By Roy Lie A Tjam. “Man of magnitude”, words that cannot get uttered without the name Oliver Reginald Tambo coming to mind. A man whose valor tokened the freedom of black South Africans and gracefully fueled the birth of a united South Africa. A South Africa that would, as in his words, belong to all of its people just as all its people belonged to it. On 31 October 2017, a memorial lecture held by Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, Minister of Water and Sanitation, took place in Wassenaar, in celebration of the centenary of the birth of this African maverick. Oliver Reginald Tambo, affectionately known as O.R. would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. An excerpt of Minister Nomvula Mokonyane’s speech now follows: “It was only last week on the 27th October 2017 that South Africa and the rest of world celebrated the centenary of Oliver Reginald Tambo, the longest serving President of the African National Congress – a patriot par excellence and a real leader of the national liberation movement in its broad sense. It was the generation of leaders such as Luthuli, Mandela, Sisulu, Tambo and many others who led the ANC during the momentous decades of the 1950s and the 1960s which saw the ANC leading the Defiance Campaign of 1952 and the adoption of the Freedom Charter by the Congress of the People in Kliptown in 1955.” 

H.E. Ambassador Bruce Kolane’s invitation,  was honored by many ambassadors as they believed that the South African luminary was nothing short of deserving of celebration for the bridges, of unity, that he had built in his country and across the world. Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, who was also the guest of honor, held a very stirring lecture. One that had tears welling up in the eyes of those who were engrossed in her speech. To cement the depth of her words, a diplomat exclaimed, “I was never told such details before”, shortly afterwards.   As a conclusion very suited to point, the guests were treated to a  South African style reception, complete with the famous boerewors and other snacks. After all, what better way is there to know someone better if not through their food? “Oliver Tambo, a great giant who strode the globe like a colossus”. ——— Pictures by the Embassy of South Africa.

H.E. Madame Martine Van Loon-Labouchere, the Mistress of the Robes to the Queen,  together with H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Netherlands. The Embassy of Russia in the Netherlands made a strong and meaningful accent on its cultural heritage and special ties with the Dutch people. It was a successful year of multiple exhibits, concerts and commemorations round the Netherlands. An array of high quality events demanding professional logistics and resources on their cultural agenda 2017. Amongst other events, one can mention: the Dutch Master collection from the Hermitage, to the exhibition of Pavel Vaan’s collection of pictures, the 200th Anniversary of the Russia Orthodox Church in the Hague and the magnificent Don KosakenChor Russland  presented at the World Forum Theatre at full house. “Art and culture are the precious little that has remained untouched by the global political situation. Art has always been a diplomatic mission of peace”, says H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of Russia.

The invaluable collection of Dutch Masters from the Hermitage was showcased for the first time at Hermitage Amsterdam, a very special and memorable event. It was also the first time in history this magnificent collection left their home gallery in Saint-Petersburg to the Netherlands. “We would like to express gratitude to all those who have worked hard to organize this outstanding exhibition – the State Hermitage Museum in Saint-Petersburg and particularly its director Mr. Piotrovsky, and the host museum, personally the director Catelejn Broers and the deputy director Paul Mosterd”, said Ambassador Shulgin. “The exhibition not only demonstrates the greatest works of all time, but also tells about our bilateral ties and cultural cooperation with the Netherlands. Looking back to the history of Russia, we always remember Peter the Great. During his trips to the Netherlands he did not only learned shipbuilding, visited factories, arsenals and schools, but showed as well a great interest in the Dutch culture. Tsar Peter built a western-oriented city of St. Petersburg, which later became the host city to one of the greatest museums in the world – the State Hermitage. He contributed a lot to the museum collection itself. During his stay in the Netherlands the Tsar bought several masterpieces of the Dutch «Golden age» and brought them to Russia, which has become their home for centuries. One of the first customers at the Dutch art market appeared to be Tsar Peter’s diplomat Andrey Matveev, who was assigned Ambassador to the States General from 1699 to 1712.” Empress Catherine the Great was also an admirer of the Dutch art. She owned one of Russia’s most outstanding picture galleries: «Portrait of a Man with Beard and Beret» by Rembrandt, «View of the Canal and City Hall in Amsterdam» by Gerrit Berckheyde and many others were acquired. During the reign of Alexander I was bought the famous “The Glass of Lemonade” by Gerard ter Borch. One of the leading collectors was a Russian geographer Petr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky. During his frequent visits to Europe he had amassed a considerable collection of old Dutch masters that was later donated to the Hermitage Museum in Saint-Petersburg. The collected art had enormous influence on Russian painters. Many Russian masters found their inspiration on Netherland’s artists. The European method of realistic depiction, techniques of light and shade were revolutionary for the Russian art. The outstanding Rembrandt’s style influenced Russian painters, such as Ivan Kramskoy, Ilya Repin and Karl Brulov. The unique Dutch technique was also emulated in the works of Vasily Tropinin and Pavel Fedotov. Even the Russian porcelain manufactory produced superb vases which were decorated with copies of easel paintings by famous Dutch masters.”

The 200th Anniversary of the foundation of the Holy Mary Magdalene Russian Orthodox Church in the Hague was celebrated on October 21th 2017, in the presence of The Most Reverend Archbishop Simon, The Very Reverend Archimandrite Nikon, The Most Reverend Carel ter Linden, H.E. Madame Martine Van Loon-Labouchere and H.E. Nikolai Borysevich, Ambassador of Belarus to the Netherlands. It was attended by hundreds of  guests despite the limited size of the church; a historical celebration of tradition and faith, commitment and respect. The congregation starting preparing the event a year before, settling a special committee to help the religious authorities on their work overload. Ambassador Shulgin honoured the presence of His Majesty’s Court of the Netherlands and said that “We consider it as a true sign of friendship and mutual respect between our nations. Could I humbly ask you to pass the words of our most profound admiration and the highest consideration to His Majesty and the Royal Family for their unchangeable, unwavering support of the rich heritage of the historic and cultural ties between our countries?” During his speech the ambassador Shulgin remarked: “In 1816 Anna Pavlovna Romanova married the Prince of Orange, who as we all know later became King William II of the Netherlands. They married at the Chapel of the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. After the marriage Anna Pavlovna came to live in the Netherlands but remained a Russian Orthodox follower. After her arrival, she established a Russian Orthodox Church at the Court. She even brought her own priests and cantors from Russia.” Throughout the 200 years of its existence, the Russian orthodox church of The Hague changed its location several times from one place to another. It is truly emblematic that its very first location was on the premises of the Peace Palace. Ambassador remarked: For as the Lord said: “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew, Chapter 18, Verse 20). “ At the moment the Diocese of The Hague and the Netherlands of the Russian Orthodox Church was under the administration of His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium includes two monasteries and seven parishes, this church being one of them.

“Our deepest gratitude goes to the Very Reverend Archimandrite Nikon, who has been the archpriest of the Church since 1984 and has always actively participated in the life of his parish protecting and preserving the common heritage of the Netherlands and Russia – the Holy Mary Magdalene Russian Orthodox Church in The Hague” A wonderful reception organized by the Embassy of Russia followed the religious ceremony.    

One of the most active ambassadors in the Netherlands is leaving The Hague after one very active year of service to her country. H. E. Mrs Iffat Imran Gardezi, a career diplomat, is known by her activism on causes related to Pakistan / India/ Bangladesh bilateral and multilateral relations. Ambassador Gardezi’s “I have focused my activities in the organisation of high profile events on Human Rights violations in the modern occupied Jammu and Kashmir and interfaith harmony meetings, including speakers from diverse philosophies.” She organised well attended gatherings, which was appreciated by expats and the public in general. “The Netherlands has been for me a great posting; I loved the comfortable friendship feeling of the country and its people. My mission here was able to improved bilateral economy and trade relations. I’m proud to note that over 40,000 Pakistanis living in the Netherlands have been openly accepted and are able to contribute positively to the economy of this country. Since my arrival, I had the mission to support and reinforce the presence of my community and make them more visible in the Dutch landscape”, expressed Ambassador Gardezi. In her memorable twelve months of duty in The Hague, Ambassador Gardezi hosted a Diplomat Meet & Greet, Pakistani mango and promotional Rice Dinner event in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine. Nine Pakistan projects took place in 2017. She diffused several sport and cultural events, such as a hockey tournament, a Cricket Cup, a golf match, and the successful Pakistan Cultural Festival 2017 in collaboration with the City of The Hague. More than 7000+ people attended this festival. “I’m thankful to the Pakistani community who provided me full support in different ways, notably attending massively to every event we organised. I’m also thankful to my officers and staff at the embassy who provided unconditional support and facilitated my work.” “I’m grateful to all the parliament members I met; I had the privilege to meet the Dutch Foreign Minister, the Secretary General Yoka Brahn and the inter division of South Asia and colleagues in the economy ministry and in the Prime Minister office. The year I was here I spent it in the most useful, constructive and productive way; a big achievement is that the trade rose by 16% during the year I was here specially at the time commerce with other Europe countries were on the decline”, says ambassador Gardezi. “In the commercial sector I organised trade delegations agenda in both ways, and the Dutch conformed the biggest European trade delegation to the famous Expo Pakistan in November 2017, by far even bigger that the traditional UK delegation.” “I’m especially proud to strengthen the credibility of the positive contribution of Paksitan to the aims and objectives of the OPCW and the convention. My personal contribution is winning the membership of the executive council to the OPCW again for the tern 2018 to 2020. I personally believe that the tremendous amount of work been undertaken by OPCW has the higher value for promoting peace and security in the word. I take this opportunity to sincerely congratulates our colleague Fernando Arias in his new position as Director General at the OPCW”. After a productive, exciting and meaningful year Ambassador Gardezi is in her way to USA, new challenges in her horizon.

It was the obvious choice and the best place to start Christmas celebration in The Hague. Beauty, tradition and class with Des Indes’ signature at Hotel Des Indes Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on December 6th, in The Hague. As never before, Des Indes combined its historical glam and savoir-faire to celebrate the new season in the most classical way, going back to the bases what is Christmas all about. Christmas decoration was impressive, elegant, and immaculate. Coen Masselink, General Manager of the emblematic hotel,  played safe inviting a select group of guests, to celebrate with champagne and a profusion of divines hord’heuvres. The tree appeared taller than ever with all new decoration and lights; an impressive Ahhh….! escaped from the public at the always magical moment of lighting. For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157688825602572

After a brief welcome words from Mr Masselink,  the American school choral interpreted the most beautiful Christmas carols from the gorgeous Des Indes stairs, at the other side of the salon Mrs. Carla Bos wearing a gorgeous long red dress fill it up the scene with the sounds of her harp. Of course there was Santa Claus, with his joyful Merry Christmas to each guests and a magnificent ginger house creation of Marta Orban, from Sweet and Spice. Marta Orban is the hit of the year with her delicious monumental cakes designed especially for each occasion. Some embassies rely on her creativity to interpret their national day cake, nothing comparable to a traditional ginger house by Marta Orban for Des Indes.

Beside the beauty and the impressive size, the smell of cinnamon, ginger and spices filled it up the room, thus the ginger house this time was especially appealing and more than one tried to still a cookie.

Many diplomats attended among then the Ambassador of Korea, H.E. Mr. Yun Young Lee and the Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Mr.  I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja , Ms Tamar Gvinadze, Consul and  Legal Counsellor and Mrs. Nino Kvantrishvili, Press Officer of the Georgia Embassy with her child and Embassy of Malta  Secretary, Ms. Danae Parmaki.

But the great encounter was Haim and Linda Divon; Chairman of the Israel/Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, former ambassador to the Netherlands, who decided to stay in The Hague to pursuit his second endeavour and from here travel around the word.

Des Indes opens with charm and character, elegance and grandeur its more than 132 years of tradition to offer to locals and internationals the most traditional Christmas celebration season ever. The restaurant provides the perfect ambiance for a cup of coffee or an aperitif, High Tea or a sumptuous dinner, the ultra chic hotel is without any doubt the place to be and to be seeing during the holidays.

       

On the picture, H.E. Willys Delvalle, Ambassador of Panama to the Netherlands. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The Hague, 3o November 2017. On the heels of Panama’s 114th Independence Day reception, an enlightening art presentation Vù Cumráp – The Banana Republic by the Panamanian artist Aristides Ureña Ramos opened at Humanity House. The expo is an integral part of the 114^th celebrations of Panama’s Independence. It was an initiative promoted by the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Panama, in line with government policy of what is called Cultural Diplomacy. In his welcome address, His Excellency Ambassador Willys Delvalle indicated, November is a month of numerous ( cultural) celebrations. We have much to celebrate in Panama. Remember Panama is the Grand Connection. Furthermore, Panama is going to participate in the world championship football games of 2018 in Russia. Starring, Panamanian master artist Mr. Aristides Ureña Ramos, who is touring in Europe along with the Dutch-Panamanian artist Antonio Jose Guzman. Aristides Ureña Ramos is a graduate of the San Marco Accademia Delle Belle Art, Florence Italy. Ureña also studied cinematography, lithography and engraving. The Dutch-Panamanian artist Antonio Jose Guzman is a lecturer at ArtEZ University of the Arts, Arnhem (NL) Curator Latin America: The Paleis voor Schone Kunsten, Brussels (BE) – Temporarily. What is more, Guzman has been lecturing at renowned institutions such as the New School New York; the Museum voor Moderne Kunst Arnhem; the DAI Artez Master School program, Tent Rotterdam; the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, Det Jyske Kunstakademi, Aarhus, Denmark; and besides his individual art practices, Guzman is the founder and Creative Director of The State of L3 Contemporary Arts & Film Collective The objective of Aristides Ureña Ramos visual artwork presentation, Vù Cumráp is to draw the attention of the international public to the plight of the thousands of migrants from Senegal and other African countries who are flocking Italy and Europe. Vù Cumráp is an accepted terminology in the Italian language. Senegalese street merchants, use it to do business. Passersby are invited to purchase their wares. Ureña Ramos deals with the complex migratory flow subject by means of contemporary art. Vù Cumráp is a presentation animated by paintings, music and videos. A powerful eye-opener (irregular street vendors) It’s message cuts deep, producing indelible impressions as a result. Aristides Ureña Ramos is considered one of the few Latin American multidisciplinary artists that accompany each of his presentations with paintings music and video. His work ranks amongst the most representative and innovative of Latin America, as he has managed to build over time a network for pictorial cycle expressions. Since his return to Panama in 2013, his latest cycles of paintings are Creole Albrook, Creole Panama and RPP, Republica Popular de Panama. Some of his work is on permanent exhibition in galleries such as the Institute Italo-Latino-Americano in Rome, the “Wilfredo Lam” Museum (Cuba) and the Contemporary Art Museum of Panama. There are also several private collections. Aristides Ureña Ramos has great narrating skills, capable of capturing his audience attention. It has been an enormous pleasure watching his live performance.