel, The Hague.Photography by Marian van Noort.By Diplomat Magazine.
The Carlton Ambassador, located in one of the most beautiful street of The Hague, serves many functions.
Foremost, the Mansion operates as Diplomat Magazine’s headquarters and is the venue of our traditional Diplomat Meet and Greets. Additionally, the venue hosts celebrations for national days, and is often the site where Ceremonies of Merit are presented for parting ambassadors.
In order to cater to all of these events, effective and sharp management is necessary. We asked Esther Boers, current manager of the Carlton Ambassador, how she upholds the prestige associated with this establishment.
Diplomat Magazine: How do you see your role and duties representing Carlton Ambassador vis-a-vis the international community in The Hague?
Esther Boers: We are a Mansion in The Hague, where every guest is more than welcome. So everyone is welcomed with this idea of a “warm embrace”.
We have great relationships with different types of international communities and we want to let them be part of our Mansion in any way, be that for events, drinking coffee, or high tea.
Diplomat Magazine: In the two years that you have been managing the hotel, what have you done so far to increase the Carlton Ambassador visibility in the Netherlands? What are your plans, and how much more can be done in future while maintaining this position?
Esther Boers: Firstly, we are branding the Carlton Ambassador hotel by hiring a Brand Ambassador. We also made a blueprint of the hotel. We answered questions like, “why are we doing this?,” “what is our main purpose?” We have gone through this trajectory with all the team members.
Additionally, our Sales Department connects with local communities and people to share our words and to show them who we are. We work with local and Dutch entrepreneurs to be more connected to the city. We also work closely with the Hague Marketing.
Finally, we changed our website completely and we invest a lot in marketing activities.
We feel special that we meet so many different nationalities in the hotel. That is what makes our work so interesting and meaningful as well. The diplomatic community is part of The Hague and also part of our hotel. We are grateful to work together and to be a good place for them. We provide a place where they feel home, where they receive unlimited hospitality.
I want to share with you that our Mansion is so much more than a hotel. We are a place to meet, greet, laugh, talk, eat, work, sleep and enjoy life! When you are in The Hague for business, I can promise you that you will feel like a leisure guest when you enter our Mansion, because of our special ambiance and because of all the Ambassadors who work in the hotel. Every individual team member has the passion and drive to make your stay as memorable as possible.
By Mirko Zambelli, Minister, Embassy of Switzerland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
After completing a round-the-world trip in his solar catamaran PlanetSolar in 2012, Swiss adventurer Raphaël Domjan was wondering what on earth to do next. The field of innovations in eco-transportation was becoming more competitive. Another Swiss project, the manned solar airplane Solar Impulse, was underway and managed to fly around the world in 2016. Since Domjan also wanted to take to the air, and his colleagues were making their mark with long-distance horizontal flights, he decided to go vertical – to the edge of space.
At the invitation of the Swiss Embassy and with the support of Presence Switzerland, Domjan and CEO/chief engineer of SolarStratos, Roland Loos, visited TU Delft on October 19 to present their project. Addressing the knowledgeable audience gathered for his evening lecture at the aeronautical faculty, Domjan explained how his ultra-light, solar-powered airplane SolarStratos, only 8.5 metres in length, will be capable of flying to a height of 25,000 metres.
“SolarStratos is a symbol of the pioneering spirit, of the dream, of innovation with the aim of demonstrating the potential of renewable energies and energy efficiency”, he explained.
The team brought along a model of the delicate-looking airplane, whose shape is reminiscent of a dragonfly. The faculty’s students had already taken the opportunity to quiz Loos about the technical details during a preceding lunchtime lecture, and guests had the opportunity to meet the team during a reception following the presentation.
Domjan’s flight to the stratosphere is scheduled for next year, and will take off from an as yet to be determined location near the equator, where the sun’s strength is at its maximum. Twenty-two square metres of solar panels on SolarStratos’ long wings are the only source of energy for the electric motor. Given the lack of oxygen and extreme cold at that height, Domjan will wear a space suit, which has been provided by Russian partners. The flight is expected to take about five and a half hours.
DELFT – TU Delft L&R – Presentatie Solar Stratos. – FOTO GUUS SCHOONEWILLE
It is this adventuresome spirit of innovation and international cooperation that keeps Switzerland at the top of international innovation rankings. As a small country with few natural resources, it has a long tradition of fostering new ideas to develop the economy. Its research landscape, too, is an open space – currently, two thirds of the scientists working in Swiss universities come from abroad, and hundreds of young Swiss researchers work and gain experience outside their own borders.
In a true spirit of collegiality, and given that SolarStratos is technically a two-seater, the pilot of Solar Impulse and Domjan’s friend, Bertrand Piccard, will join Domjan for an initial flight to break the altitude record for a manned solar-powered flight, which Piccard hat set at 9,235 metres. After that, Domjan will make his riskier solo trip to the stratosphere. “Today, adventures and explorations are not done to discover unknown continents or to beat records,” he said. “Their aim is to protect the environment and its biodiversity. In this way we can restore real meaning to the terms progress and innovation.”
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For more information, please visit https://www.solarstratos.com/en/
ByMara Lemanis.
In his Politics, Aristotle states: “He who trusts any man with supreme power gives it to a wild beast, for such his appetite sometimes makes him: passion influences those in power, even the best of men…”
But as a descendant from the Baltic States, particularly Latvia, I have noted that power does not need to be vested in a single man for a country to fall under the sway of autocracy. And that autocracy can be captured not just by one “wild beast” but by a coalition of governing systems.
Riga, Latvia.
A case in point is Latvia: it does not legislate state subsidies nor does it regulate party finances more than nominally. Political parties enjoy rather cozy ties to major economic interests that are no different from the sway of vast corporate lobbies that contribute to and control the Republicans and Democrats in America. These unregulated ties between various factions and economic enterprises in Latvia have produced an undemocratic dependency, turning several parties into that wild beast that devours whatever tries to check its habits.
Civil liberties, or human rights, are essential to democracies, but the World Bank has indexed countries that have been captured by companies and business interests that infiltrate legislation, regulation, the judiciary, and political decisions based mainly–often exclusively–on economic decisions advantageous to themselves. Consequently everything from the courts to the office of the president, including political parties, parliaments and ministries, become pawns in the play of economic dominion.
Biased interest groups are then in a position to offer bribes or outright payment to politicians who ingratiate the group’s interests, receive campaign funds, and gain seats in parliament that will effect policies to profit their businesses.
A consensus of belief among political scientists used to be that if the economy is solid, democracy is guaranteed. That idea has been upset by the growth of prosperity in many countries–China, Saudi Arabia—without any accompaniment of political freedoms.
But the greater shock to that belief comes from countries where economic crises trigger political reforms. Brazil’s economic crisis swerved from military rule to a more civil society; Mexico went through some of the same pattern in the 1980s; and Indonesia’s 1997 financial crisis spiraled into political reforms.
However, more often crises simply make way for authoritarian rule. Coalitions of integrated elites and despotic leaders become the last resort for a nation made vulnerable by economic chaos. Strongmen and autocratic parties step into the disruption, promising crackdowns on feuding groups within the polity to ensure a stable government, and win popular support and confidence not through violent overthrow but through straightforward elections.
Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have all elected leaderships that suppress the freedoms of their citizens. The president, prime minister, and the ruling factions in charge start shutting down independent media. Opponents’ revenues are often reduced or divested through co-opting their advertisers, while any dissenting news that trickles out is distorted by reports that disseminate false stories and misinterpret events in order to victimize foreigners, liberals, and other resistant groups.
Since elections are the paradigm for democracy, autocratic leaders and coalitions espouse them to validate legitimacy for themselves. Having won an election, such leaders can then claim popular support in subverting institutions with democratic constituents, and strip power from various departments and ministries, dismantle term limits, or increase presidential power. In such cases, those who criticize the ascendant government are smeared as undemocratic, as willfully undermining the people’s franchise.
Diplomacy is derailed, coercion becomes the negotiating beast.
Even when nations seem economically stable, they are susceptible to cultural exclusion or segregation. The leader or controlling party is in a position to mold voters toward partisan affinities, influencing them to react with hostility against candidates from an opposition party. That is a typical response infecting voters who are ready to excuse autocratic behavior because they dislike the groups and politicians who detract from the policies their leaders support.
Within national communities populism can become harnessed to ethnic dominance of one group over another, basically weakening, even neutralizing ethnic minorities. The effect does produce stability, but at the cost of civic liberties, at the demotion of human rights.
Tallinn-Estonia
Among the Baltic nations, it is Estonia that has been most able to maintain an inclusive civic democracy. Not as heavily Russified as Latvia during the Soviet occupation, it was less constrained to mount its aspirations. Thus it was able to assemble various informal networks of cultural ideals and intellectual coordinates that operated at the level of grass-roots incentives. The social networks fostered Citizen Committees and independent clubs that reclaimed Estonian history, reviving national identity.
Within the EU community Estonia might serve as a model for democratic development that could succor civil liberties in several other countries.
By Sunday Oyinloye.
Nigeria and Ghana have over the years enjoyed good economic and political relations. They also have mutual respect for each other. However, what has happened between July 2017 and now is phenomena, a plus to President Muhammadu Buhari administration which is anchored on positive change.
When a professional who is committed and dedicated is placed in a position of authority, the people will surely feel the impact and the society will be better for it . The fragrance coming from Ghana today is very encouraging and a new dawn not only in Nigeria-Ghana relations at governmental level, but a new lease of life for Nigerians living in Ghana because of the transformation that has taken place at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana.
The man driving the change agenda of the Government of Nigeria in Ghana is a seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Olufemi Michael Abikoye, who arrived Ghana in the middle of July this year and presented his letter of Credence to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo on 18th August, 2017.
Like a good administrator who he is, immediately after presenting his letter of Credence, Ambassador Abikoye hit the ground running by cementing relationship with key stakeholders that could make his assignment a smooth sail in Ghana. Few months after, the positive results are visible.
As an experienced diplomat, few days after taking his instrument of office, Abikoye paid courtesy call on allies of Nigeria in the diplomatic community and also paid courtesy calls on key government officials that will be instrumental in accomplishing his goal in Ghana. They include Inspector General of Police, David Asante Apeatu, the DG, Ghana Immigration, Minister of Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery, DG of Ghana Prisons, the Director State, Protocol, Chief of Protocol and other key Ghanaian government officials.
The energetic High Commissioner within five months in office has visited five out of the ten regions of Ghana to have town hall meetings with Nigerians in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Central, Western and Greater Accra Regions.
The strategy is to afford the High Commissioner the opportunity of meeting Nigerians at the grassroots level, garner information about various challenges confronting them and also serve as a platform of informing the communities of the developments back in Nigeria
Not only did Abikoye met communities in these regions, the High Commissioner also had interface with officials as well as the Nigerian students in various tertiary institutions in the regions such as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), Garden City University, Kumasi, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Brong Ahafo Region Cape Coast University (Central Regions) and University of Ghana, Legon (Greater Accra Region)
Ambassador Abikoye used his diplomatic experience to negotiate the downward review of fees paid by Nigerian students as this was a major challenge raised by the students when he met with them. The good news from this is that the management of the various institutions have given assures that they would look into this request and give positive feedback.
Interestingly, the visit of the High Commissioner to the Ministers, Mayors, Regional Police Commanders, the paramount traditional rulers in the various Regions have paved the way for greater collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana.
Besides, the 7th Ghana- Nigeria Permanent Joint Commission held between 18th and 20th October, 2017 was historic because it had been pending for a long period, but Abikoye’s arrival made the meeting a reality. This is expected to cement and foster both bilateral and multilateral the unique relationship that exist between Ghana and Nigeria. The other leg will be held soon in Nigeria.
The good thing is that the two countries are expected to sign nine MOUs and seven agreements, including, Economic, Finance, Trade and Investments, Diplomatic Consultations, Immigration Service, Food & Drugs control as well as Treaty on Prison Transfer, Youths and Sports, Education, Culture , Transportation and Air Service developments.
Determined to make the Mission more accessible, Ambassador Abikoye revived its website .There is no doubt that this will go a long way in assisting Nigerians living Ghana to know the activities of the Mission and happenings in Nigeria.
A proactive personality who understands that the future of Nigeria belongs to the youth, Ambassador Abikoye also took turn to visit all Nigerian owned institutions in Ghana to entreat them to absorbing, the Nigerian students and their Ghanaian counterparts during their holidays for internship in order for them to be engaged productively during the period and further canvassed for permanent placement on graduation.
On consular matters, the High Commissioner has ensured issuance of Nigerian Passport/Visas within 48hrs and immediate production of passports for students and Nigerians from far away Regions. This step has been commended by the Nigerian community in Ghana. In addition, with discussion the High Commissioner had with the DG, Ghana Immigration, the visitor’s visas for Nigerians is expected to be reviewed from 60 days to 90 days.
Ambassador Abikoye in his five months as the High Commissioner has visited all major companies with Nigerian interest in Ghana . The list is long, GTBank, UBA, Zenith, First Atlantic, Access, Energy. Insurance companies; RegencyNem, Equity, WAPIC. He also visited SIFAX Agency, Dangote Cement, Sahara Group among others.
In all the places visited, Abikoye admonished them to be good ambassadors in their dealings and to continue diligently in flying Nigerian flag higher in their respective businesses.
The job of an Ambassador is not just to represent the interests of his country, it is a complex position which requires a man or woman with the right frame of mind, administrative acumen and intellectual capability, attributes which Ambassador Abikoye possess. It is therefore not surprising that he has made a meaningful impact in just five months in office. However, my advice to Ambassador Abikoye is not to relent as he continues to fly Nigerian Green- White- Green flag to the next level in Ghana
Oyinloye is the Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, a weekly international online magazine in Nigeria
On the picture Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, President Petro Poroshenko and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.By H.E. Mr Mykola Tochytskyi, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU.2017 will be marked as the year of major milestones in Ukraine-EU relations. Recent full entry into force of the Association Agreement and introduction of visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens represent those symbolic achievements, which Ukrainians stood up for during the Revolution of Dignity (2013-2014) and continue to die from Russian aggression in the East of the country. For Ukraine AA/DCFTA became a comprehensive blueprint of political, social and economic reforms, allowing us to achieve much more in recent 4 years than it had been done since regaining independence in 1991 (the first independent Ukrainian state was proclaimed 100 years ago – back in 1917). Despite the ongoing Russian aggression and attempts of Moscow to destabilize the internal situation in Ukraine, we launched in 2017 new reforms in major sectors: education, judiciary, pension system, healthcare, public administration, cybersecurity and electoral law.In 2017, Ukraine has climbed to 76th place in the World Bank’s Doing Business ranking, while three years ago we were at 112th. International trade in goods has risen by 25 % in the first nine months of 2017 while with the EU it increased even more – by 31% as a result of DCFTA. Real GDP growth amounted to 2% in the third quarter of 2017 while the National Bank of Ukraine forecasts it at 3.2% and 3.5% for 2018 – 2019 respectively.Ukraine highly values the support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by international partners, in particular the strong and united position of the European Union. Political and sanctions pressure on Moscow is crucial. But if we would like to see Minsk agreements implemented and Ukraine’s territorial integrity restored, the international engagement must be stepped up. Among key tools we see the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Donbas and launch of Crimea de-occupation mechanism.Fully committed to fulfill our reform agenda priorities based foremost on the implementation of the Association Agreement, it’s also of crucial importance to develop a strategic vision of the future of Ukraine-EU partnership and be ready to move beyond the current framework.In this regard, Ukraine presented a number of new initiatives concerning integration, in a long-term perspective, with the EU Customs Union, Energy Union, Digital Single Market as well as association with Schengen. The issues have been discussed at the highest level during the Ukraine-EU Summit in July 2017 as well as at the recent Eastern partnership Summit in Brussels. We are ready to start joint work with the EU on elaboration of the relevant roadmaps and undertaking necessary feasibility studies. Ukraine as major energy transit county plays an important role for European energy security and is ready to contribute to creation of the Energy Union. On the other hand, with its Europe’s largest software development industry, Ukraine is looking forward to expanding its cooperation with the EU in the area of digital economy and society. Thus, participation in the Digital Single market would be beneficial for both Ukrainian and EU citizens, in particular through reduced roaming charges, deployment of modernized broadband internet networks, data protection, advanced digital solutions for e-government and e-commerce.We have defended our European future back in 2014 and are ready to do all the hard work in order to make this future a reality. We set up a concrete strategic goal – full-fledged membership in the European Union – and the Association Agreement has become our roadmap to this end. To make this goal a success it is important that both sides share the strategic vision of the partnership transforming this one way road into a two-way street.
By Michael Bonté.
Ecuador ‘s cuisine was in the spotlight at the first edition of a string of different food festivals organized in this instance by the Embassy of Ecuador, Diplomat Magazine and the Crowne Plaza Den Haag-Promenade hotel.
The Crowne Plaza’s Brasserie Brut was the venue of this event. The guests were serenaded by an Ecuadorean trio before the official opening by the Embassador of Ecuador H.E. Fernando Bucheli Vargas.
His welcoming words mentioned that: “It had been sixteen years ago that Ecuadorean food had been featured in the Netherlands”. He extended a special welcome to Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands, and also thanked Diplomat Magazine, the hotel’s General Manager, Patrick Aarsman and the hotel’s coordinator of the event Ms Michelle Spork.
For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157690063390985H.E. Fernando Bucheli together with chef Guillermo Miranda.
The cutting of the ribbon at the restaurant was welcomed with anticipation by everyone. Amongst the many invitees were H.E. Mrs Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms Haifa Aissami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela for the International Organizations, H.E. Ms Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mr Edgar Elias Azar, Ambassador of Mexico, Mr Renan Villacis, Director of the Secretariat of the Assembly, International Criminal Court, Judge Geoffrey Henderson and Judge Sanji Monageng, from the ICC as well.
A cocktail of cachaça, cinnamon, mint and sparkling water was served to tickle the palates while the guests proceeded to the elegantly decorated room with hundreds of Ecuadorian rosses flown in specially for this occasion.
Mr Jose Yturralde Villagomez, Third Secretary & Vice-Consul, Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador and spouse Jenny.
While everyone was seated the starters of baked plaintain, sandwich of pork and a ceviche of shrimps were served at the table. Next up were the mains which were presented buffet style. They came from the Andes, Highlands and Coastal regions of Ecuador. Potato and quinoa soup kicked of this course. Moving on to chicken, pork and seafood dishes.
Chef Miranda, was born in Guayaquil and grew up in the capital city of Quito, a fact which impressed upon him two of the most diverse and fascinating cultures in Ecuador. He studied in Germany and when he turned to Ecuador to expand his knowledge of the culinary arts in Quito while also exchanging experiences with chefs from all over the world.
Guillermo Miranda said: “Cuisine is an expression of cultural identity bearing the undeniable hallmark of a nation. A nation’s food is a gateway to getting to know its culture. I hope that with this recipes you will get a little taste of the message I’m intending to communicate and that you will try an Ecuadorian dish the next time you visit our beautiful country.”
Meanwhile the live music managed to get the guests dancing. The crowd was clapping and for a moment they were all transported to an Ecuadorean ‘fiesta’. With a mix of diplomatic and international participants this certainly reflected the international peace and justice vibe of The Hague.
Last but not least there were the sweets: a chocolate cake made with Ecuadorean cocoa and a Andes fruit icecream.
Three nights of this feast were presented and all sessions generated a fully booked restaurant. Clearly this was an experience which has to be repeated quicker than the last time. It being so succesful this event will also be showcased in Brussels soon.
The next 2018 edition of the food festival will feature once a month cuisines from Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, Israel, Georgia and more. As this will be a monthly affair for three nights at the Crowne Plaza The Hague it certainly is recommended to make reservations quickly.
The Twenty-Second Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) appointed H.E. Ambassador Fernando Arias of Spain as the next Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Thursday November 30th.
OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.
OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, extended his congratulations to Ambassador Arias: “I wish you every success in your stewardship of this Organisation as it increasingly focuses on preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons.”
In his speech following the appointment, Ambassador Arias expressed, “I am fully committed to the success of this Organisation in overcoming the challenges ahead. With this conviction, I intend to have an active and, at the same time, discrete role in tackling any situation”.
Ambassador Arias will assume office on 25 July 2018 for a tenure of four years. He is succeeding Ambassador Üzümcü who will step down after serving at the helm of the OPCW for eight years, the maximum allowed under the Convention.
H.E. Fernando Arias, Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Ambassador Fernando Arias of Spain and Director-General elected of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The appointment of Ambassador Arias follows a consensus recommendation by the OPCW Executive Council in October 2017.
Ambassador Arias is a career diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. Currently, he serves as Ambassador of Spain to the Netherlands and the Permanent Representative of Spain to the OPCW. Previously, he has served as Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations in New York and Ambassador of Spain to Mali, Mauritania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria.
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Photography by OPCW.
South Sudan announced today December first, that it “has all but concluded the process of joining the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)”. Upon joining the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), countries become Member States of the OPCW and enjoy the full benefits of the Convention.
H.E. Mr Moses M. Akol Ajawin, the Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, while speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr Deng Alor Koul, delivered a statement to the Twenty-Second Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) to the Chemical Weapons Convention taking place in The Hague.
Ambassador Akol Ajawin emphasised that “the images of victims of chemical weapons make us all the more appreciative of the goals and objectives of OPCW. As such, we, in South Sudan, would unreservedly like to associate ourselves with the noble goals and objectives of this great organisation”.
He further updated the CSP that the Council of Ministers of the Republic of South Sudan, acting on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (and based on the presentation made to it by the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs), resolved on 25 August 2017 to “approve membership in the OPCW”. He continued to state that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Cabinet Affairs; and the Defence and Veterans Affairs remain seized with the implementation. Ambassador Akol Ajawin concluded, “South Sudan has no reason to sit on the fence . . . and South Sudan looks forward to becoming the newest and youngest State Party”.Ahmet Üzümcü, OPCW Director-General.
The Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, welcomed the anticipated accession of South Sudan to the Convention: “Today, we are one step closer to universal membership. I urge the other nations that have yet to join the Convention – Egypt, Israel and North Korea – to unite with the rest of the world in eliminating all chemical weapons forever.”
Q2: In the two years that you are here, how do you perceive the Netherlands? Tell us about a time before coming to your first posting as spouse, what expectations did you have at the time and how you performed together with more “experienced spouses”?
The Netherlands is a liberal country with warm people and well developed economy. Recently, I had an opportunity to join my husband to Brainport in Eindhoven and learned about the city’s massive success in bringing back economic life to the city after the economic crisis in the 1990s. I think that the city of Eindhoven is the precise reflection of what the whole country is, in terms of its coordination, synergy and knowledge sharing among the Government, the universities and the industries players. All with one common goal, which is in finding what works best for their people and for the country.
The Dutch are fun and united too. I joined the crowd during the King’s Day when I first arrived in 2015 and I was amazed that it takes only one color, Orange to unite the whole nation.
I also feel very safe, mostly in my neighborhood in Wassenaar. For example, I feel completely safe to go for my run alone in the evening, a simple pleasure like that which I would not be able to enjoy in my neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur.
Overall, I am impressed with the quality of life and the living condition here compared to other European cities that I have been to. After all, I do not have much to complain for a country which its Prime Minister cycled to see his King at the Palace to present to the His Majesty the list of the Cabinet Ministers!
I consider myself as very lucky to be in The Netherlands for my first posting although my husband has been posted to the USA and Indonesia before.
When we received the news that we will be assuming these roles, I did not put any expectation or benchmark to myself but I know it is going to be intricately delicate and demanding at the same time.
It is well understood that being spouses to diplomats, we have certain responsibilities to fulfill and they are all back in supporting our spouses’ official duties in promoting the interest of our country.
I have been blessed too, to become friends with many other spouses of the ambassadors here because of our involvement in the Ambassadors’ Spouses Association (ASA), The Hague. ASA has been an effective platform for me to connect and learn from other more experienced spouses.
Q3: What have you done so far to increase Malaysia’s visibility in the Netherlands? What are your plans, how much more can be done as you perceive the future during your mandate?
I accompany my husband in many diplomatic and social functions and gatherings. I take pride in wearing Malaysian’s traditional costume, mostly “baju kurung” to these events. I would also do the same when receiving our dignitaries from home at Schiphol Airport or when I am hosting in our Residence. It is my way in expressing my patriotism and the confidence that comes with it and it is tremendously gratifying.
Malaysia is also enthusiastic in gastro-diplomacy. I have organized numerous culinary events to promote Malaysian food here among the corps diplomatique, the locals, international school community and others. Recently in September we invited one of our celebrity Chefs from Malaysia for a cooking demonstration with the theme of “Street Food of Malaysia” and it was very well received by the guests.
Going forward I would still keep on doing what we are doing best here but I would also like to take the opportunity in shifting the focus to learn and gain from the experiences of the Dutch in the areas that Malaysia and other ASEAN countries could improve on, for example in bridging the gender inequality and key sectors that have specific focus on women’s development.
Q4: Tell us something about your involvement in ASA and the ASEAN Ladies Circle.
I am the Secretary of Ambassadors’ Spouses Association (ASA), The Hague and the President of the ASEAN Ladies Circle (ALC), The Hague.
ASA celebrates diversity and practices equality. Therefore, we do not have ranks in the association. My role as a Secretary is mainly administrative and to handle official correspondences and communications with the members. Together with other committee members, we would plan for activities that we deem could foster closer friendship among the members and local community.
The challenge does lies in finding the right activity that suits the demographic, dynamic and interest of the members. I would really like to encourage more spouses to get more involved with ASA.
Additionally, the association is reviving and all the 5 countries are responding, supporting and cooperating well with each other. At every quarter we will organize an activity which aims to encourage cordial interaction among the members. We do not look at only organizing activity within our circle but also collaborating with other organization, for example in May this year we have organized together with Diplomatic Magazine and Hague Bridge a cycling activity around The Hague which was also joined by all the ASEAN Ambassadors in The Hague. In the coming years, I hope to see that ALC, The Hague would also be thriving as ASEAN is advancing.
Q5: What is your greatest strength and what you can say to the new spouses coming to The Hague to fulfill their role?
You need to have a big heart full of kindness, a growth mindset and positive outlook as this role is almost philanthropic. It is also important to be involved with others beyond your community and official duties as there are many opportunities and platforms to be explored here.
Q6: Is there something you would like to share with the Diplomatic community in The Hague and/or with population in general?
The world today is full of endless possibilities with the advancement of humanity and technology. The world today too, is full of challenges, mistrust, confusion and uncertainties in many parts of the world. People are suffering from poverty, war and injustice.
As a member of the world community we should all come together and do our part to promote peace, harmony and justice. And to me, it is not hard at all. In the simplest manner, we are all can be kind regardless of who we are.
Kindness is empowering and the best place to start is in our own home.
As a mother, I think that it is vital for the parents to model kindness to their children. It is the core of all the education that we could provide to our children. It is so powerful that it will further shape their character and eventually mold our societies, flourish our nations and evolve our world to become a better place for all.
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Photography by Roy Strik. 
Finally, we changed our website completely and we invest a lot in marketing activities.
We feel special that we meet so many different nationalities in the hotel. That is what makes our work so interesting and meaningful as well. The diplomatic community is part of The Hague and also part of our hotel. We are grateful to work together and to be a good place for them. We provide a place where they feel home, where they receive unlimited hospitality.
I want to share with you that our Mansion is so much more than a hotel. We are a place to meet, greet, laugh, talk, eat, work, sleep and enjoy life! When you are in The Hague for business, I can promise you that you will feel like a leisure guest when you enter our Mansion, because of our special ambiance and because of all the Ambassadors who work in the hotel. Every individual team member has the passion and drive to make your stay as memorable as possible. 
Finally, we changed our website completely and we invest a lot in marketing activities.
We feel special that we meet so many different nationalities in the hotel. That is what makes our work so interesting and meaningful as well. The diplomatic community is part of The Hague and also part of our hotel. We are grateful to work together and to be a good place for them. We provide a place where they feel home, where they receive unlimited hospitality.
I want to share with you that our Mansion is so much more than a hotel. We are a place to meet, greet, laugh, talk, eat, work, sleep and enjoy life! When you are in The Hague for business, I can promise you that you will feel like a leisure guest when you enter our Mansion, because of our special ambiance and because of all the Ambassadors who work in the hotel. Every individual team member has the passion and drive to make your stay as memorable as possible. 
Three nights of this feast were presented and all sessions generated a fully booked restaurant. Clearly this was an experience which has to be repeated quicker than the last time. It being so succesful this event will also be showcased in Brussels soon.
The next 2018 edition of the food festival will feature once a month cuisines from Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, Israel, Georgia and more. As this will be a monthly affair for three nights at the Crowne Plaza The Hague it certainly is recommended to make reservations quickly. 
Three nights of this feast were presented and all sessions generated a fully booked restaurant. Clearly this was an experience which has to be repeated quicker than the last time. It being so succesful this event will also be showcased in Brussels soon.
The next 2018 edition of the food festival will feature once a month cuisines from Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, Israel, Georgia and more. As this will be a monthly affair for three nights at the Crowne Plaza The Hague it certainly is recommended to make reservations quickly. 
