By Tom Chou, Representative, Taipei Representative Office in the Netherlands.
An outbreak of a highly contagious disease, such as MERS, Ebola or Zika, if not being dealt with promptly, can easily spread over the world. Therefore, no country should be left behind the security net of global health.
Taiwan has provided over US$ 6 billion in international and humanitarian aid efforts since 1996. It has benefited millions of people directly or indirectly in more than 80 countries.
Since 2009, Taiwan has been invited by the WHO to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer. With this new capacity, Taiwan has contributed further to the world community by sharing its valuable medical experience and advanced health technology.
Representative Tom Chou.
In the meantime, it has also benefited greatly in receiving timely information from the WHO that is critical in fighting new outbreaks of serious epidemics in other parts of the world.
Moreover, Taiwan administers the Taipei Flight Information Region, which sees over 60 million incoming and outgoing passengers, including Dutch visitors, a year. Taiwan’s participation to the WHA makes the world a safer place for all.
However, Taiwan has not yet received invitation to attend the WHA which will be held in late May of this year. The support of the international community to its continuing participation in the WHA is very important for the wellbeing of Taiwan and the world.
To mark the third International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India, The Hague and The Gandhi Centre, the Cultural Wing of the Embassy will be organizing an event in the Atrium, City Hall of The Hague on Sunday, June 18, 2017.
The event is open to the public, free of charge, and will also be attended by members of the diplomatic corps, Dutch, Surinami-Hindustani and Indian diaspora communities. Last year, around 650 people shared the beautiful experience of a guided group yoga session held in the tranquility of The Hague City Hall Atrium.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined 45,000 of his countrymen and women in a yoga session hosted at Capitol Complex in Chandigarh on the second International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21. Similar sessions were held in 177 other countries which attracted both beginners as well as experienced practitioners of yoga, making the first International Day of Yoga a global success.
Mr. Amit Khanna, the Yoga Teacher at the Gandhi Centre, the Cultural Wing of the Embassy of India in The Hague.
As part of the event, a group yoga session will be held, which will be led by Mr. Amit Khanna, the Yoga Teacher at the Gandhi Centre, the Cultural Wing of the Embassy of India, The Hague.
Mr. Khanna has been a Yoga expert, instructor, and therapist at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy) in India.
He has provided yoga training and therapy to more than 20,000 people in India and abroad. His guidance during the group yoga session of the International Day of Yoga 2016 in The Hague made it an unforgettable experience for both beginners as well as experienced practitioners of yoga.
Yoga, a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having its origin in India, aims to transform body and mind. The United Nations recognized the universal appeal of yoga through its Resolution 69/131 which was moved by India, and co-sponsored by a record 177 countries including the Netherlands and was passed unanimously. The word ‘yoga’ which derives from Sanskrit means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
International Yoga Day 2016, The Hague City Hall.
21 June was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014. The declaration came after the call for the adoption of the same by Indian Prime Minister during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014 wherein he stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. ”
The Secretary General to the United Nations stated that through the Adoption of the UN Resolution on the International Day of Yoga, “The General Assembly has recognized the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations”.
He further stated: “Yoga offers a simple, accessible and inclusive means to promote physical and spiritual health and well-being. It promotes respect for one’s fellow human beings and for the planet we share. And yoga does not discriminate; to varying degrees, all people can practice, regardless of their relative strength, age or ability.”
Pianist Beka Gochiashvili and Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
A double celebration: 26 years of reestablishment of independence and 25 years of bilateral diplomatic relations with the Netherlands
An Invitation by H.E. Mr. Konstantine Surguladze Ambassador of Georgia to attend a piano concert and reception on the occasion of Georgia’s National Day and the celebration of 25 years of cordial bilateral diplomatic relations between the Republic of Georgia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
For additional Robert Huiberts’ pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157682568778890Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze and his family.
The piano concert was by a renowned Georgian jazz pianist Beka Gochiashvili who currently resides in the USA.
Ambassador Surguladze, outfitted in an authentic Georgian attire the Chokha, stole the show. By putting on a chokha one is saying “I am a Georgian” Beka Gochiashvili played his well-known number Shumba, which he had dedicated to the victims of the enormous floods back in Tbilisi back in 2015.
Mr. Marko Korac, OPCW and H.E. Mikalai Barysevich Ambassador fo Belarus.
Enjoying the concert and braving the high temperature(27) was a large group of members of the Diplomatic community, Dutch entrepreneurs, Government representatives along with the Georgian diaspora. Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze in his welcome remarks, praised the long-standing good relationship with the Netherlands and commended the hardworking and proud Georgian people.
An exquisite Georgian buffet concluded an afternoon of Georgian hospitality at the Royal Theater in the Hague on 29 May 2017.
Mr. and spouse Ekatherina Dugladze.
Rome in Prague: Bvlgari Hosted a Red-Carpet Gala to Reveal its New Boutique on Prague’s Prestigious Pařĺsžká Street
Red-carpet, invitation-only, dress code “Italian glamour” party attended also by His Excellency Italian ambassador Aldo Amati, Jitka Schneiderová and Renata Langmannová.
Prague, Czechia, 27th April 2017 – Glamorous Rome came to chic Prague for a red-carpet affair, as Bvlgari revealed its new boutique in the design concept by Peter Marino to clients and celebrities.
The invitation-only, Italian glamour-inspired soiree began with red-carpet arrivals gathering outside, and treated to an oversized, illuminated Serpenti installation in the storefront: a luminescent introduction to show one of Bulgari’s most iconic pieces. After a short ribbon-cutting ceremony, the new store design was revealed to the invitees with a champagne reception inside its doors.
The guests were warmly welcomed by Lucia Silvestri (Creative Director Jewellery), Fabrizio Buonamassa (Creative Director Watches), Lelio Gavazza (Managing Director Europe/Middle East/Africa with seat in Amsterdam), Sandra Mohsni (Managing Director Northern Europe), Silvia Patrova (Store Manager Prague) and HSH Princess Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (Bvlgari Brand Ambassador).
Following, the guests were entertained by the famous soprano singer Eleonora Cilli and were delighted with Italian-inspired canapés created by Stones catering and molecular cocktail creations prepared specially for this evening. The guests partied the night away to the fresh music of DJ Brian and enjoyed the Italian glamour.
The boutique incorporates Roman marble-inspired designs onto the high-profile shopping locale, to interplay between old and new, between ancient tradition and contemporary design. Drawing on Bulgari’s Mediterranean origins, Marino’s design concept emphasised Italian classicism while respectfully interpreting it within local Czech architecture.
Bulgari, master of gemstones, finds endless inspiration in its homeland’s rich history, expressing its tireless creativity with a colourful Italian soul. Reinterpreting the majestic symbols of the Eternal City into exquisite editions of jewellery, watches, accessories and perfumes, its bold yet elegant spirit is guarded in the new Prague boutique, as it brings Italy to the Czech Republic.
********************
About Bvlgari:
Part of the LVMH Group, Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 as a jewellery shop and quickly established a reputation for Italian excellence with exquisite craftsmanship and magnificent jewellery creations. The Company’s international success has evolved into a global and diversified luxury purveyor of products and services ranging from fine jewels and watches to accessories and perfumes, with an unrivalled network of boutiques and hotels in the world’s most exclusive shopping areas.
For more information on Bulgari, visit www.bulgari.com
H.E. Elżbieta Lanc, Vice-Marshall of Mazovia and HE Ambassador Artur Orzechowski.Thursday, 4 May 2017, Brussels City Hall: HE Ambassador Artur Orzechowski, Head of Mission accredited to the Kingdom of Belgium in collaboration with the Voivodeship of Marzovia as represented by Vice-Marshall Elżbieta Lanc, presided over a very successful celebration of the Polish Constitution of 3 May 1791. The latter was after the US American one, the oldest in the world as a written supreme law as well as the first one of its kind in Europe. Highlight of the reception, and of particularly interest for the numerous guests was a replica of the aforementioned constitution which was on display at the Gothic Hall of the City Hall. It was on loan from the Council of Europe with seat in Strasbourg, and was brought to Brussels exclusively for the event hosted by the Polish Embassy to Belgium. Guests included members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the Belgian Foreign Office, Belgian politicians, EU authorities as well as mayors of cities liberated after World War II by the Lions of Maczek. Throughout the event a musical background was provided by The Strings Quartet, which played classical (e.g., Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi) and popular music (e.g., Queen, E.Piaf). A Polish vodka bar served cocktails to the guests which enjoyed them together with the rich buffet of Polish specialties. For further information:http://www.bruksela.msz.gov.pl/fr/actualits/l_hotel_de_ville_de_bruxelles_au_coeur_des_celebrations_de_la_fete_nationale_polonaiseshttp://www.mazovia.pl/en/international-cooperation/the-representative-office-of-mazovia-voivodeship-in-brussels/ ——-Pictures by T. Cibulla (Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Belgium)
Oud Essentiel: A Quintessentially Oriental Fragrance
On Monday May 8th 2017, Guerlain previewed their latest oriental fragrance known as ‘Oud Essentiel’ at Gallery 21 located in Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain. The launch drew in a number of VIPs and dignitaries to Gallery 21, and was held in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Founder of Royal Bridges, Guerlain’s Brand Ambassador, H.R.H. Princess Esther Kamatari of Burundi and Royal Bridges Managing Director Baron Henri Estramant.Guests were invited to explore the creations of Guerlain’s Master Perfumer Thierry Wasser, including Santal Royal and Ambre Éternel, both evoking scents hailing from the Middle East. Gallery 21, Adliya, Bahrain. Royal Bridges Managing Director Baron Henri Estramant and H.R.H. Princess Esther Kamatari of Burundi.Oud, long known throughout Asia for its ability to enchant and enthrall, is still regarded as a favored ingredient in perfumery and continues to permeate the hair and clothing of men and women in the Middle East. Oud Essential, the newest fragrance from Guerlain, draws on this sentiment and one could say that Thierry Wasser aimed to capture the versatility of Oriental perfumery as well as the variations of Oud, in one perfume. Oud Essentiel will be available as of 1 June 2017 across all of the Guerlain points of sales around the world.During the Oud Essentiel pre-launch, guests were also able to take home the latest printed edition of Diplomat Magazine, which features a short article on Royal Bridges co-founded by HE Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa and Baron Henri Estramant on page 17 (https://issuu.com/diploflying/docs/dm5_final-lowres_lr). Description of Oud Essential“An Oud Distinguished by Freshness”A rare and refined raw ingredient with a hint of spice that evokes the red gold of the caravanserais. A saffron note and geranium meet to compose the top note of this woody and leathery accord. Cedar and very green rose deeply combine, exuding an unprecedented fresh and warm fragrance. A sense of enchantment is then created by a leather note paired with the strength of gaiac wood. Finally, the smooth and dry amber accord reveals a precious facet of this fragrance, which is strong, sensual and sacred in one.After amethyst for Ambre Éternel and black for Santal Royal, Oud Essentiel shines in a refined green bottle adorned with a luminous label reminiscent of the wooden lattices of the Middle East, set off with an elegant green and golden ribbon.About GuerlainSince 1828, Guerlain has explored, innovated and perfected their fragrances, skincare products and makeup. Guerlain are daring creators, producing mythical creations with timeless know-how. A ‘Culture of Beauty’ is its signature. During the II French Empire, Guerlain was a purveyor to the Imperial Court under Napoléon III. Each day Guerlain makes women, all women, feel more beautiful and appreciate their inner and outer beauty. The promise of joyful, radiant beauty is an ethos epitomized by an extraordinary place: Maison Guerlain at 68, Champs-Elysées, Paris, France.About Gallery 21Gallery 21, located in the heart of the fashionable Adliya district in the Kingdom of Bahrain, provides the perfect excuse to indulge in art, food and urban leisure. Experience the excitement of the 2,600 square meter architectural marvel, a haven for both locals and visitors, with three dining options, an Art gallery and florist, there is something for every palate.Guests can experience Gallery Café, open daily offering a spectrum on freshly baked pastries and international favorites, alongside the renowned, high energy, Chino-Latino restaurant Asia de Cuba, set to be a pinnacle in Bahrain’s dining scene; Gallery 21 is also home to Genwa, its stunning lounge and cigar lounge, as well as the rooftop bar. Let the endless appeal of Gallery 21 awaken your senses the moment you arrive at its doorstep.————–Pictures by Gallery 21
On the picture H.E. Wu Ken Ambassador of the People Republic of China.
A Reception Marking the 45th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations at Ambassadorial Level between China and the Netherlands
People turn out in great numbers to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level between China and the Netherlands.
After a cordial welcome H.E. Wu Ken Ambassador of the People Republic of China delivered an elaborated discourse. To the surprise of many, the speech was in Dutch. The following is a resume of Ambassador Wu Ken’s remarks:
“On this special day, it is a great honor to have you here at the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level between China and the Netherlands.The welcoming ceremony in honor of the arrival of Wu Wen and Xing Ya, the two Giant Pandas’ arrival in the Netherlands last month has been impressive. The luxurious welcome they received—escorted by dozens of police motorcade—was comparable to that reserved for heads of state.
For addition la pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157684286569346The arrival of the Giant Pandas, together with the grand ceremony hosted by the Dutch side has become a new landmark in the history of the China-Netherlands friendship. It demonstrates that the China-Netherlands relationship has, after 45 years’ development, reached its prime time in the history and entered into the “fast track” of comprehensive, all-dimensional and multi-level development.The past 45 years have witnessed the deepening of our mutual trust. With the frequent high-level visits between our two countries, our political trust and strategic coordination have been continuously strengthened.Princess Beatrix visited China as early as in 1977 and she was one of the first royal members from Europe to visit China. And later in 1999, she visited China again as Queen, precluding the boom of our bilateral high-level exchanges in the new century. Since the year 2000, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander has separately attended the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics 2008 and activities of Shanghai Expo 2010, while Prime Minister Balkenende has visited China for four times and Prime Minister Rutte for twice.Especially in 2014 and 2015, with the historic exchange visits by President Xi Jinping and King Willem-Alexander, both sides decided to establish an “Open and Pragmatic Partnership for Comprehensive Cooperation”, which laid a solid strategic foundation for the future development of our bilateral relations.The past 45 years have also witnessed our mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. The bilateral trade volume grew from a mere US$69 million in 1972 to US$67.2 billion in 2016, an increase of almost 1000 times in 45 years, makes the Netherlands the third largest investor from the EU. Meanwhile, China has invested almost 600 projects in the Netherlands which cover various industries and create about 10 thousand jobs.10 Dutch secondary schools have set up Confucius Classroom and the number will get 13 this year. In China, two universities have established the major of Dutch language studies. About 9,000 Chinese students are studying in the Netherlands, which makes China the second largest origin of overseas students of the Netherlands. Last year the Chinese Cultural Center was unveiled successfully in The Hague.Chinese diplomats choir.At this historic moment, my heart is full of gratitude. First I wish to express my gratitude to Queen Juliana, Prime Minister Willem Drees and Prime Minister Barend Biesheuvel, with their far-sighted strategic friendship. Without your efforts and contribution, we would never have made such great achievements in the China-Netherlands relations.In 2017, both China and the Netherlands will embrace important opportunities of development. The Netherlands is going to form a new cabinet and China will hold the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party. Based on the experience of the past 45-years’ development of the China-Netherlands relations, we hope to carry forward our cause and forge ahead into the future with the Dutch side to push the China-Netherlands Partnership for Comprehensive Cooperation to a new stage.Honorable Ankie Broekers-Knol, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Wu Wen and Xing Ya will make their public debut., “It’s a small step for this pair of giant pandas, but a big step for the history of China-Netherlands relations”. We “three ambassadors” will work together to continue the joint efforts with all Dutch friends to push the China-Netherlands relations a great leap forward and bring more benefits to both countries and peoples.”
Ambassador Wu Ken and the Dutch Minister of Education Jet Bussemaker officially opened an exhibition depicting activities of the past 45 years. Minister Bussemaker delivered an eloquent speech in English in which she lauded the bilateral Sino-Dutch relationship. She is proud of having travelled often to China to enhance cultural ties amongst both countries.
Additional pictures on the spectacle presented on the occasion, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157681644784272After the speeches, invitees witnessed a spectacle presented by performers from China and the Netherlands, such as musicians, singers, equilibrists, jugglers, a talented animals sounds’ imitator and a great choir formed by Chinese diplomats from the embassy. They performed songs in Mandarin and in Dutch showing a great spirit of teamwork. After the speeches and spectacles, guests joined an exquisite Chinese buffet dinner served in two locations, inside the building and outside in the large terrace of the Embassy. The weather was favorable to enjoy the day, mingling with diplomats, entrepreneurs, Dutch authorities, the Chinese diaspora and the like. the many tasty dishes of the authentic Chinese cuisine and mingling with diplomats, business people, Dutch functionaries and Chinese Diaspora.
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, visits Ghana: “We must continue to work together to combat impunity”.On Wednesday, 24 May 2017, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda concluded a two-day visit to Accra, Republic of Ghana. The visit highlights the Prosecutor’s ongoing commitment to intensify engagement and dialogue with African States and relevant stakeholders, including African civil society and academia. Prosecutor Bensouda began her visit with a meeting with the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mr Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The Prosecutor thanked President Akufo-Addo for Ghana’s long-standing support for the Court, and underscored the critical importance of State cooperation. President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s support for the work of the Office of the Prosecutor and strong commitment to the ICC.During her visit, the Prosecutor also met with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Ghana, H.E. Ms Gloria Akuffo, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, including the Director of Public Prosecutions and Solicitor General. The visit also presented the Prosecutor with the opportunity to meet with Ambassadors from States Parties to the Rome Statute and civil society representatives, as well to engage with the media. During these meetings, Prosecutor Bensouda highlighted, in particular, the work of her Office in combating impunity for sexual and gender-based crimes as well as crimes against children. She recalled that in November 2016, her Office officially launched a Policy on Children to enable the Office to more robustly address atrocity crimes against and affecting children. “My Office devotes special attention to protecting women and children in time of war and conflict by ensuring that atrocity crimes against them are effectively investigated and prosecuted. The challenges are many – and we cannot address them alone. At the local, regional and international levels, we must coordinate our efforts to maximize impact.” On Wednesday, 24 May 2017, the Prosecutor officially launched the African Centre on International Criminal Justice, housed at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (“GIMPA”) in Accra. An initiative conceived during the Prosecutor’s visit to Accra in 2016, the African Centre on International Criminal Justice aims to create a platform for collaboration and scholarship on international criminal justice, and in particular, aims to enhance understanding of the work of the ICC. The Prosecutor, in her role as guest of honour, stated, “I am really honoured to take part in launching and celebrating the establishment of the African Centre on International Criminal Justice. As I often say, Africa has not only played a key role in the establishment of the ICC, but also in its development and the evolution of international criminal justice more generally. The establishment of the African Centre on International Criminal Justice at GIMPA is yet another important contribution to that legacy.” The Prosecutor congratulated GIMPA for this important initiative and achievement.Prosecutor Bensouda also noted in her remarks that 25th of May 2017 was Africa Day. This year, the designated theme of Africa Day is: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in the Youth.” In this context, the Prosecutor delivered special remarks to the youth, calling on them to utilize and contribute to developing the African Centre for International Criminal Justice, in order to enhance knowledge about international criminal justice across the continent. The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC conducts independent and impartial preliminary examinations, investigations and prosecution of the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Office has been conducting investigations in: Uganda; the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Darfur, Sudan; the Central African Republic (two separate investigations); Kenya; Libya; Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Georgia. The Office is also conducting preliminary examinations relating to the situations in Afghanistan, Colombia, Guinea, Iraq/UK, Palestine, Nigeria, Ukraine, Burundi, Gabon and the registered vessels of Comoros, Greece and Cambodia.
On the picture H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran, voting at the Embassy premises in The Hague.The twelfth Presidential elections were held in Iran last Friday 19 May, 2017. The Iranian Embassy in The Hague organised local pools where Iranian expats exercised their voting rights overseas.A long lineup in front of the Iranian Embassy during the election day.This is the first presidential elections taken place after the country signed the Nuclear Agreement 2015 (so called JCPOA) with 5+1. Millions of Iranians have voted inside and outside Iran. According to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in The Netherlands, the number of voters doubled in Holland in comparison to 2013 presidential election. Iranians came from all over the Netherlands to vote.Pools’ results in The Hague showed President Hassan Rouhani as a clear winner for a second four-year mandate from a direct Iranian vote. H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran sent a message to his Iranian compatriot, thanking them for their high turnout in the election. He reiterated that the message of this election in Iran’s foreign policy is the determination of Iran in deepening of relations with European Countries including The Netherlands.
The boutique incorporates Roman marble-inspired designs onto the high-profile shopping locale, to interplay between old and new, between ancient tradition and contemporary design. Drawing on Bulgari’s Mediterranean origins, Marino’s design concept emphasised Italian classicism while respectfully interpreting it within local Czech architecture.
Bulgari, master of gemstones, finds endless inspiration in its homeland’s rich history, expressing its tireless creativity with a colourful Italian soul. Reinterpreting the majestic symbols of the Eternal City into exquisite editions of jewellery, watches, accessories and perfumes, its bold yet elegant spirit is guarded in the new Prague boutique, as it brings Italy to the Czech Republic.
********************
About Bvlgari:
Part of the LVMH Group, Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 as a jewellery shop and quickly established a reputation for Italian excellence with exquisite craftsmanship and magnificent jewellery creations. The Company’s international success has evolved into a global and diversified luxury purveyor of products and services ranging from fine jewels and watches to accessories and perfumes, with an unrivalled network of boutiques and hotels in the world’s most exclusive shopping areas.
For more information on Bulgari, visit www.bulgari.com
Guests included members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the Belgian Foreign Office, Belgian politicians, EU authorities as well as mayors of cities liberated after World War II by the Lions of Maczek. Throughout the event a musical background was provided by The Strings Quartet, which played classical (e.g., Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi) and popular music (e.g., Queen, E.Piaf). A Polish vodka bar served cocktails to the guests which enjoyed them together with the rich buffet of Polish specialties.
For further information:
http://www.bruksela.msz.gov.pl/fr/actualits/l_hotel_de_ville_de_bruxelles_au_coeur_des_celebrations_de_la_fete_nationale_polonaises
http://www.mazovia.pl/en/international-cooperation/the-representative-office-of-mazovia-voivodeship-in-brussels/
——-
Pictures by T. Cibulla (Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Belgium)
Description of Oud Essential
“An Oud Distinguished by Freshness”
A rare and refined raw ingredient with a hint of spice that evokes the red gold of the caravanserais. A saffron note and geranium meet to compose the top note of this woody and leathery accord. Cedar and very green rose deeply combine, exuding an unprecedented fresh and warm fragrance. A sense of enchantment is then created by a leather note paired with the strength of gaiac wood. Finally, the smooth and dry amber accord reveals a precious facet of this fragrance, which is strong, sensual and sacred in one.
After amethyst for Ambre Éternel and black for Santal Royal, Oud Essentiel shines in a refined green bottle adorned with a luminous label reminiscent of the wooden lattices of the Middle East, set off with an elegant green and golden ribbon.
About Guerlain
Since 1828, Guerlain has explored, innovated and perfected their fragrances, skincare products and makeup. Guerlain are daring creators, producing mythical creations with timeless know-how. A ‘Culture of Beauty’ is its signature. During the II French Empire, Guerlain was a purveyor to the Imperial Court under Napoléon III.
Each day Guerlain makes women, all women, feel more beautiful and appreciate their inner and outer beauty. The promise of joyful, radiant beauty is an ethos epitomized by an extraordinary place: Maison Guerlain at 68, Champs-Elysées, Paris, France.
About Gallery 21
Gallery 21, located in the heart of the fashionable Adliya district in the Kingdom of Bahrain, provides the perfect excuse to indulge in art, food and urban leisure. Experience the excitement of the 2,600 square meter architectural marvel, a haven for both locals and visitors, with three dining options, an Art gallery and florist, there is something for every palate.
Guests can experience Gallery Café, open daily offering a spectrum on freshly baked pastries and international favorites, alongside the renowned, high energy, Chino-Latino restaurant Asia de Cuba, set to be a pinnacle in Bahrain’s dining scene; Gallery 21 is also home to Genwa, its stunning lounge and cigar lounge, as well as the rooftop bar.
Let the endless appeal of Gallery 21 awaken your senses the moment you arrive at its doorstep.
————–
Pictures by Gallery 21
The welcoming ceremony in honor of the arrival of Wu Wen and Xing Ya, the two Giant Pandas’ arrival in the Netherlands last month has been impressive. The luxurious welcome they received—escorted by dozens of police motorcade—was comparable to that reserved for heads of state.
For addition la pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157684286569346
The arrival of the Giant Pandas, together with the grand ceremony hosted by the Dutch side has become a new landmark in the history of the China-Netherlands friendship. It demonstrates that the China-Netherlands relationship has, after 45 years’ development, reached its prime time in the history and entered into the “fast track” of comprehensive, all-dimensional and multi-level development.
The past 45 years have witnessed the deepening of our mutual trust. With the frequent high-level visits between our two countries, our political trust and strategic coordination have been continuously strengthened.
Princess Beatrix visited China as early as in 1977 and she was one of the first royal members from Europe to visit China. And later in 1999, she visited China again as Queen, precluding the boom of our bilateral high-level exchanges in the new century. Since the year 2000, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander has separately attended the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics 2008 and activities of Shanghai Expo 2010, while Prime Minister Balkenende has visited China for four times and Prime Minister Rutte for twice.
Especially in 2014 and 2015, with the historic exchange visits by President Xi Jinping and King Willem-Alexander, both sides decided to establish an “Open and Pragmatic Partnership for Comprehensive Cooperation”, which laid a solid strategic foundation for the future development of our bilateral relations.
The past 45 years have also witnessed our mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. The bilateral trade volume grew from a mere US$69 million in 1972 to US$67.2 billion in 2016, an increase of almost 1000 times in 45 years, makes the Netherlands the third largest investor from the EU. Meanwhile, China has invested almost 600 projects in the Netherlands which cover various industries and create about 10 thousand jobs.
10 Dutch secondary schools have set up Confucius Classroom and the number will get 13 this year. In China, two universities have established the major of Dutch language studies. About 9,000 Chinese students are studying in the Netherlands, which makes China the second largest origin of overseas students of the Netherlands. Last year the Chinese Cultural Center was unveiled successfully in The Hague.
After the speeches, invitees witnessed a spectacle presented by performers from China and the Netherlands, such as musicians, singers, equilibrists, jugglers, a talented animals sounds’ imitator and a great choir formed by Chinese diplomats from the embassy. They performed songs in Mandarin and in Dutch showing a great spirit of teamwork.
After the speeches and spectacles, guests joined an exquisite Chinese buffet dinner served in two locations, inside the building and outside in the large terrace of the Embassy. The weather was favorable to enjoy the day, mingling with diplomats, entrepreneurs, Dutch authorities, the Chinese diaspora and the like. the many tasty dishes of the authentic Chinese cuisine and mingling with diplomats, business people, Dutch functionaries and Chinese Diaspora.
On the picture H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran, voting at the Embassy premises in The Hague.
The twelfth Presidential elections were held in Iran last Friday 19 May, 2017. The Iranian Embassy in The Hague organised local pools where Iranian expats exercised their voting rights overseas.
