The celebration of the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was hosted by the Taipei Representative Office in the Netherlands on 4 October with a stylish reception in the Marriott Hotel in The Hague. The reception attracted plus three hundred guests, including dignitaries, Members of Parliament, residing Diplomats and the Taiwanese community in the Netherlands.
After a hearty welcome, H.E. Ambassador Tom Chou revealed in his speech that Taiwan will invest about 14 billion Euros for the development of the wind power industry, setting the goal to cover 20% of Taiwan’s total energy need by renewable energy by 2025.
H.E. Ambassador Tom Chou.
In the area of green energy, Taiwan will invest 14 billion euros for the development of its wind power. “I hope that we can find a strong European partner helping us to achieve our goal, of course my favorite partner is the Netherlands.”“In the past 70 years Taiwan encountered more challenges than averaged countries, including military threat, poverty and natural disasters. However, the adversities do not overshadow Taiwan, but make it stronger.” Said Amb. Chou. “It is the 18th largest trading nation in the world and world’s leading manufacturer of IC products. It ranks 20th in purchasing power parity among 229 nations. Moreover, Taiwan has one of the most advanced technology in dealing with earthquakes and typhoons. It has donated US$6 billion for humanitarian aid to countries in need since 1996.”H.E. Chou concluded with lauding Taiwan for being listed as one of the top ten countries recommended by Rough Guide UK this year to tourists to visit for its beautiful landscape, rich cultures, delicious food and friendly people. Direct flight services are provided from the Netherlands by Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air.
Dr. Frans Engering, President of the World Trade Center The Hague and former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), focused on the trade and economic relations between Taiwan and the Netherlands.
“Although in Asia there are some giant countries, Taiwan is for the Netherlands the 4th export market in Asia while the Netherlands is the biggest European investor in Taiwan.. Bilateral trade grew by 35% in 2016. For Taiwanese investments in Europe, the Netherlands is, together with Germany and the UK, the most important host country in Europe. There are around 200 Taiwanese companies in the Netherlands mostly working around Eindhoven, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. As a champion in high-tech, 90% of chips in the world are produced in Taiwan or by Taiwan companies”, Dr. Engering said.
At the reception there was also a showcase of high-tech Taiwan made bicycles Giant and Darfon E-bikes. The Giant bicycle of Tom Dumoulin, the first Dutch male cyclist who won the Giro d’ Italia in May, was displayed and attracted the special attention of cyclists and bike lovers among the audience.
Luster was further added to the reception by live music performances of traditional and modern Taiwanese songs by the Cheng String Quartet and by a flash mob choir performed by CEOs of the Taiwanese business community in the Netherlands. In return, the Dutch guests also contributed their share and showed their talents by jointly singing along a popular Dutch song. All this added a cozy and pleasant ambiance to the party.
A lavish buffet composed of many food stations winded up a successful National Day celebration that lasted long after the official closing time with friends of Taiwan in The Hague.
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Taiwan is a modern and democratic country, with 23 million inhabitants and 36,000 square kilometers in size.
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Photography Catherine Dailey.
Grand Ducal Couple of Luxembourg with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender – Picture by Cour Gran Ducale- Olivier Minaire.
Wednesday, 27 September 2017, Luxembourg City: At the invitation of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Duke of Nassau (nominally), the heads of states and their spouses of German-speaking countries met for their annual informal summit at Neumünster Abbey to focus their discussions on migration and integration from a social and cultural point of view.
Press declaration of HRH Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg surrounded by the German-speaking heads of states or their deputies.
More concretely two professors from the University of Luxembourg arranged the theoretic programme for the multilateral talks emphasising factors for integration such as learning the language, vocational training and access to the work market.
First to arrive was the German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the latter’s spouse Elke Büdenbender who first exchanged a couple of words with their hosts before posing to the press.
Other participants included the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and spouse Doris Schmidauer, Swiss Confederal President Doris Leuthard and spouse Dr. Roland Hausin. Followed by HSH The Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein and spouse HRH Hereditary Princess Sophie von und zu Liechtenstein and Their Majesties The King and Queen of the Belgians.
Host, HRH The Grand Duke of Luxembourg belongs to the German Princely House of Nassau today known as “Nassau-Luxembourg”.
The next summit is due to take place in Switzerland.
For further information:
The Grand Ducal House of Luxembourg: http://www.monarchie.lu/fr/actualites/evenements/2017/09/27092017-germano/index.html
H.E. Mr. Vsevolod Chentsov and spouse Dr. Natalia Melnyk, welcoming their guests. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Ukrainian Embassy in the Netherlands had what can be called a “double celebration”.
The Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Vsevolod Chentsov and spouse Dr. Natalia Melnyk, hosted a reception to simultaneously celebrate the 26th Anniversary of the Independence of the Ukraine Republic and the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Ukraine.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157687731655413H.E. Mr Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan and His Excellency Vsevolod Chentsov.
The festivities took place on Tuesday 26 September 2017. Many colleagues and friends of Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov came to congratulate him and rejoice together in light of the events.
In his welcome remarks, Vsevolod Chentsov exclaimed, “26 years ago, Ukraine has reestablished its sovereignty. It’s been a difficult journey so far: to overcome a Soviet legacy of mismanagement and corruption, rebuild from a broken market economy, and to reformulate a civil society and functional government”.H.E. Mr Elpidoforos Economou, Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Mr Elyes Ghariani, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia and H.E. Mr. Chris Leo Clark Hoornaert, Ambassador for Belgium at Ukraine’s National Day celebration.
“2014 marked the beginning of Ukraine’s existential challenge: a hybrid war organized and sponsored by their neighboring country. Nonetheless, Ukrainians have managed not only to sustain the enormous pressure but to continue to reform our country. They’ve managed to survive not only due to the strength and resilience of their people, but also due to the solidarity and support of their friends. No doubt, the Netherlands are among them”.
“This year marks another important milestone: 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. At the same time, history of our relations is much longer.”.His Excellency Mr Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru and the Ambassador of Panama, His Excellency Mr Willys Delvalle.
“The first Ukrainian mission in The Hague – Trade Mission of the Ukrainian People’s Republic – was established almost 80 years ago during the short and dramatic period of the Ukrainian statehood in the beginning of the 20-th century. We have shared many moments together both joyful and sad, but even during hard times we’ve kept mutual trust and continued our cooperation”.“Despite all challenges within “The Association Agreement” between Ukraine and the European Union, Ukraine successfully became a part of their unity. We are grateful to all Dutch People, businessmen, politicians which never lost trust in Ukraine. I also thank all Ukrainians who has been promoting Ukraine in The Netherlands. This agreement is already bringing its fruits: we enjoy stable growth of bilateral trade and increase of investments”.“This year the Netherlands became the 2nd top foreign investor to the economy of Ukraine with the volume of investments ranging around approximately 6 billion Euros. And, I am sure, it’s only a beginning of the even stronger partnership for the benefit of our two nations and wider Europe”.
The following is a welcome letter addressed in the double celebration on behalf of the Dutch people to Ukraine:
Dear friends,The most precious value in this world in a human being. We appreciate a charitable nature of the Dutch people, their empathy and support. There are over 40 Dutch charitable organizations active in Ukraine, some of them – since the 1990ies. Today I have an honour to welcome Mr. Free Doomen, co-founder of HOMICO organization. Mr Doomen was distinguished by the President of Ukraine with the Order of Merit of Ukraine for his over 20-year charitable activities in our country.Before we proceed with our program, I would like to thank all who helped to organize this evening – to our sponsors, in particular, companies DTEK, NED Spice, FMO, Theeuwes-Holding, Ukraine International Airlines, Foundation of Ukrainians in the Netherlands and, last but not least all my colleagues in the Ukrainian embassy.I hope, you will enjoy a Ukrainian music, food and beverages this evening.Now I would like to invite Mr. Doomen to receive the Order. I propose to raise this toast to prosperity of Ukraine and to our friendship!
Live music and an interactive chocolate demonstration by Yaroslav Pakhuchyi, animated the evening.
King Willem-Alexander and Ms Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust during the unveiled ceremony.
The President of Eurojust, Ms Michèle Coninsx, hosted October 4th, the official visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander for the opening ceremony of Eurojust’s new premises in the International Quarter of The Hague.
His Majesty was accompanied by Mr. Jaap Smit, King’s Commissioner in the Province of South Holland, and Mrs. Pauline C. Krikke, Mayor of the City of The Hague.
His Majesty was introduced to Eurojust staff and attended parts of an operational coordination meeting, followed by a debriefing with the College.
At the conclusion of the session with the College, His Majesty attended the opening ceremony and unveiled a commemorative plaque, followed by a reception in the lobby.
The new building of Eurojust is a joint project of the Municipality of The Hague, the Ministry of Security and Justice and the Central Government Real Estate Agency of the Dutch government, Heijmans and Eurojust.
It was designed by Mecanoo-Haskoning-DS and consists largely of glass panels. Eurojust’s new building has four hundred workplaces and accommodates national representatives of the 28 EU Member States and three third States, supported by an Administration.
Mrs. Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague, Ms Michèle Coninsx, Eurojust’s President and His Majesty The King.
Eurojust was founded in 2002. It has the task of promoting and strengthening coordination and cooperation among national authorities in the fight against terrorism and serious cross-border crime affecting the European Union.
As a judicial centre of expertise, its goal is to support national authorities in bringing criminals quickly and efficiently to justice.
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander leaving Eurojust new premises.
On the picture pianist Raul Sunico.By the Philippines Embassy in The Hague.
The Ambassador of the Philippines, His Excellency Jaime Victor Ledda and Mrs Gina Ledda hosted a piano concert by The Philippines’ multi-awarded pianist virtuoso Dr Prof Raul Sunico in The Hague on 28 September 2017.
His Excellency Jaime Victor Ledda and Mrs Gina Ledda.
Dr. Raul Sunico, a world-renowned pianist and former President of Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) successfully performed a piano concert held at the Diligentia Theater which included timeless classical pieces of Rachmaninoff, Chopin and Debussy; much-loved Filipino classics, Kumintang and Bato sa Buhangin; and folk-pop pieces by Gershwin.
Prof. Sunico’s masterful eloquence on the keys and his unique musicianship delighted the more than 200 guests who came on a cool autumn night to watch and listen to him play. Prof. Sunico’s rendition of Dutch’s own Vader Abraham’s Het kleine caféaan de haven and Tante Lien’s Naseng Goreng were very much appreciated by the audience.
The Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands during his speech.
In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands His Excellency Jaime Victor B. Ledda humbly expressed delight in organizing this concert in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Embassy in Paris and the Philippine Consulate General in Milan bringing both pride, honor and prominence to Philippine world-class artists in Europe.
Ambassador Ledda and spouse Gina, together with His Excellency the Ambassador of Panama Willys Delvalle and spouse Tatiana Delvalle. Members of the Diplomatic Corps among them many ambassadors and Head of Missions, local Dutch community, expatriates and Filipinos from all over the Netherlands gathered to watch and listen to Prof. Sunico, piano concert virtuoso, a world-class Filipino talent at the Diligentia Theatre.
A reception followed the 90-minute program which allowed the members of the audience to meet and greet Prof. Sunico, while at the same time relished the night’s offerings of Filipino delicacies, coffee and distilled spirits.
Mr Anton Lutter, Mr Toon Streppel and Drs. Barbara Couwenbergh-Rapke. After the concert, Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda and guests were treated to a variety of Filipino cuisine, Philippine-made alcohols and spirits and freshly-brewed Philippine arabica coffee beans with the aim to increase awareness on the competitiveness of PH products.
On the picture His Excellency I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.By Roy Lie A Tjam
September has been an eventful month for the ASEAN countries in The Hague. On September 1st, Her Excellency Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa hosted a reception on the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of the National Day of Vietnam.
On 14 September 2017, an ASEAN Business Forum was in session in cooperation with VNO-NVW-MKB Nederland as a part of ASEAN 50th Anniversary celebrations.
The Ambassador of Vietnam, Her Excellency Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa during her speech on Viet Nam National Day.
The opening remarks were by His Excellency Dato’s Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia and the chairman of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague, and Mr. Hans de Boer President of VN/ NCW followed with a speech of his own.
Other speakers included: H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh (Secretary-General of ASEAN (TBC)) and Mr. Maarten Camps (Secretary-General, Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands). A session of nationalist pride of each member state followed focused on Trade and Business Opportunity in ASEAN countries.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157689217563946
The primary aim of this event was to promote ASEAN and the Netherlands trade relations, as well as to create better awareness among the Dutch business community of the potential ASEAN could offer in trade and investment- especially with the idea of cooperating with ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) that had been announced two years ago.
His Excellency Dato’s Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia.The Story of Malaysia
Malaysia was represented by Ms. Vimala Murugan, Economic Department Embassy of Malaysia Brussels. Ms. Munugan emphasized the following points: ASEAN opportunities, Malaysia – Netherlands Trade and Investment performances, and Malaysia’s potential contributions to ASEAN. Each member country of the ASEAN Committee followed Malaysia’s example in the presentation for their respective states.
Malaysian fruits, food, and delicacies were a popular choice of the fair in Markthal, Rotterdam. There were cooking demonstrations at the residence of the Malaysian and Thai Embassy featuring Malaysia’s Dato chef Ismael, and chefs from Bangkok Bold Institute.The Ambassador of the Philippines, His Excellency Mr. Jaime Victor Ledda and Mrs. Gina Ledda hosted a piano concert by the Philippines’ multi-awarded pianist virtuoso Dr. Prof Raul Sunico at Diligentia Theater, The Hague on 28 September 2017.
The Ambassador of the Philippines, His ExcellencyMr. Jaime Victor Ledda and Mrs. Gina Ledda hosted a piano concert of Prof. Raul Sunico in The Hague on 28 September 2017
Prof. Dr. Raul Sunico, the Philippino world-renowned pianist and former President of Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) during his piano performance at Diligentia Theater.Pasar Raya Indonesia 2017
In a space of three days (15,16 and 17 Sept.) more than twenty thousand individuals visited the Pasar Raya Indonesia (PRI) 2017 held in De Broodfabriek, Rijswijk, the Netherlands, between 15 – 17 September 2017 as a part of the Indonesian Economic Diplomacy, encouraged by the President of Indonesia. PRI 2017 is the culmination of the 72nd anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
The event aimed to strengthen the alliance of the peoples of both nations. It also aimed to promote Indonesian culture; such as kuris, culinary and various Indonesian products as textiles and handicrafts.
Citizens came from all quarters of Europe, including Belgium, UK, Germany, and France. There were even some groups of Indonesian citizens from Malaysia, several members of the diplomatic corps in The Hague, such as the Ambassador of Bangladesh and Tanzania.
Pasar Raya Indonesia is this year supported by several artists such as Indonesian Idol finalist, Harry Mantong and Komunitas Hong of Bandung– he introduced various dance performances to PRI 2017. Dutch artist Justine Palmelay of “Superman is Dead”, the famous band in Indonesia, also took part the concert on the night of September 15, 2017, before the official opening ceremony on September 16, 2017. A total of more than 70 culinary stands and products supported this PRI 2017.
PRI 2017 was commenced by the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Yohana Yambise; together in cooperation with the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr. Michel Bezuijen and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.
Mayor of Rijswijk, Michel Bezuijen, expressed his gratitude over the fact that PRI this year was being held for the first time in Rijswijk. It was a surprise for Bezuijen with the splendor of the event and the immense number of visitors by exclaiming, “This is an opportunity for the people of Rijswijk to get to know Indonesia”.
According to Ambassador Puja, as the head of the organizer of Pasar Raya Indonesia 2017, this year’s celebration was held in a much larger indoor space as opposed to in previous years, PRI (with the old name of Pasar Rakyat Indonesia) at Sekolah Indonesia in Wassenaar in the outdoors. Puja noted, “compared to the past years, the number of visitors is getting bigger, and this year’s venue is expected to reach visitors up to 20 thousand a 3 day-program”. A great interest from visitors may also increase Indonesia’s diaspora business in the Netherlands that accumulate the demand for Indonesian products in the Dutch market.
Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan – Picture by “George7979, Own Work, Wikipedia free licence.George7979.Statement by UNESCO.
Paris, 2 October 2017: The Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Irina Bokova, has appointed the President of the Royal Scientific Society of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, HRH Princess Sumaya bint Hassan of Jordan as a UNESCO “Special Envoy for Science for Peace” (2017-2019) in a ceremony at the organisation’s headquarters in the presence of Jordan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, HE Ambassador Makram Quesi.“Princesse Sumaya bint El Hassan, is named in recognition of her efforts to promote science as a power to bring countries together and contribute to positive changes in society, for her commitment to strengthening the development of scientific thinking in her native country and her dedication to the ideals and aims of the organisation.”
As a UNESCO Special Envoy, the Princess will support the work of the organization in science diplomacy, notably during the forthcoming World Science Forum, which shall take place in Jordan from 7 to 11 November 2017.
A graduate of the Courtauld Institute of Art, Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, is passionate about science and has been the President of the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan since 2006. She is also the Deputy-Chair of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, a government body that advises Jordan on public policy issues relating to science and technology.
Princess Sumaya has supported SESAME, the Synchroton-light for experimental science and applications in the Middle East, located in Allan, Jordan.
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For further information:
http: //en.unesco.org/news/princess-sumaya-bint-hassan-jordan-named-unesco-special-envoy-science-peace
http: //unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0025/002592/259267e.pdf
XI Sharq Taronalari Festival Grand Opening Ceremony of the festival at the renowned Registan Square.The Sharq Taronalari Festival Brings People and Cultures together, statement by H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The historic city of Samarqand – Uzbekistan hosted the XI Sharq Taronalari Festival 2017, a spectacular biennium international fine- and performing arts festival on its native soil. The Sharq Taronalari Festival or Music of the East Festival is one of the largest festivals in Central Asia.
The Sharq Taronalari Festival
The aims and objectives of the festival are to popularize widely the best achievements of national music art, to preserve and develop great traditions of peoples, to encourage talents in the musical- and vocal sphere, as well as to spread in further international creative ties, to strengthen cultural friendship and ideas of mutual sympathetic.
The first International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari”, took place in 1997 where musical groups and performers from 31 different countries participated. Today, it became one of the most popular and famous festivals not only in Central Asia but also far beyond. The significance of this year’s festival is the ever-increasing number of the artists from a broader geographical range of participating countries, and the prevalence of fine artistry in an array of forms such as music and dance level of participants.
For additional images on the festival, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157687972039391The XI Sharq Taronalari Festival 2017The XI Sharq Taronalari Festival took place as it were under the watchful eye of the father of the Uzbek nation, the great Amir Temur. His monument is prominently situated in the center of town, he observed the participants of the Sharq Toranalari festival passing by.The festival was held from 25 – 30 August 2017 at the renowned Registan Square. This year, Samarqand hosted 241 artists from 58 countries. Besides performances and competitions, the program included a scientific conference, held from 26-27 August 2017 providing opportunities for countries to exchange their expertise and cultural talents. H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.The Grand opening Ceremony
H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of the Republic of Uzbekistan started his opening address by observing that the Sharq Taronalari Festival gains a high prestige. He recounted, “Art is a means of expressing aspirations, joys and cares, inner experiences. Music is especially strong at that, the language understandable for everyone. Music acquaints and brings peoples and cultures closer, establishes a strong spiritual connection between them. All those visiting Samarqand today can feel the festive, friendly atmosphere reigning in the city.”
The President continued, “…the Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival, founded on the initiative of the First President of our country Islam Karimov 20 years ago, is now held for the eleventh time.”
Moreover, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed: “In the present extremely difficult time, when various challenges and threats are intensifying in the world, as well as confrontations, the role, and importance of musical art increases, which without interpreters unites millions of people of different nationalities, languages, and religions, further strengthen the bonds of friendship, cooperation and harmony. In this regard, the Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival, which this year marks its 20 years, acquires a special meaning.”
Subsequently, the President of the Republic welcomed the dignitaries in the audience such as: the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai, Chairman of the Assembly of Parliaments of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Christine Muttonen, Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Abdulaziz Bin Othman Al-Tuwaijri. The high-ranking guests include Halit Ehren, Director General of the International Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture, Hyun-suk Mun, Secretary-General of the International Organization of Folk Art for the Asian Region, Sergey Lebedev, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Mikhail Shvydkoi, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation, Boris Kandov, President of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the USA and Canada.
The Grand Opening Ceremony of the festival carries on with a captivating spectacle by directors, choreographers, designers, and artists with performances of dances and songs. An unforgettable evening, a symphony of colors, sentiments, and illumination at the Registan square which was converted into an amphitheater. The Grand Opening Ceremony concluded with fireworks and a lavish Gala-dinner at a nearby venue.
The Grand Opening Ceremony of the festival.The Performances and CompetitionsThe performing arts competition of the festival commenced in Registan Square on Friday, the 25th of August, where participants competed for the title of the best performance of a national song and instrumental music. The following countries performed on the first night: Afghanistan, Greece, Germany, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Russia, and Uzbekistan. An independent International Jury was put in place to judge the competitors. The following awards were established by the Festival Organizing Committee for the winners of the Competition:• Grand Prix -US$10,000• The first prize (2x) – US $ 7,000 for each• The second prize (2x) – US$ 5,000 for each• The third prize (2x) – US$ 3,000 for eachH.E. Bakhtiyo Fayzullayev Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Mr.Furkat Rahimov, Mayor of Samarkand.All participants of the Competition were awarded participation certificates. The winner of the 2017 Grand Prix was the participant of Azerbaijan, Sahib Pashazade. The first-place prize went to MOHICHEHRA (Uzbekistan) and the Goseong Folk-song Preservation Foundation. The second-place prize went to Muras (Kyrgyzstan) and Meshk Ensemble (Tukey) The third-place prize went to INO Ensemble (Indonesia) and NAGHSH Ensemble.The following Prizes were also awarded:
Special prizes on behalf of Samarkand Governor went to Awen Celtica (Great Britain), Prize of the Minister of Culture went to Gulistan Temirxanova (Uzbekistan), Prize of the Directorate of “Sharq taronalari” went to La Banda Moriska (Spain),Prize on behalf of the Samarkand Mayor went to Palvan Khamidov (Turkmenistan), and the A prize of the jury went to Bissenbek Toleubayev (Kazakhstan).Mr. Anvar Umarov Deputy of the Governor of Samarkand Province Mr.Safar Ostonov, Press-Secretary of the festival Sharq Taronalari.The conference
The theme of the conference – “Formation and development of national traditions in the musical cultures of the peoples of the East”.
The welcome address of the conference was by Mr. Bakhtiyor Sayfullaev, Minister of Culture Republic of Uzbekistan and Mr. Furkat Rakhimov, Mayor of Samarkand city. The moderator was Prof. Rustombek Abdullaev.
Participants of the conference:
Mehrenegar Rostami(Iran), Brigit Ellinghaus(German), Haruo Inoue(Japan), Tatyana Rasulova(Uzbek), Anant Narkkong, just to mention a few A declaration was adopted at the end.
Filled to their capacity, panel sessions were held at the Zitlol Baxi Hotel on 28 – 30 August 2017.Participants: Franki Raden(Indonesia) Liaquat Ali Lucky(Bangladesh), Tan Qing Lun(Singapore), Othman(Morocco) and others.
Additionally, The Mayor of the municipality of Samarqand Mr. Furkat Rakhimov along with the Uzbekistan association of Journalism hosted a networking luncheon for visiting and local members of the media at the signature Samarkand Restaurant. The mayor personally presented each visiting media members with a gift.
Sahib Pashazade. from Azerbaijan, Winners of the Grand Prix.Organization of the festival
The Sharq Taronalari Festival is organized by a multitude of organizations and institutions such as Ministry of Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Samarkand Regional Municipality Concert Association “UZBEKNAVO”, National Television and the Radio Company of Uzbekistan, the Union of Composers of Uzbekistan and assisted by UNESCO
Kudos to the organizing body of this mega festival, they deserve special recognition and gratitude for all their hard work. They have sponsored professors and students of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign languages to be guides-interpreters in ten languages. They certainly have done an excellent job. Mr. Tukhtasinov, the rector of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, emphasized. “Master classes have been conducted to upgrade their skills in the history and culture of Uzbekistan, the history, and significance of the Sharq Taronalari Festival.”Ms. Leyla Urmanova-Vnukova and conference moderator Prof.Dr. Rustombek Abdullaev.
Special thanks to the numerous workers behind the scene such as Mr. Husniddin Ato Consultant of the International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” and his team for their relentless services rendered to the hundreds of participants of the festival.
Well done O’Zbekiston, well done City of Samarkand. Thank you.
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The city of Samarqand
Samarqand, a city brimming over with history and culture, is known for being a pronounced point within the historic silk road. Samarqand could also be referred to as a city of gardens, with her avenues, boulevards, impressive architecture, universities, and academies adorned in petals and vegetation. However, what gives Samarqand her reputation is her astounding hospitality.
For eons, trade between the peoples of the West and the East has been conducted through Samarqand, where different cultures interacted and mutually enriched. This city was considered a bridge between two parts of the world, the center of the Great Silk Road. Merchants from Samarqand led caravans to China, Persia, Egypt, India, and Byzantium.
The expression was popular at that time: “Rome – in the West, Samarqand – in the East”, because these cities for the huge role in the fate of mankind became famous as ‘eternal cities.’ During the reign of the great Amir Temur, new pages were opened in the history of Samarqand. Further, in the period of the ruling of Amir Temur and the Temurids, Samarqand was not only the capital of the state but also the most beautiful city, major economic, a political and cultural center of the entire East.
Uzbekistan in brief
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country with more than 60% of the population living in densely populated rural communities. According to government sources, the GDP grew by 7.0% in the first half of 2017.
On the supply side, industry excluding construction was the main driver at 7.6%, up from 4.7% a year earlier. Within manufacturing, which is 80% of the industry sector, machinery and equipment production rose by 33.0% as external demand for passenger vehicles increased, particularly in the Russian Federation.
The direct contribution of Travel and Tourism to the GDP in 2017 is expected to rise to 7.2%. Uzbekistan’s growth has been driven primarily by state-led investments, and export of natural gas, gold, and cotton provides a significant share of foreign exchange earnings. In 2015, Russia’s Gazprom announced it would reduce its natural gas imports from Uzbekistan but Tashkent continues to export natural gas to China and Chinese investments in the country have substantially increased.
Despite ongoing efforts to diversify crops, Uzbekistani agriculture remains largely centered on cotton; Uzbekistan is the world’s fifth largest cotton exporter and sixth largest producer.
Professor Robb Montgomery.The Professor Robb MontgomerySmartphone: A Powerful Content Creation Tool of the Present and the Future — a meeting with Filmmaker and Journalism Professor Robb Montgomery.By Sheila Turabaz
Diplomat Magazine has invited filmmaker, journalism professor and author Robb Montgomery to celebrate the 5th edition of The Hague’s annual Embassy Festival.
During this anniversary edition, Robb offered a unique insight into the interesting features that a smartphone has to offer for creating and editing high quality movies. Robb is a professor specialized in mobile journalism. This relatively new form of media emerged as a result of technological advancements in mobile gear (most notably the smartphone) and grew in popularity due to the rise of social media.
It entails the use of a smartphone to capture, edit and share content with an audience, which nowadays is possible in high definition because most smartphones are equipped with advanced cameras.
Although based in Berlin, Robb has trained more than 10,000 journalists over the past 10 years in numerous countries how to tell stories visually through graphics, design, video cameras and more recently, smartphones. He has authored two books on video storytelling and is the founder of the Smart Film School. The Smart Film School is an e-learning platform containing video tutorials about mobile journalism, social videos and how to make a documentary film. The trainings are not only aimed at journalists, but also professionals working in communications, teachers and students.
The core objective of these workshops and video tutorials is how to tell a story a visually: “Once you know how to do that with your camera, being able to then put those shots into visual sentences using the grammar of filmmaking gives any storyteller, whether a text-oriented reporter or a scholar a new toolkit to be able to communicate to the way people are getting information, which is on their phones, (…) visual and social”.
The course packs are tailored based on different users’ needs and attracts a wide audience, because according to Rob “(…) everyone has a story to tell, everyone’s got a smartphone. What’s missing is the ability to identify a story, to know how to do the (visual) reporting and how to put it together in a watchable video, creating high quality films that can be persuasive and informative at a high level”.
More information about Robb Montgomery’s work and the Smart Film School can be found on wwww.robbmontgomery.com.
By Anton Lutter.
Minister of Defence Mrs. Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert (VVD) entered the parliamentary debate Tuesday afternoon in a relaxed way.
This weekend she already had decided to resign after the devastating report of the Dutch Safetyboard, her position being untenable after coalition-partner deputy-prime minister Lodewijk Asscher (PVDA) found “plenty of reasons for her to step down”.
The Safety board was called into action after an incident which occurred the 6th of July 2016 whereby two soldiers were killed and one severely injured by a deficient mortar during the UN mission in Mali. The harsh report concluded “grave shortcomings of the organisation” with “munition safety and medical provisions becoming subordinate to continuation of the mission”.
Mrs. Hennis didn’t took the easy way out, she answered a barrage of critical questions from members of parliament. But after a five hour debate she announced her resignation. Future government coalition partners of the VVD being CDA, D’66 and CU were also critical during questioning obviously not apt in saving her political career.
Minister Hennis-Plasschaert, was Diplomat Magazine’s cover page in November 2015.
After the debate she mentioned that “when I read the rapport, I already knew” (to step down). Shortly afterwards the commander of the armed forces general Tom Middendorp resigned, two days before his honorable discharge from the army.
Mrs. Hennis – the number 2 person of the VVD in the last parliamentary elections and a confidant of Prime Minister Mark Rutte – was mentioned as the possible next Minister of Foreign Affairs, now unlikely considering the Dutch military missions abroad are highly relevant to Foreign Affairs policy.
Under minister (staatssecretaris) for Security Justice Mr. Klaas Dijkhoff has been sworn in as Minister of Defence this morning, which office he will probably be taken up for just a few weeks. His last legislative action a law that would made it almost impossible for Dutch expats to bring their foreign spouse to The Netherlands was rejected by the senate (Eerste Kamer) at the same day his predecessor resigned.
H.E. Chou concluded with lauding Taiwan for being listed as one of the top ten countries recommended by Rough Guide UK this year to tourists to visit for its beautiful landscape, rich cultures, delicious food and friendly people. Direct flight services are provided from the Netherlands by Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air.
Dr. Frans Engering, President of the World Trade Center The Hague and former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), focused on the trade and economic relations between Taiwan and the Netherlands.
“Although in Asia there are some giant countries, Taiwan is for the Netherlands the 4th export market in Asia while the Netherlands is the biggest European investor in Taiwan.. Bilateral trade grew by 35% in 2016. For Taiwanese investments in Europe, the Netherlands is, together with Germany and the UK, the most important host country in Europe. There are around 200 Taiwanese companies in the Netherlands mostly working around Eindhoven, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. As a champion in high-tech, 90% of chips in the world are produced in Taiwan or by Taiwan companies”, Dr. Engering said.
At the reception there was also a showcase of high-tech Taiwan made bicycles Giant and Darfon E-bikes. The Giant bicycle of Tom Dumoulin, the first Dutch male cyclist who won the Giro d’ Italia in May, was displayed and attracted the special attention of cyclists and bike lovers among the audience.
Luster was further added to the reception by live music performances of traditional and modern Taiwanese songs by the Cheng String Quartet and by a flash mob choir performed by CEOs of the Taiwanese business community in the Netherlands. In return, the Dutch guests also contributed their share and showed their talents by jointly singing along a popular Dutch song. All this added a cozy and pleasant ambiance to the party.
A lavish buffet composed of many food stations winded up a successful National Day celebration that lasted long after the official closing time with friends of Taiwan in The Hague.
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Taiwan is a modern and democratic country, with 23 million inhabitants and 36,000 square kilometers in size.
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Photography Catherine Dailey. 
The following is a welcome letter addressed in the double celebration on behalf of the Dutch people to Ukraine:
Dear friends,
The most precious value in this world in a human being. We appreciate a charitable nature of the Dutch people, their empathy and support. There are over 40 Dutch charitable organizations active in Ukraine, some of them – since the 1990ies.
Today I have an honour to welcome Mr. Free Doomen, co-founder of HOMICO organization. Mr Doomen was distinguished by the President of Ukraine with the Order of Merit of Ukraine for his over 20-year charitable activities in our country.
Before we proceed with our program, I would like to thank all who helped to organize this evening – to our sponsors, in particular, companies DTEK, NED Spice, FMO, Theeuwes-Holding, Ukraine International Airlines, Foundation of Ukrainians in the Netherlands and, last but not least all my colleagues in the Ukrainian embassy.
I hope, you will enjoy a Ukrainian music, food and beverages this evening.
Now I would like to invite Mr. Doomen to receive the Order.
I propose to raise this toast to prosperity of Ukraine and to our friendship!
Live music and an interactive chocolate demonstration by Yaroslav Pakhuchyi, animated the evening. 
His Majesty was accompanied by Mr. Jaap Smit, King’s Commissioner in the Province of South Holland, and Mrs. Pauline C. Krikke, Mayor of the City of The Hague.
His Majesty was introduced to Eurojust staff and attended parts of an operational coordination meeting, followed by a debriefing with the College.
At the conclusion of the session with the College, His Majesty attended the opening ceremony and unveiled a commemorative plaque, followed by a reception in the lobby.
The new building of Eurojust is a joint project of the Municipality of The Hague, the Ministry of Security and Justice and the Central Government Real Estate Agency of the Dutch government, Heijmans and Eurojust.
It was designed by Mecanoo-Haskoning-DS and consists largely of glass panels. Eurojust’s new building has four hundred workplaces and accommodates national representatives of the 28 EU Member States and three third States, supported by an Administration.
The primary aim of this event was to promote ASEAN and the Netherlands trade relations, as well as to create better awareness among the Dutch business community of the potential ASEAN could offer in trade and investment- especially with the idea of cooperating with ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) that had been announced two years ago.
Pasar Raya Indonesia is this year supported by several artists such as Indonesian Idol finalist, Harry Mantong and Komunitas Hong of Bandung– he introduced various dance performances to PRI 2017. Dutch artist Justine Palmelay of “Superman is Dead”, the famous band in Indonesia, also took part the concert on the night of September 15, 2017, before the official opening ceremony on September 16, 2017. A total of more than 70 culinary stands and products supported this PRI 2017.
PRI 2017 was commenced by the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Yohana Yambise; together in cooperation with the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr. Michel Bezuijen and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.
Mayor of Rijswijk, Michel Bezuijen, expressed his gratitude over the fact that PRI this year was being held for the first time in Rijswijk. It was a surprise for Bezuijen with the splendor of the event and the immense number of visitors by exclaiming, “This is an opportunity for the people of Rijswijk to get to know Indonesia”.
According to Ambassador Puja, as the head of the organizer of Pasar Raya Indonesia 2017, this year’s celebration was held in a much larger indoor space as opposed to in previous years, PRI (with the old name of Pasar Rakyat Indonesia) at Sekolah Indonesia in Wassenaar in the outdoors. Puja noted, “compared to the past years, the number of visitors is getting bigger, and this year’s venue is expected to reach visitors up to 20 thousand a 3 day-program”. A great interest from visitors may also increase Indonesia’s diaspora business in the Netherlands that accumulate the demand for Indonesian products in the Dutch market.
Participants of the conference:
Mehrenegar Rostami(Iran), Brigit Ellinghaus(German), Haruo Inoue(Japan), Tatyana Rasulova(Uzbek), Anant Narkkong, just to mention a few A declaration was adopted at the end.
Filled to their capacity, panel sessions were held at the Zitlol Baxi Hotel on 28 – 30 August 2017.Participants: Franki Raden(Indonesia) Liaquat Ali Lucky(Bangladesh), Tan Qing Lun(Singapore), Othman(Morocco) and others.
Additionally, The Mayor of the municipality of Samarqand Mr. Furkat Rakhimov along with the Uzbekistan association of Journalism hosted a networking luncheon for visiting and local members of the media at the signature Samarkand Restaurant. The mayor personally presented each visiting media members with a gift.
It entails the use of a smartphone to capture, edit and share content with an audience, which nowadays is possible in high definition because most smartphones are equipped with advanced cameras.
Although based in Berlin, Robb has trained more than 10,000 journalists over the past 10 years in numerous countries how to tell stories visually through graphics, design, video cameras and more recently, smartphones. He has authored two books on video storytelling and is the founder of the Smart Film School. The Smart Film School is an e-learning platform containing video tutorials about mobile journalism, social videos and how to make a documentary film. The trainings are not only aimed at journalists, but also professionals working in communications, teachers and students.
The core objective of these workshops and video tutorials is how to tell a story a visually: “Once you know how to do that with your camera, being able to then put those shots into visual sentences using the grammar of filmmaking gives any storyteller, whether a text-oriented reporter or a scholar a new toolkit to be able to communicate to the way people are getting information, which is on their phones, (…) visual and social”.
The course packs are tailored based on different users’ needs and attracts a wide audience, because according to Rob “(…) everyone has a story to tell, everyone’s got a smartphone. What’s missing is the ability to identify a story, to know how to do the (visual) reporting and how to put it together in a watchable video, creating high quality films that can be persuasive and informative at a high level”.
More information about Robb Montgomery’s work and the Smart Film School can be found on 
