Inaugural visit by Ambassador Onzhanov in Thüringen

Monday, 11 March 2024, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia, Germany: Premier Bodo Ramelow received Dr. Nurlan Onzhanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, for his inaugural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. Their conversation was about cooperation in the economic sector, particularly the topics of “green hydrogen” and renewable energies.

Whilst in Erfurt, the Kazakh delegation also met with the Minister of Economic Affairs and Science Wolfgang Tiefensee, whowelcomed 23 Kazakh business and university representatives under the leadership of Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction, Olzhas Saparbekov. The Kazakh delegation’s programme included visits to TITK e.V. in Rudolstadt, the EBZ Erfurt education center and aqua-mol GmbH from Floh-Seligenthal.

Likewise a Business Round Table “Thuringia – Kazakhstan” was held in order to further bilateral projects in the area of business and innovation. Four new cooperation agreements were signed. With the visit, the Kazakh side followed an invitation from Minister Tiefensee and State Secretary Carsten Feller, which they had extended during the Thuringian delegation trip to Kazakhstan in April 2023. 

For further information 

Government of the Free State of Thuringia: 

https://thueringen.de/staatskanzlei/thueringer-staatskanzlei-erfurt/veranstaltungsberichte/detailseite?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=1432611&cHash=aa2db90889fb10a02e22a6266dc06f49

Inaugural visit of Dr. Ana Polak Petrič to Thüringen

Wednesday, 28 February 2024, Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany: Premier Bodo Ramelow received the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in Germany, H.E. Dr. Ana Polak Petrič, on her inaugural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. The focus was on getting to know each other and intensifying bilateral relations between Thuringia and Slovenia, especially in the areas of business, tourism and culture.

Dr. Ana Polak Petrič was accredited to Germany on 27 September 2024. Previously he had served in the capacity as Slovenia’s ambassador to Japan with concurrencies to The Philippines and South Korea. She holds a PhD in Law from the European Faculty of Law, New University, Ljubljana. 

Ambassador Polak Petrič is fluent in Slovenian, German, Serbo-Croatian and holds knowledge of the French and Russian languages. 

For further information

Government of Thüringen: https://thueringen.de/staatskanzlei/thueringer-staatskanzlei-erfurt/veranstaltungsberichte/detailseite?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=1339233&cHash=d1359d3aecd6119d155b3c941c4e2d01

Thai Ambassador Presents Letter of Credence to HM The King

By Roy Lie Atjam

On March 6, 2024, H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, presented his letter of credence to HM King Willem Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at an elegant ceremony held at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

Presentation of credentials – H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.

The ceremony of credentials perpetuates the historic diplomatic alliance between Thailand and the Netherlands. It holds immense significance, both symbolically and substantively.

Ambassador Asi Mamanee is no novice to the Diplomatic Community in The Hague he has previously served here.

H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.

After the Presentation of Credentials ceremony, a Vin d’Honneur was held at The Vault, Hotel Indigo in The Hague to celebrate H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee’s appointment, where Ambassador Asi Mamanee delivered the following speech, “Just an hour ago, I had the immense privilege and great honour to present to His Majesty King Willem –Alexander of the Netherlands the letter of Credence by which His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of the Kingdom of Thailand accredits me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The cordial relations between Thailand and the Netherlands is founded on strong bond between the two Royal Families. This year 2024 marks a special year as Thailand and the Netherlands are commemorating the 420 th anniversary of our diplomatic relations which has begun in 1604, when the Dutch envoys who were the representatives of the Dutch East India Company or VOC were sent to the royal court of Ayuttaya, at that time, the capital of Siam and had an audience with King Naresuan.

This historic encounter was deemed an official establishment of the ties between Thailand and the Netherlands. Later in 1608, the Siamese diplomatic mission visited the Netherlands and received by Prince Maurits of Nassau, Stadholder of the Dutch Republic which is the first ever visit of the Siamese envoys to Europe.

Presentation of credentials – H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.

You can see that the relationship between Thailand and the Netherlands has come a long way. Nowadays, both countries have shared common values and we also share a strong commitment to contribute to the emergence of a freer, more secure and more prosperous world. We enjoy geographical similarities. We are both leading food exporters, and are hybrid nations of being in the mainland with maritime connectivity, which contributes to our countries’ strength in regional connectivity. Both also play progressive role in multilateral cooperation.

As Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I will tirelessly endeavor to further deepen and widen all facets of existing cooperation between the two countries, including strengthening economic partnership, advancing sustainable development cooperation, promoting initiatives geared towards mitigating climate change and enhancing the friendly ties between our two people.

A Vin d’Honneur was held at The Vault, Hotel Indigo in The Hague to celebrate H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee’s appointment.

I also look forward to working closely with my ASEAN colleagues to raise awareness about ASEAN in the Netherlands and to continuing our outstanding relations with the diplomatic corps, international organizations, business community, academia and other sectors during my tenure here. I sincerely hope that I can continue to count on your generous support in the months and years ahead.”

Images by Jeroen van der Meyde are a courtesy of the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague

The Curacao Experience Ambassador Edition 2024

A group of Ambassadors accredited to The Kingdom of the Netherlands will embark on a working  visit to the beautiful Dutch Caribbean Island of Curacao from 17 to 22 March 2024.

Although the ambassadors from Macedonia, Thailand, Austria and others expressed interest in visiting the Dutch Caribbean for years, the visit never materialized. We brought the ambition to visit the island to the attention of Minister Carlson Manuel in 2022. Minister Manuel demonstrated great enthusiasm towards the idea, and his unwavering efforts were key in making this visit a reality.

Diplomat Magazine played a crucial role in sensitizing members of the diplomatic community to participate in the Curacao voyage, shaping not only the participation but also the logistics scope of the trip. Finally Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, is leading an unprecedented diplomatic initiative: a curated trip to Curacao for a select group of ambassadors as a strategic endeavour aimed at fortifying diplomatic ties, fostering international cooperation, and exploring avenues for mutual prosperity.

We take this opportunity to commend Minister Carlson Manuel for his unwavering dedication and contributions in bringing this visit to fruition.

The selection process for the participating ambassadors was rigorous and meticulous. Criteria such as geographic representation, diplomatic engagement, and portfolio relevance between Curacao and each country were carefully weighed. The goal was to assemble a diverse group to discussions spanning trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

“When selecting the group of ambassadors to attend the organized trip to Curacao, we considered several specific criteria. Firstly, we aimed to ensure a diverse representation of countries, encompassing various regions and diplomatic interests. Additionally, we prioritized ambassadors who have demonstrated a keen interest in fostering international cooperation and have a track record of engaging positively in bilateral and multilateral dialogues. Furthermore, we took into account the relevance of each ambassador’s portfolio to the potential areas of collaboration with Curacao, such as trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

Our expectations for this visit are centred around strengthening bilateral relations between Curacao and the countries represented by the visiting ambassadors. Through direct engagement and dialogue, we anticipate laying the groundwork for future collaborations and partnerships in various sectors of mutual interest. By fostering greater understanding and cooperation, we aim to deepen diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for shared prosperity and development.”

“This inaugural trip organized by a Curacao Minister marks a significant milestone in our diplomatic outreach efforts. While the frequency of such initiatives will depend on various factors, including the outcomes of this visit and the availability of resources, we are open to considering repeating this initiative in the future. We recognize the value of sustained engagement with the diplomatic community to promote Curacao’s interests and enhance international cooperation.”

Minister Carlson stated:: “Interactions with representatives of Curacao’s business community are expected to play a crucial role in exploring avenues for trade and investment during the visit. Through meetings, forums, and networking opportunities, visiting ambassadors will have the chance to engage directly with local entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government officials; allowing for the visiting ambassadors the opportunity to benefit from the synergy created by The Curacao Experience Ambassador Edition 2024. This synergy is expected to facilitate discussions on potential partnerships, investment opportunities, and trade agreements, thereby contributing to the economic development and prosperity of both Curacao and the countries represented by the visiting ambassadors.”

“To ensure the comfort and convenience of the visiting ambassadors during their stay, meticulous arrangements have been made for accommodation, meals, and local transportation. Ambassadors will be accommodated in reputable hotels that offer modern amenities and excellent service. Meals will be curated to provide a taste of Curacao’s rich culinary heritage, featuring local delicacies and international cuisine. Transportation arrangements will be coordinated to facilitate seamless movement between scheduled events, meetings, and cultural excursions. Additionally, an official agenda or working plan has been prepared, outlining the itinerary and objectives of each day’s activities, ensuring that ambassadors have a clear understanding of the program and objectives of their visit.

Furthermore, based on the overwhelming interest we’ve received from multiple countries regarding this inaugural trip, we anticipate that the next edition will be even bigger and more impactful. The enthusiastic response underscores the importance and relevance of such diplomatic initiatives in strengthening ties between Curacao and the international community. Building on the success of this visit, we aim to expand participation and engagement in future editions, thereby deepening relationships, fostering collaboration, and advancing shared goals on a global scale. We are committed to leveraging this momentum to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual benefit in the years to come.”

From Cuba to the children of the world

The Cuban Embassy and the “Asociación Hispánica de La Haya” recently hosted a captivating screening of “Habanastation,” a film that delves into social disparities, familial dynamics, and fundamental human values. The Koningkerk’s auditorium in Voorburg overflowed with eager attendees, drawn by the renowned quality and unique storytelling of Cuban cinema.

Among the audience were members of the association, the Cuban diaspora, and diplomats from countries such as Panama, Peru, Costa Rica, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Chile. Edith Bergansius, President of Hispanic Association of The Hague, warmly welcomed the diverse gathering, handing over the microphone to Cuban Ambassador H.E. Ms. Anet Pino Rivero who introduced the film directed by Ian Padron from La Habana. Ambassador Pino Rivero expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of the Spanish language and the dissemination of cultural topics from her country. He stated, “Our contribution today will be with a film that highlights the importance of human values despite the obstacles of daily life.” She eloquently contextualized the narrative, describing how two schoolboys members of La Colmenita, a Children’s Theater group, from contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds find themselves thrust together under unusual circumstances, navigating issues of innocence, courage, ignorance, friendship, and solidarity. Ambassador emphasized the film’s exploration of social conflicts, prejudices, and the relationship of children with technology and games.

A group of diplomats attending the screening of Habanastation. First row: Fabiola Cruz from Bolivia, H.E. Ambassador Elizabeth Ward Neiman from Panama, H.E. Ambassador Anet PIno Rivero from Cuba, Edith Bergansius, from The Hague Spanish Association, Maria Fernanda Vila from Chile, Fernando Quiros from Peru. Second row: Sofia Cob Briceno from Costa Rica, Raul Alfonso Simancas Gomez from Colombia, Rita Monica Suarez Franco and Eudys Almeida both from Venezuela.

The ambassador also highlighted the numerous awards “Habanastation” has garnered, including recognition at prestigious festivals such as:

  • Best Fiction Film Award in the Founders prize Best of Fest. category and the Audience Award. Traverse City Film Festival in Michigan, United States, 2011. Glauber Rocha Award at the XXX International Film Festival.
  • Glauber Rocha Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.
  • Prensa Latina News Agency Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.
  • UNICEF Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.
  • Vigía Award at the XXXIII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema
  • Spondylus Trophy for Best Fiction at the Lima Film Festival

The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, with Ernesto Escalona portraying Mayito, the son of a renowned jazz pianist, and Andy Fornaris as Carlitos, a resident of La Tinta, a slum on the outskirts of La Havana. Carlitos lives in a modest shack with his grandmother following the loss of his mother, while his father is incarcerated after a self-defense incident. Against the backdrop of sunny and vibrant Havana, with its music and bustling May Day festivities, “Habanastation” unfolds the unexpected adventures of these two 12-year-old boys. Initially driven by the allure of Mayito’s new Playstation and the kids enthusiasm about playing video games, their day together evolves into a heartwarming journey of friendship, laughter, shared experiences, and personal growth, as they navigate through encounters with danger and adversity.

Cuban actor, Ernesto Escalona portraying Mayito.

The film’s ensemble cast, including Blanca Rosa Blanco as the mother, Luis Alberto Garcia as the father, and Claudia Alvarino as the caring teacher, skillfully brings to life the complexities of the characters and their interactions. Throughout the screening, the laughter and nostalgic commentaries from Cuban attendees, recognizing familiar settings and local slang, added an endearing warmth and joy to the evening.

Ambassador Pino Rivero concluded the event with poignant remarks underscoring the film’s message of the transcendent importance of human values over social divisions. As the audience savored delicious mojitos and snacks, conversations among friends lingered late into the night, with many contemplating the fate of Mayito upon his return home. Will Mayito return to La Tinta?

Congratulations to the Cuban Embassy for curating such an inspiring cinematic experience with “Habanastation,” and sincere appreciation to Edith Bergansius for her unwavering dedication and leadership within The Hague’s Spanish-speaking community.

Wonderful Indonesia  Promotion in Amsterdam

By Roy Lie Atjam

On March 4th, 2024, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (MOTCE) organized a Sales Mission event in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The objective of the event was to promulgate Indonesian tourism and support foreign tourist visits, specifically from the Netherlands. Garuda Indonesia and the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague supported the initiative. The sales mission served as a prelude to Indonesia’s participation in the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin, ITB Berlin in 2024, the largest tourism exhibition in the world.

Counsellor Mr. Fransiskus X. Widiyarso, gave a welcome speech in place of H.E. Ambassador Mayerfas.

Indonesia Tourism has received several awards, including the prestigious ASEAN Tourism Award. Additionally, Indonesian Tourism was named the world’s first top Muslim-friendly destination in 2023.

The event took place in the Java room of the Java Hotel, which was packed to capacity. The MOTCE Director, Mr. Rukendi, and his team of professionals, specially flown in from Jakarta, put on an impressive presentation.

The sellers participating in ITB Berlin 2024 maximized their activities by participating in the Sales Mission activities in Java Hotel Amsterdam on March 4th, 2024, and met potential business partners, especially partners from Garuda Indonesia Amsterdam.

The Sales Mission activity included conveying the latest information on Indonesian tourism, the latest information regarding destinations and flights from Indonesia to the Netherlands, and updates from Atlas Beach Bali. Mr. Ben Leek, Director of Operations, introduced a new beverage called “Sambal Matah.”(extract) The main activity was the B2B Table Top Meeting, which was an avenue to introduce and offer Indonesian tourism package products to potential buyers in the Netherlands.

Director of Tourism Marketing for Europe, Middle East, America, and Africa (EMEAA), Cecep Rukendi, and Mr. Naufal Aflah, General Manager of Garuda Indonesia Amsterdam, were also speakers at the presentation. The Netherlands is a market with a stable number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia annually. In 2023, the number of tourists from the Netherlands reached 113% compared to 2019, showing a strong recovery process in the tourism sector. Moreover, in terms of connectivity, the Netherlands is the only country that has direct flights with the national airline, Garuda Indonesia.

Indonesia Tourism a B2B table top session

The Sales Mission activity was a form of collaborative marketing between the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and various stakeholders in the tourism sector. The 17 sellers who participated in this activity are also actors in Indonesia’s tourism business who are collaborating in ITB Berlin 2024.

The event’s purpose was to improve the image of Indonesian tourism and to promote various Indonesian tourism destinations to foreign markets, especially the Netherlands. The Sales Mission activity aimed to boost the sales of tourism packages from Indonesia, specifically to the Netherlands market, which ultimately can increase the number of tourist visits from the Netherlands and Europe to Indonesia. Priority was given to using Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia.

A B2B table top session / Indonesia Tourism Amsterdam.

Indonesia has set a target of attracting 14.3 million international tourists by 2024. The “Wonderful Indonesia Sales Mission Program in Europe 2024 Joint Promotion with Garuda Indonesia,” successfully concluded with a delicious Indonesian cuisine lunch. The sales mission was well-attended and proved to be a successful Tourism Sales initiative held in Amsterdam.

New ICC Presidency elected for 2024-2027

Today, on 11 March 2024, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in a plenary session, elected Judge Tomoko Akane as President of the Court. Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala was elected First Vice-President, and Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou Second Vice-President. The members of the Presidency are elected for a three-year term with immediate effect.

“I am deeply honored to have been elected by my fellow judges to serve as President of the International Criminal Court. At this challenging time for the Court, stable, collaborative, and unified leadership is required. I will focus on fostering dialogue among the organs of the Court, defense and victims’ representatives, as well as reinforcing dialogue with States Parties and States that have not yet ratified the Rome Statute. I will also prioritize the security and well-being of the Court’s personnel,” said newly-elected ICC President Akane.

The Presidency – consisting of the President and the two Vice-Presidents – plays a key role in providing strategic leadership to the ICC as a whole. The Presidency coordinates with the other organs and seeks the cooperation of the Prosecutor on matters of mutual concern. In accordance with the Rome Statute, the ICC’s governing treaty, the Presidency is responsible for the proper administration of the Court, with the exception of the Office of the Prosecutor.

The Presidency oversees the activities of the Registry and provides input into a broad range of administrative policies affecting the Court’s overall functioning. Furthermore, it conducts judicial review of certain decisions of the Registrar and concludes Court-wide cooperation agreements with States and international organizations.

American Ambassador Baptizes Sustainable Tulip Shefali On International Women’s Day

On March 8, at Keukenhof Castle on International Women’s Day, U.S. Ambassador Shefali Razdan Duggal baptized a tulip with her name: Tulipa Shefali. The tulip comes from Maveridge International’s breeding program in St. Maarten and grew out of a years-long project for strong and healthy tulips. This makes it a very sustainable tulip!

Ambassador Shefali Razdan Duggal stated, “It is a genuine and surreal honor to be included amongst such a remarkable group of individuals who have received this recognition. The tulip is a beautiful flower that has been cherished and loved for centuries and so positively represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As the first Ambassador to receive the high honor of having a tulip named after me, it is so befitting to unveil the “Shefali Tulip” today, on International Women’s Day. Throughout history, women have been forced to overcome gender bias and discrimination, and we have worked hard and continue to work hard to reach milestones. We do this for ourselves and for future generations of women to be seen, to be heard, to be included, and to be empowered.”

U.S. Ambassador Shefali Razdan Duggal during her speech on International Women’s Day 2024.

Tulip breeding is a long-term endeavor. Accordingly, the origin of the Shefali tulip dates back to 2009. One of the crosses in the project was Tulipa Lucky Strike with a strong cutting tulip. This Lucky Strike is resistant to “Fusarium,” a fungus that attacks tulip bulbs and has been causing problems for years. The result of the cross was a new tulip that is very insensitive to this fungus.

Before reaching this stage, the tulip had to go through a long and rigorous selection process. From the seed that came from the cross grew a bulb. In the fall of 2014, the bulb was planted in the greenhouse among 5,000 other new bulbs. By then, some 2,500 hybrids had been discarded. In February 2015, the tulip came into bloom. This tulip stood out because of the beautiful colors of the buds and the vibrant green. Additionally, the structure was nice and tight, making it easy to create bunches of this tulip by machine. Therefore, the tulip was selected for further trials.

U.S. Ambassador Shefali Razdan Duggal International Women’s Day 2024. Tulipa Shefali

Throughout the entire process from seed to further growth, the company does not apply any plant protection products against Fusarium, allowing for natural selection. The tulip was initially known by number 15-15. As one of the few, 15-15 survived this strict selection. An added bonus is that number 15-15 also grows very easily and propagates well. A rough estimate is that within 5 to 7 years, several hundred thousand bulbs will be available for practice. Tulipa Shefali can be drawn into bloom from early January until Mother’s Day as a cutting tulip in greenhouses. The tulip has a beautiful pink-colored efflorescence and also comes out very nicely in color in the vase when picked very immature.

“Celebrate International Women’s Day with a tulip named after a prominent woman: the American Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today, the interpretation of Women’s Day is centered on motherhood, beauty, and spring. On Women’s Day, support the important women around you with flowers as a sign of appreciation.”

International Women’s Day 2024 has a special focus on equality, for a more inclusive world, inspiring others to understand and value women’s inclusion and inspiring women to truly be themselves and be included.

Ambassador Shefali Razdan Duggal is an advocate for inclusive women’s rights and is an “International Gender Champion.” Ambassador Razdan Duggal stated, “Advancing gender equity and equality is a critical matter of inclusion, justice, and fairness. As was famously stated at the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference on Women, ‘Women’s rights are human rights.’ Democracy depends fundamentally on the empowerment of women.”

Flowers capture the imagination. With their unique shapes, colors, and scents, each flower has its own language. Express the appreciation that takes center stage during Women’s Day with the symbolism of flowers. Choose flowers that represent strength and beauty, such as the sleek yet graceful tulips or the invincible, strong lilies. Let the flowers do the “talking” for you.

Pictures credits to Keukenhof Castle

The Ambassador of Burundi, H.E. Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo

On March 6, 2024, Her Excellency Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Kingdom of the Netherlands presented her letters of credence to His Majesty Willem Alexander, King of the Netherlands, marking the beginning of her tenure as Ambassador.

Ms. Ndahayo’s professional journey is an example of dedication to public service. Her career spans various roles, each contributing to her profound understanding of political, diplomatic, and community affairs. Prior to her appointment as Ambassador, she served as the Head of the Office in charge of Political and Diplomatic Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister in Burundi.

Her tenure as the Minister of East African Community Affairs from October 2017 to June 2020 further solidified her expertise in regional cooperation and integration efforts. As an Honorable Member of The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), where she chaired the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources from 2012 to 2017, Ms. Ndahayo played an important role in shaping policies aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing regional cooperation within the East African Community.

Before her diplomatic and political roles, Ms. Ndahayo held key positions in capacity building and community development initiatives. As the Director of the Department of Training and Capacity Building of local actors in the Ministry of Local Development, she spearheaded efforts to empower grassroots communities and enhance their participation in local governance structures. Additionally, her volunteer work in various NGOs during her time as a refugee reflects her deep-rooted commitment to community service and social justice.

Burundian Ambassador, H.E. Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo, on her way to Noordeinde Palace.

Ms. Ndahayo’s academic background complements her extensive professional experience. A University Degree holder in Management from Cooperative College Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania, she has continuously sought to expand her knowledge and skills through research and academic pursuits.

Her research on “Donor agencies in poverty reduction” and “Management and Marketing” underscores her dedication to addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development strategies. Furthermore, her participation in seminars and training programs on environmental assessment, project management, and security issues highlights her proactive approach to staying abreast of contemporary issues and emerging trends in global affairs.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Ndahayo is fluent in multiple languages, a skill that undoubtedly facilitates her diplomatic engagements and fosters effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

As she assumes her role as Ambassador of Burundi to the Netherlands, Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo brings with her a wealth of experience, a steadfast commitment to service, and a vision for advancing bilateral relations and promoting Burundi’s interests on the global stage.

The Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, presented his letter of credence to HM King Willem Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on March 6, 2024. Ambassador Mamanee a diplomat with a wealth of experience, has traversed the globe representing the Kingdom of Thailand with honor and distinction. His journey is one of dedication, perseverance, and excellence.

Born with a keen interest in international affairs, Ambassador Mamanee embarked on his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with Second Class Honors from Thammasat University. Building upon this foundation, he pursued further studies, obtaining a Master of Public Administration from the prestigious University of Southern California in the United States.

In 1992, Ambassador Mamanee commenced his career in diplomacy by joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand as a Third Secretary in the Latin America Division, Department of American and South Pacific Affairs. From serving as a Consul at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Vancouver to assuming roles as a Minister-Counsellor in Kathmandu and The Hague, Ambassador Mamanee has left an indelible mark in various capacities.

Notable milestones during his tenure include his service as a Director in both the South Asia Division, the Africa Division, as well as Consul-General in Hong Kong where he played an important role in enhancing Thailand’s diplomatic engagements in these regions.

Ambassador Mamanee ‘s dedication to fostering international relations and advancing Thailand’s interests has been recognized through numerous decorations and honors. In 2003 and 2008, he was conferred the Knight Commander (Second Class) titles of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand and the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, respectively, acknowledging his outstanding service to the nation. Furthermore, his contributions have been lauded with prestigious awards such as the Chakrabarti Mala Medal in 2017.

In February 2024, Ambassador Asi Mamanee assumed the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ambassador Mamanee  is married to Mrs. Ittha Mamanee.