On the picture Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, President Petro Poroshenko and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.By H.E. Mr Mykola Tochytskyi, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU.2017 will be marked as the year of major milestones in Ukraine-EU relations. Recent full entry into force of the Association Agreement and introduction of visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens represent those symbolic achievements, which Ukrainians stood up for during the Revolution of Dignity (2013-2014) and continue to die from Russian aggression in the East of the country. For Ukraine AA/DCFTA became a comprehensive blueprint of political, social and economic reforms, allowing us to achieve much more in recent 4 years than it had been done since regaining independence in 1991 (the first independent Ukrainian state was proclaimed 100 years ago – back in 1917). Despite the ongoing Russian aggression and attempts of Moscow to destabilize the internal situation in Ukraine, we launched in 2017 new reforms in major sectors: education, judiciary, pension system, healthcare, public administration, cybersecurity and electoral law.In 2017, Ukraine has climbed to 76th place in the World Bank’s Doing Business ranking, while three years ago we were at 112th. International trade in goods has risen by 25 % in the first nine months of 2017 while with the EU it increased even more – by 31% as a result of DCFTA. Real GDP growth amounted to 2% in the third quarter of 2017 while the National Bank of Ukraine forecasts it at 3.2% and 3.5% for 2018 – 2019 respectively.Ukraine highly values the support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by international partners, in particular the strong and united position of the European Union. Political and sanctions pressure on Moscow is crucial. But if we would like to see Minsk agreements implemented and Ukraine’s territorial integrity restored, the international engagement must be stepped up. Among key tools we see the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Donbas and launch of Crimea de-occupation mechanism.Fully committed to fulfill our reform agenda priorities based foremost on the implementation of the Association Agreement, it’s also of crucial importance to develop a strategic vision of the future of Ukraine-EU partnership and be ready to move beyond the current framework.In this regard, Ukraine presented a number of new initiatives concerning integration, in a long-term perspective, with the EU Customs Union, Energy Union, Digital Single Market as well as association with Schengen. The issues have been discussed at the highest level during the Ukraine-EU Summit in July 2017 as well as at the recent Eastern partnership Summit in Brussels. We are ready to start joint work with the EU on elaboration of the relevant roadmaps and undertaking necessary feasibility studies. Ukraine as major energy transit county plays an important role for European energy security and is ready to contribute to creation of the Energy Union. On the other hand, with its Europe’s largest software development industry, Ukraine is looking forward to expanding its cooperation with the EU in the area of digital economy and society. Thus, participation in the Digital Single market would be beneficial for both Ukrainian and EU citizens, in particular through reduced roaming charges, deployment of modernized broadband internet networks, data protection, advanced digital solutions for e-government and e-commerce.We have defended our European future back in 2014 and are ready to do all the hard work in order to make this future a reality. We set up a concrete strategic goal – full-fledged membership in the European Union – and the Association Agreement has become our roadmap to this end. To make this goal a success it is important that both sides share the strategic vision of the partnership transforming this one way road into a two-way street.
By Michael Bonté.
Ecuador ‘s cuisine was in the spotlight at the first edition of a string of different food festivals organized in this instance by the Embassy of Ecuador, Diplomat Magazine and the Crowne Plaza Den Haag-Promenade hotel.
The Crowne Plaza’s Brasserie Brut was the venue of this event. The guests were serenaded by an Ecuadorean trio before the official opening by the Embassador of Ecuador H.E. Fernando Bucheli Vargas.
His welcoming words mentioned that: “It had been sixteen years ago that Ecuadorean food had been featured in the Netherlands”. He extended a special welcome to Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands, and also thanked Diplomat Magazine, the hotel’s General Manager, Patrick Aarsman and the hotel’s coordinator of the event Ms Michelle Spork.
For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157690063390985H.E. Fernando Bucheli together with chef Guillermo Miranda.
The cutting of the ribbon at the restaurant was welcomed with anticipation by everyone. Amongst the many invitees were H.E. Mrs Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms Haifa Aissami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela for the International Organizations, H.E. Ms Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mr Edgar Elias Azar, Ambassador of Mexico, Mr Renan Villacis, Director of the Secretariat of the Assembly, International Criminal Court, Judge Geoffrey Henderson and Judge Sanji Monageng, from the ICC as well.
A cocktail of cachaça, cinnamon, mint and sparkling water was served to tickle the palates while the guests proceeded to the elegantly decorated room with hundreds of Ecuadorian rosses flown in specially for this occasion.
Mr Jose Yturralde Villagomez, Third Secretary & Vice-Consul, Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador and spouse Jenny.
While everyone was seated the starters of baked plaintain, sandwich of pork and a ceviche of shrimps were served at the table. Next up were the mains which were presented buffet style. They came from the Andes, Highlands and Coastal regions of Ecuador. Potato and quinoa soup kicked of this course. Moving on to chicken, pork and seafood dishes.
Chef Miranda, was born in Guayaquil and grew up in the capital city of Quito, a fact which impressed upon him two of the most diverse and fascinating cultures in Ecuador. He studied in Germany and when he turned to Ecuador to expand his knowledge of the culinary arts in Quito while also exchanging experiences with chefs from all over the world.
Guillermo Miranda said: “Cuisine is an expression of cultural identity bearing the undeniable hallmark of a nation. A nation’s food is a gateway to getting to know its culture. I hope that with this recipes you will get a little taste of the message I’m intending to communicate and that you will try an Ecuadorian dish the next time you visit our beautiful country.”
Meanwhile the live music managed to get the guests dancing. The crowd was clapping and for a moment they were all transported to an Ecuadorean ‘fiesta’. With a mix of diplomatic and international participants this certainly reflected the international peace and justice vibe of The Hague.
Last but not least there were the sweets: a chocolate cake made with Ecuadorean cocoa and a Andes fruit icecream.
Three nights of this feast were presented and all sessions generated a fully booked restaurant. Clearly this was an experience which has to be repeated quicker than the last time. It being so succesful this event will also be showcased in Brussels soon.
The next 2018 edition of the food festival will feature once a month cuisines from Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, Israel, Georgia and more. As this will be a monthly affair for three nights at the Crowne Plaza The Hague it certainly is recommended to make reservations quickly.
The Twenty-Second Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) appointed H.E. Ambassador Fernando Arias of Spain as the next Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Thursday November 30th.
OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.
OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, extended his congratulations to Ambassador Arias: “I wish you every success in your stewardship of this Organisation as it increasingly focuses on preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons.”
In his speech following the appointment, Ambassador Arias expressed, “I am fully committed to the success of this Organisation in overcoming the challenges ahead. With this conviction, I intend to have an active and, at the same time, discrete role in tackling any situation”.
Ambassador Arias will assume office on 25 July 2018 for a tenure of four years. He is succeeding Ambassador Üzümcü who will step down after serving at the helm of the OPCW for eight years, the maximum allowed under the Convention.
H.E. Fernando Arias, Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Ambassador Fernando Arias of Spain and Director-General elected of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The appointment of Ambassador Arias follows a consensus recommendation by the OPCW Executive Council in October 2017.
Ambassador Arias is a career diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. Currently, he serves as Ambassador of Spain to the Netherlands and the Permanent Representative of Spain to the OPCW. Previously, he has served as Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations in New York and Ambassador of Spain to Mali, Mauritania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria.
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Photography by OPCW.
South Sudan announced today December first, that it “has all but concluded the process of joining the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)”. Upon joining the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), countries become Member States of the OPCW and enjoy the full benefits of the Convention.
H.E. Mr Moses M. Akol Ajawin, the Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, while speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr Deng Alor Koul, delivered a statement to the Twenty-Second Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) to the Chemical Weapons Convention taking place in The Hague.
Ambassador Akol Ajawin emphasised that “the images of victims of chemical weapons make us all the more appreciative of the goals and objectives of OPCW. As such, we, in South Sudan, would unreservedly like to associate ourselves with the noble goals and objectives of this great organisation”.
He further updated the CSP that the Council of Ministers of the Republic of South Sudan, acting on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (and based on the presentation made to it by the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs), resolved on 25 August 2017 to “approve membership in the OPCW”. He continued to state that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Cabinet Affairs; and the Defence and Veterans Affairs remain seized with the implementation. Ambassador Akol Ajawin concluded, “South Sudan has no reason to sit on the fence . . . and South Sudan looks forward to becoming the newest and youngest State Party”.Ahmet Üzümcü, OPCW Director-General.
The Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, welcomed the anticipated accession of South Sudan to the Convention: “Today, we are one step closer to universal membership. I urge the other nations that have yet to join the Convention – Egypt, Israel and North Korea – to unite with the rest of the world in eliminating all chemical weapons forever.”
On the picture we can see the Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Mr Hamid Ali Rao, Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü and H.E. Ambassador Abdelouahab Bellouki, from Morocco. Photography by Kim Vermaat.Remaining vigilant and strengthening the international norm against chemical weapons in the face of their continued use was the main message from the opening day of the Twenty-Second Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-22) to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), taking place from 27 November up today 1 December in The Hague.
The Conference is chaired by Permanent Representative of Morocco to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Ambassador Abdelouahab Bellouki, who assumes the duties from outgoing Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Christoph Israng of Germany.Ambassador Bellouki invited: “delegations and all participants of this Conference to be guided by the spirit of cooperation, respect and consensus,” and highlighted that “we are all united by the primary aim of the Chemical Weapons Convention – the achievement of a world free of chemical weapons. A world with less fear, a world with less terror. A better world.”During this week, States Parties will discuss and make important decisions on issues ranging from the global implementation of the CWC to the OPCW’s budget and programme for 2018.In his opening statement, the Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, looked back at 2017 as “a landmark one for the OPCW that has given us the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on our achievements of the past two decades”.He stressed that the international community continued to be confronted with the on-going and systematic use of chemical weapons. “It is vital, and in the interests of all States Parties to the Convention, that the long held international norm against chemical weapons remains strong and the perpetrators held accountable,” declared the Director-General.Ambassador Üzümcü’s speech gave prominence to the progress in eliminating declared chemical weapon stockpiles, including this year’s major milestone of the Russian Federation completing the destruction of its chemical arsenal under OPCW verification. The Director-General affirmed the importance of continuous engagement with the chemical industry and scientific community, and of strengthening cooperation with the OPCW Member States in Africa.For a series of Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157688841987392H.E. Yun Young Lee, Ambassador of Korea.On a more personal note, the Director-General reflected on his eight years at the helm of the Organisation as his tenure completes next year and stated, “In approaching the conclusion of my tenure, I consider myself extremely fortunate. I will leave an Organisation that is strong, vibrant, and efficient”. Looking to the future, he stressed: “The OPCW is and will be what its States Parties want it to be. I am confident that your continued commitment to the goals of the Convention will further strengthen this essential pillar of international security.”Participants at CSP-22 also honoured the recipients of the 2017 OPCW-The Hague Award on 27 November at an awards ceremony held at the World Forum. The joint recipients, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) from Algiers, Algeria, and the International Master Courses in Protection Against CBRNe Events at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, are institutions that make an outstanding contribution towards the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Award was established in 2014 from the monetary prize accompanying the Noble Prize for Peace and is supplemented by the City of The Hague.On 30 November, the Conference appointed Ambassador Fernando Arias of Spain as the new Director-General of the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW. Ambassador Arias will start his four year term on 25 July 2018.During the week-long Conference, States Parties, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the OPCW Technical Secretariat will provide a range of side events and exhibits showcasing topics related to the CWC.This year, 135 out of 192 States Parties are convening in The Hague along with Israel as a Signatory State and South Sudan as a non-Signatory State. Additionally, representatives of ten International Organisations, 49 NGOs and three chemical companies are in attendance and will make statements to the CSP.
JP Morgan, the largest US American bank is relocating its seat for European Investment Banking to Frankfurt. According to an internal communiqué by JP Morgan’s Managing Director in Germany, Dorothee Blessing, the bank is acquiring further office space at the Taunus Tower in Frankfurt’s banking centre. The latter for employees who will move in from London after Brexit. Hitherto about 450 employees work at JP Morgan in Frankfurt. JP Morgan has banking licences in the UK, Dublin, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Madrid and Paris. All continental offices are due to be expanded yet Franfurt will be the centre for investment banking within the EU. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup are likewise bringing more staff to the financial centre Frankfurt. Goldman Sachs has purchased the top floors of the Marienturm wherein more than 700 employees can be housed. Morgan Stanley can also doubled its personnel at the Omniturm, and Citigroup is likely to attract further 200 from 500 employees to its Frankfurt office.
On the picture H.E. Ambassador Luís Faro Ramos and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Picture by Presidency of Portugal.Ambassador Dr Luís Faro Ramos (b. 1962), incumbent top Portuguese envoy to Cuba has been appointed to lead the “Instituto Camões” with expanded functions to promote the Portuguese language and culture abroad as axis of Portugal’s foreign policy as stated by the Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva.Dr Faro Ramos is a career diplomat since 1986. His career includes postings at the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the International Organisations in Geneva, to the Permanent Representation of Portugal to the EU in Brussels. In 2008, he joined the government of the day as Chief of Cabinet of the then State Secretary for National Defence and Maritime Affairs, HE Ambassador João Mira Gomes, today Portugal’s head of mission to Germany. Camões Institute was set up in 1992. They enjoy administrative and patrimonial autonomy, that, under the supervision of the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, assures the co-ordination and execution of the external cultural policies of Portugal.For further information:
On the picture HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage – Picture by CultureMap Houston.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia already welcomes millions of Muslims pilgrims visiting Mecca annually; now is gearing up to attract conventional tourists.
“The targets are people who want to literally experience this country and the grandness of this country” uttered HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, head of the Saudi tourism and national heritage commission, during an interview to CNNMoney’s Richard Quest.
Saudi Arabia plans to issue its first tourist visas in 2018, Prince Sultan bin Salman said. Visas were previously restricted to people travelling to the country for work or to visit its holy sites.
Attracting tourists is a central plank of the country’s plan to reduce its reliance on oil. It’s aiming for 30 million visitors a year by 2030, up from 18 million in 2016, and it wants annual tourism spending to hit $47 billion by 2020.
For further information :
Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage: https://scth.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx#3
20 November 2017, Brussels: Amsterdam and Paris won the opportunity to host the two prominent EU agencies that must depart London due to Brexit. The decision was taken at a ministerial meeting in Brussels.
The European Medicines Authority (EMA), a key player in the continent’s healthcare industry, will go to Amsterdam prefered in a tough rivalry with Milan, and the European Banking Authority (EBA) will go to Paris, winner over Dublin.
The outcome was welcomed by European pharmaceuticals bodies. The EMA had warned that many of its staff might leave, possibly disrupting healthcare in Europe, if governments had chosen a less attractive host city, notably in the ex-communist East.
The European Commission welcomed today’s agreement at the General Affairs Council (Article 50 format) to move the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Banking Authority (EBA) to Amsterdam and Paris, respectively. Both Agencies are currently located in London.
The relocation of these two Agencies is a direct consequence – and the first visible result – of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, as notified to the European Council on 29 March 2017.
The EMA and the EBA are two key regulatory Agencies for the EU’s Single Market, and are essential for the authorisation of medicines and for bank regulation. They must continue to function smoothly and without disruption beyond March 2019, the statement said.
Heads of government – Serge Telle (Monaco), Antoni Martí (Andorra) and Nicola Renzi (San Marino) – Picture by Govern d’Andorra.
Tuesday, 21 November 2017, Principality of Andorra: Andorran Premier Antoni Martí convened a trilateral summit in his homeland to discuss the current state of negotiations of Monaco, Andorra and San Marino vis-à-vis the EU in order to reach an association agreement. All in all, the three-hours meeting focused on finding common ground amongst the three micro-states in order to act stronger together during negotiations.
Chiefs of diplomacy of Monaco and Andorra, respectively Gilles Tonelli and Maria Ubach Font were also present – Picture by Direction de la Communication du Gouvernement Princier.
All three leaders highlighted their conviction for the European project as well as the advantages that access to the common market ought to bring to young people, to banks owing to access to liquidity as well as the elimination of tariffs and bureaucratic procedures for exports. They likewise aim at revitalising, open and diversify the markets of the three negotiating states through access to the Common Market.
This summit took place in the presence of the three heads of government of the respective micro-states, namely Antoni Martí as host in Andorra, the State Secretary for Foreign, Political and Justice Affairs of San Marino, Nicola Renzi as well as the Minister of State of Monaco, Serge Telle. Also in attendance were the Andorran Foreign Minister Maria Ubach Font, the Counsellor for External Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, Gilles Tonelli, the Director for European Affairs of San Marino, Luca Brandi, the Sammarinese Permanent Representative to the EU, Antonella Benedettini as well as the Andorran Ambassador to Monaco and San Marino, Enric Tarrado.
For further information:https://www.govern.ad/afers-exteriors/item/8752-andorra-monaco-i-san-marino-intensifiquen-el-treball-conjunt-per-negociar-un-acord-d-associacio-amb-ue-que-s-adequei-a-les-especificitats-de-cada-estat
Three nights of this feast were presented and all sessions generated a fully booked restaurant. Clearly this was an experience which has to be repeated quicker than the last time. It being so succesful this event will also be showcased in Brussels soon.
The next 2018 edition of the food festival will feature once a month cuisines from Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, Israel, Georgia and more. As this will be a monthly affair for three nights at the Crowne Plaza The Hague it certainly is recommended to make reservations quickly. 
Three nights of this feast were presented and all sessions generated a fully booked restaurant. Clearly this was an experience which has to be repeated quicker than the last time. It being so succesful this event will also be showcased in Brussels soon.
The next 2018 edition of the food festival will feature once a month cuisines from Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, Israel, Georgia and more. As this will be a monthly affair for three nights at the Crowne Plaza The Hague it certainly is recommended to make reservations quickly. 
On 30 November, the Conference appointed Ambassador Fernando Arias of Spain as the new Director-General of the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW. Ambassador Arias will start his four year term on 25 July 2018.
During the week-long Conference, States Parties, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the OPCW Technical Secretariat will provide a range of side events and exhibits showcasing topics related to the CWC.
This year, 135 out of 192 States Parties are convening in The Hague along with Israel as a Signatory State and South Sudan as a non-Signatory State. Additionally, representatives of ten International Organisations, 49 NGOs and three chemical companies are in attendance and will make statements to the CSP.
On 30 November, the Conference appointed Ambassador Fernando Arias of Spain as the new Director-General of the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW. Ambassador Arias will start his four year term on 25 July 2018.
During the week-long Conference, States Parties, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the OPCW Technical Secretariat will provide a range of side events and exhibits showcasing topics related to the CWC.
This year, 135 out of 192 States Parties are convening in The Hague along with Israel as a Signatory State and South Sudan as a non-Signatory State. Additionally, representatives of ten International Organisations, 49 NGOs and three chemical companies are in attendance and will make statements to the CSP.
