Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller, and the Commissioner for Science, Research and Innovation, Carlos Moedas. ByJan Eustachi .
Brussels, Tuesday, 5 September 2017, the Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller, and the members of the Senate of Berlin assembled in the partner city of Brussels, to talk to high ranking European officials.
Among them were the EU Commissioner for Finance, Günther Oettinger and the Commissioner for Science, Research and Innovation, Carlos Moedas.
Mayor Michael Müller and the members of the Senate were mostly interested in the implementation of the Urban Agenda and the impact of the Brexit on the EU budget as well as on the next funding period after 2020.
The funding received from the EU is an essential part of the city-state’s budget. In the current funding period from 2014-2020, Berlin receives 635 million Euros from the European Regional Development Fund as well as 215 million Euros from the European Social Fund.
The Brexit will likely reduce the EU’s budget. This could also lead to a reduction in the budget available for structural support in the regions. Commissioner Moedas emphasised, that Berlin should maintain its innovative advantage through the variety and openness of the city.
For further information:
Governing Mayor of Berlin: https://www.berlin.de/rbmskzl/en/ ——–Picture by European Commission/EU
On the picture Norbert Kartmann, Speaker of the Hessian State Assembly; Lucia Puttrich Hessian Minister of State for Federal and European Affairs; Federica Mogherini – High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Karl Starzacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hessian Peace Prize, ret. Minister of State.By the Board of Trustees – Albert Osswald Fondation
Last 19 July 2017, The Hessian Peace Prize 2016 was awarded at the Representation of the State of Hesse in Brussels to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.
Speaker of the Hessian State Assembly Norbert Kartmann was pleased that the award ceremony was taking place in Brussels. “This is the right place to be awarding this prize to a European who is harnessing the positive influence of the EU in tackling the widest range of different problem areas at international level as the EU’s representative”. This place symbolised the importance of the laureate as a person, of her task and her radius of political action, he continued.
“In the face of the many challenges in the world, as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, you give the European Union a voice that is heard. Thanks to your mediation, it was possible to secure the breakthrough in the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme that many had thought impossible. In Ukraine, Syria, Libya and other flash points, too, you champion democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These are values which epitomise Europe and make our community strong. So it is only right that you are being awarded the Hessian Peace Prize“, said Lucia Puttrich, Hessian Minister of State for Federal and European Affairs, in her laudatory speech to the laureate.
The former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and now the EU’s top diplomat gave the EU a strong voice in world politics, Lucia Puttrich continued, and imparted fundamental European values with tact and assertiveness throughout the world, contributing decisively to harmonising relations with Europe’s neighbouring countries.
In June last year, Federica Mogherini set five priorities defining the thrust of the new global strategy of the European Union – security, the resilience of states and societies in the East and South of the EU, an integrated approach to conflict resolution, cooperative regional structures and global governance for the 21st century. In doing so, she is focussing her foreign policy more on soft power, pragmatism and tailored solutions as well as regional governance.
“I am very honoured to receive this prize, which above all pays tribute to the European Union as a force for peace, democracy and international cooperation. The nuclear agreement with Iran was the result of courage, political leadership and wisdom; it showed the role that diplomacy can assume in order to resolve long-term disputes in a peaceful, cooperative way. The European Union solves challenges and creates opportunities through dialogue, partnerships and the search for win-win solutions. We are investing in our own strengths and the strengths of our partners, in multilateralism, in cooperation, as a strong and reliable player who is increasingly needed in this fragile and unpredictable world.There is a great deal that the European Union can do alone, but we can do even more if we work together with our partners across the entire globe. This is the European path to peace and security“, the laureate appealed to the audience in her acceptance speech.
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Federica Mogherini was born in 1973 in Rome and was Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs prior to her role at the European Union in 2014. She had already been a member of the Italian Parliament since 2008 and worked intensively on the issues of foreign affairs and security policy. In her role as High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy she is also simultaneously one of seven vice-presidents of the European Commission.
Information: The Hessian Peace Prize and its Board of Trustees were founded in 1993 by the former Prime Minister of Hesse Albert Osswald. The award comes with prize money of EUR 25,000. The members of the Board of Trustees of the Hessian Peace Prize, awarded by the Albert Osswald Foundation, are: – Karl Starzacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hessian Peace Prize, ret. Minister of State – Norbert Kartmann, President of the Hessian Parliament – Prof. Dr. Nicole Deitelhoff, Executive Director of the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt – Prof. Dr. Michael Brzoska, Scientific Director at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg – Heike Habermann, Vice- President of the Hessian Parliament – Peter von Unruh, Director at the Hessian Parliament – Veronika Winterstein, ret. Vice-President of the Hessian Parliament – PL Dr. Ines-Jacqueline Werkner, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Heidelberg
Previous Hessian Peach Prize laureates:
1994 Marianne Heiberg-Holst, Norway
1995 John Hume, Northern Ireland
1996 Gregorio Rosa Chávez, El Salvador
1997 Hans Koschnik, Germany
1998 Alexander Lebed, Russia
1999 George J. Mitchell, USA
2000 Martti Ahtisaari, Finland
2001 Max van der Stoel, Netherlands
2003 Lakhdar Brahimi, Algeria
2004 Hans Blix, Sweden
2005 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
2006 Daniel Barenboim, Israel
2007 Christian Schwarz-Schilling, Germany
2008 Sam Nunn, USA
2009 Dekha Ibrahim Abdi, Kenya
2010 Ismail Khatib, Palestine
2011 Sadako Ogata, Japan
2012 Elisabeth Decrey Warner, Switzerland
2013 Dr. Muhammad Ashafa and Dr. James Wuye, Nigeria
2014 Rubem César Fernandes, Brazil
2015 Ella Mikhaylovna Polyakova, Russia
2016 Federica Mogherini, EU – Italy
For further information:
Hessian Peace Prize/Hessian State Assembly (Speaker Norbert Kartmann):
https://hessischer-landtag.de/content/pressekonferenz-hessischer-friedenspreishttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hessischer_Friedenspreis
Minister of State for Federal and European Affairs (Minister Lucia Puttrich):
http://www.bundesrat.de/SharedDocs/personen/DE/laender/he/puttrich-lucia.html
Representation of Hesse to the EU (Director Friedrich von Heusinger): https://staatskanzlei.hessen.de/berlin-europa/hessen-europa/landesvertretung-bruessel/die-vertretung-des-landes-hessen-bei-der
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Pictures by Representation of Hesse to the EU: f.l.t.r. Norbert Kartmann, Speaker of the Hessian State Assembly; Lucia Puttrich Hessian Minister of State for Federal and European Affairs; Federica Mogherini – High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Karl Starzacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hessian Peace Prize, ret. Minister of State.
Premier Daniel Günther – Picture by Gerd Seide.lFrom 28 June 2017, Schleswig-Holstein, in North Germany has a new cabinet formed by eight ministers in a coalition of three political parties, namely the Christian Democrats, the Liberals and the Greens.
14th Premier of Schleswig-Holstein is the Christian Democrat Daniel Günter. As one of the state’s representatives at the Bundesrat, he also serves on the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Schleswig-Holstein (SH) is Germany’s northernmost state. Its capital city is Kiel. From a population of ca. 2,872 million inhabitans approximately 65,000 are Danish-speakers.
For further information:
State Government of Schleswig-Holstein: http://www.schleswig-holstein.de/EN/Home/home_node.html;jsessionid=83B602701583B1626FC27BAB4D8E1F4F
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Premier Daniel Günther – Picture by Gerd Seidel – Wikipedia im Landtag Schleswig-Holstein
On the picture H.E. Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja and Mrs Rusdijana Puja.By Roy Lie A Tjam.The logo of the 2017 celebration symbolizes “Kerja Bersama”, in essence meaning “togetherness”.“72 tahun Indonesia Kerja Bersama”, they say, referring to the 72 years of Indonesia working together.
It represents the spirit of Gotong Royong, (mutual cooperation) striving to send Indonesia beyond expectations with the aim of a brighter future for its peoples.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157687073629104H.E. Rawan Sulaiman, Ambassador of Palestine, congratulates Indonesian Diplomats at her arrival.
Although the “72” on the logo depicts the anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day, it’s display has underlying significance to the identity of “Kerja Bersama”. The “7”in the logo resembles an arrow aimed towards the upper right, symbolizing dynamics of development oriented to a positive future.
Number 2 on the logo embraces number 7 symbolizes the principle of togetherness in building Indonesia and reaching the targets that have been achieved. The “2” represents the red and white stripes of the Indonesian flag symbolizing the Indonesian identity. As for the slogan ‘Kerja Bersama’, it shows an inclusive approach and prioritizes the principles of togetherness and gotong royong in building a better Indonesia. The slogan serves as the call to the people to work together to build a more advanced Indonesia.
In the center H.E. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada and Mrs. Maja Christina Steenwijk – Groot.
Indonesia’s economy is moving upwards, however, there are still some obstacles ahead that have yet to be approached.
H.E. President Widodo has referenced this in his Independence Day address. He exclaimed, “We want to work together not only in creating an equitable economy, but also in ideological, political, social and cultural development. In the field of ideology, we have to strengthen our national consensus in safeguarding the Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the unity of the Republic of Indonesia and ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ (unity in diversity)”.H. E. Mrs. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania and Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Dutch Indo Economic Relations
Indonesia is the 8th largest economy in the world. Palm oil and chemicals are major export products from Indonesia. Their excellence in diplomatic relationships, such as between themselves and the Netherland, is reflected on the bilateral trade relations.
It could be said that the bilateral trade between Indonesia and The Netherlands is succeeding, however, there’s still room for promoting investment cooperation between the countries. For instance, the diversification items such as coffee, tea, cacao, and timber need further promotion.
The upcoming 32nd Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) is planned to be held in Banten, Indonesia, 11-15 October 2017. It will host a good opportunity for Dutch businesses to get a complete view of what Indonesia has to offer.
With unwavering confidence, both the Netherlands and Indonesia are making strive towards perpetuating their centuries old bilateral cooperations.
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H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja Indonesia’s Ambassador in The Hague and his staff will be happy to assist any prospective investor in Indonesia.H.E. Elyes Ghariani, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia.
Working breakfast with H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The theme of the working breakfast was “New opportunities in Iran”.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On August 23rd, 2017, H.E. Prof. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in The Hague organized another of his regular working breakfast with members of the local media.
The venue was the Residence of the Ambassador of Iran in Wassenaar. Pictures are a courtesy of the Iranian Embassy, please open the following link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157689568309455The group of journalist together with Ambassador Jahangiri.
In part, this is the information Dr. Alireza Jahangiri shared with the media.
The Nuclear deal is considered as one of the great achievements of diplomacy in recent decades. In order to achieve this agreement, 5+1 powers of the world and the Islamic Republic of Iran, after having long negotiations and putting an end to an unnecessary crisis threatening the international security, finally managed to realize a great outcome called the Nuclear deal. The Nuclear agreement was a win-win result for all negotiating parties, the United Nations and European Union.
Following the implementation of the nuclear deal, the Islamic Republic of Iran, having extensive capabilities and strategic position in the Western Asia region, succeeded in developing of its trade relation with the world and in particular European countries.
Extremely large contracts have been signed between the I. R. of Iran and the world’s major economic powers. There have been multiple negotiations to finalize larger contracts and, in the months and years ahead, we are waiting for the results of these negotiations and implementation of further agreements.
From an economic and commercial point of view the nuclear agreement has provided European countries with a great opportunity for using the regional position and economic capacities of the I.R. of Iran to gain enormous benefits. The approximately 5 billion dollars contract with Total, the contract for the purchase of hundreds of civil aircrafts with Airbus and Boeing, automobile manufacturing contract with Peugeot and Renault and dozens of other contracts are only part of the achievements of the Nuclear agreement.
Although some important countries of the global economy have enjoyed the opportunities of the Nuclear agreement to the maximum and have signed major contracts with the I.R. of Iran, we occasionally see that some countries, having unnecessary concerns or under the influence of propagandas, have not yet taken part in this healthy international competition in Iran and have deprived themselves of the great opportunities provided. Interestingly, Iranian people with a broad participation in the recent presidential election conveyed the message of continuing constructive engagement of Iran with the world.
The relationship between the I.R. of Iran and the Netherlands has also made good progress. Dozens of political, economic and commercial delegations have been exchanged between the two countries.
As the most important cases we can refer to the mutual visit of foreign ministers to each other’s capitals and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations between the two countries, two times travel of H.E. Mr. Henk Kamp, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Netherlands to the I.R. of Iran, preparing a road map for expanding economic co-operation between the two countries, visit of H.E. Mrs. Melanie Schultz, Dutch Minister of the infrastructure and the Environment to Tehran and the visit of H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Hojati, Minister of Agriculture of Iran to the Netherlands.
During these visits great strides have been taken in developing relations between the two countries in various political and economic fields including agriculture, water resources management, environment, oil, gas, energy, medical equipment, etc. The volume of exchanges between the two countries is expected to increase by more than 50% this year compared to 2016. The two countries’ economic and trade co-operation process is very promising and there is a very positive prospect of relations between the two countries as well.
In order to maintain 400 years-old bilateral relations, the I.R. of Iran has always been keen on welcoming and presence of Dutch companies and investments in Iran and the Embassy of the I.R. of Iran in The Hague has tried to work together with various organizations to overcome the obstacles for the presence of Dutch investors in different economic sectors in Iran.
Tourist attractions of Iran can function as an important element for expanding the tourism industry between the two countries. Iran has unparalleled historical monuments and magnificent nature including both snow-capped mountains and spectacular deserts. Due to a large area one can experience four types of weather in one season. This is why all the tourist who have travelled to Iran want to visit the country again with their entire family.
The Embassy of the I.R. of Iran in The Hague has facilitated the travel of tourist to Iran by launching an electronic visa system and also many Iranian tourists travel to the Netherlands to visit this beautiful country.
In our view the role of the journalists in informing the elites, owners of capital and public opinion about the capacities of economic co-operation with Iran can be described as unique and highly important. We hope with the help and collaboration of the media, we can improve the co-operation between these two great countries after the recent elections in both countries.
Do you love to sing? Then join the course of Carol Singing in the Kalhuis.
We sing four-quarters Christmas songs from all countries and from all ages. Singing teacher and voice coach Magdalena Pattianakotta teaches everyone to sing, reading a score is not necessary. She pays much attention to the technical use of your voice.
We perform at various Christmas Markets, quite often outdoors.
Rehearsals are weekly on Thursdays from 17.30 tot 18.00 in the Kalhuis, Badhuisstraat 177 in Scheveningen.
For more information:mariet@overkoming.nl
Len Dong – Quan Ho are a new work choreographed by Minh Hoa specially for the Embassy festival. The art performances explored Vietnamese traditional languages, music which are honoured as Intangible Cultural Heritages representing humanity by UNESCO.
The program included two sections: Quan ho and Len dong.
Quan ho is one of the typical folk singing in the Red River Delta, in the North of Vietnam. Len dong is a form of practicing related to Viet beliefs in the Mother – Goddess of three Realms. Last year, it was honored to be Intangible Cultural Heritage representing humanity by UNESCO.
It is a new art form and It has not much been introduced to the world. Therefore, we should bring it to the world. Folklore Art is a very great chance especially on the occasion of Vietnamese National Day.
It is an opportunity to help Vietnamese overseas and the people of the Netherlands in particular and the whole world in general understand more about the cultural heritage of Vietnam. Folk songs are folk cultural forms born from people’s life so it is easy to listen.
Quan ho – Main Artress- Nguyen Thi Chung 1¨I feel very proud and happy to bring our heritages to your country. I see, all of you are very friendly and lovely and interested in our traditional culture. I hope that there will many chances like this.¨ said choreographed Hoa.
Quan ho: Moi nuoc, moi trau ( Please enjoy drinking water and enjoying Trau) performed by Nguyen Thi Chung and Nguyen Hong Thai.
The beauty of Quan ho: Quan ho is one of the typical folk songs of the Red River Delta, in the North of Vietnam. Quan ho was formed and developed in the ancient Kinh Bac culture, now it is Bac Giang and Bac Ninh. In the Vietnamese folk treasure, Quan ho Bac Ninh is the most popular music type. Lim town is the heart of Bac Ninh province with Lim festival in his almanac, his sister.
Lendong: Giá Cô Chín (The Ninth Princess) performed by main artist Mrs. Thanh Hải with folk music band including four musicians: the Anh/Tran Nam / Xuan Tuyen / Kim Dung. Len dong is a very special form of folklore. It is very spiritual. Len dong is a interplay between artistic performance and spirituality. This is very mystical. In fact, even with the Vietnamese, it is hard to understand. If not in a mystical world, it is difficult to imagine that goddess is hidden in a normal human being. That is extremely special not only for the Vietnamese but also for the world. All over the world they are looking to understand this art form.
Quan ho- Main artist – Hong Thai.Giá Cô Chin by Thanh Hải artist: She was a fairy. she also had talent of fortune telling she strolled all over the world, then arrived Thanh Hoa with beautiful landscape, she was satisfied. King on the earth found her supernatural power, ordered people to build her temple in Thanh Hoa.
The above is a personal reflection of Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW.The tenure of the incumbent Director-General of the OPCW E. Mr Ahmet Üzümcü is going to end in July 2018, when and how the new Director-General of the OPCW is going to be appointed?Answer: The incumbent Director-General of the OPCW, H.E. Mr Ahmet Üzümcü was appointed in December 2009 by the Conference of the States Parties at its Fourteenth Session. Following his appointment, Mr Ahmet Üzümcü began his term of office for four years on 25 July 2010. He was reappointed for a second term for four years beginning on 25 July 2014 by the Conference of the States Parties at its Eighteenth Session in December 2013 following the recommendation of the Executive Council of the OPCW at its Seventy-Fourth Session in October 2013. The current tenure of the incumbent Director-General H.E. Mr Ahmet Üzümcü will be ending on 24 July 2018 and the new Director-General will assume office with effect from 25 July 2018.
According to Article VIII, paragraph 43, of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Director-General of the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW shall be appointed by the Conference of the States Parties upon the recommendation of the Executive Council for a term of four years, renewable for one further term, but not thereafter.
The Eighty-Fourth Session of the Executive Council, held on 7-10 March 2017, considered and adopted a decision on the process for the appointment of the Director-General and in the context of the above decision, it requested that the Chairperson of the Council to invite, on Council’s behalf, States Parties to present their nominations of candidates by no later than 23 June 2017, to enable their consideration at the Eighty-Fifth Session of the Council.
The Council further requested the Chairperson of the Council to undertake, as soon as possible, consultations on issues related to the appointment of the Director-General and other actions that the Chairperson deems appropriate, with a view to assisting the Council in adopting its recommendation to the Conference at its Twenty-Second Session, in conformity with paragraph 43 of Article VIII of the Convention.
The Eighty-Sixth Session of the Executive Council to be held on 10-13 October 2017 is going to recommend a candidate to the Twenty-Second Conference of the States Parties to be held on 27 November – 1 December 2017 for the appointment of a new Director-General of the OPCW.
How the selection process has proceeded till now and what is ahead leading to the next Session of the Executive Council?
Answer: The seven candidates made their presentations on 13 July 2017 during the Eighty-Fifth Session of the Executive Council. As Chairperson of the Executive Council, I issued a Statement before the Council on a road map for the appointment to the position of Director-General highlighting that the appointment process should be fair, open, and transparent in order to ensure widest support for the incoming Director-General; and that there should be a commitment to make every effort to adopt a decision by consensus during the Eighty-Sixth Session of the Executive Council to be held on 10-13 October 2017 for recommending a candidate to the Twenty-Second Conference of the States Parties to be held on 27 November-1 December 2017.
The road map has spelled out the Chairperson’s intention to use, with the support of the States Parties, a number of tools, including consultations, “confessional meetings”, and, when appropriate, straw polls, in order to identify, in successive cycles, early but clear trends that could allow the Chairperson to engage in constructive and respectful discussions, which may lead to a reassessment of the candidate’s standing vis-à-vis other candidates. Each cycle would be followed, in succession, by another, in order to reduce the number of candidates and/or to identify a trend that could lead to consensus in support of recommending a single, consensus-based candidate.
The first straw poll was held on 13 September 2017 and the second straw poll is scheduled on 20 September 2017. We will decide about the rest as we go from there within the provisions of the “Rules of Procedure” of the Executive Council.
What credentials are the States Parties looking for in the next Director-General of the OPCW?
Answer: State Parties are the best judges to decide on the credentials they want in a candidate. As the Chairperson of the Executive Council and as an ardent follower of the Convention, I am just trying to facilitate this process so that the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) may be made adequately aware of their candidates’ credentials in terms of their knowledge, skill and experience.
I humbly wish that the next Director-General of the OPCW would be a person capable of dealing with the ever-evolving challenges through astute diplomacy and negotiation while having the required skill of managing around 500 officials in the Technical Secretariat. Our next Director-General ought to be someone with impeccable integrity to uphold the CWC and protect the OPCW. Considering the very technical nature of the OPCW and the achievement of this Organization towards making the world free of chemical weapons, I hope, the States Parties would appoint the best candidate for this coveted position through a process of meritocratic search.
How do you foresee the roles of the next Director-General of the OPCW?
Answer: The mandate of the OPCW is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in order to achieve the OPCW’s vision of a world free of chemical weapons.Therefore, upholding the CWC, under any circumstances, is a promise we all have to remind ourselves. The Director-General of the OPCW is a very important conduit for us to do it in coordination with the 192 States Parties that have already ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention covering 98% of the global population.
As the chemical weapon is perhaps abhorred by each and every individual of the earth, the next Director-General of the OPCW would need to walk extra miles to bring the remaining States to accede to the Convention to make the world safer from the scourge of chemical weapons. On the other hand, approximately 95% of the world’s declared stockpiles of chemical agents have already been destroyed and the destruction of the remaining stockpiles is expected to be completed by 2023. However, the threat of re-emergence of such weapon is also a credible threat against which we will all have to remain on guard.
From this view point, the next Director-General would need to make the OPCW, with the support of the States Parties, a vanguard against the threat of the re-emergence of chemical weapons and the use of chemical weapons by ‘rouge’ States and the non-state actors including terrorist organisations.
4) What would be your recommendations to the next Director-General of the OPCW?
Answer: First and foremost, we would like to see the next Director-General’s leadership in implementing the provisions of the CWC in ensuring that a global chemical weapons ban is achieved, threat of re-emergence adequately addressed and future challenges are duly thought out and dealt with.
Coming from a developing country like Bangladesh, we would also like to see an organisation like OPCW, while remaining a vanguard to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention, shall also provide for international cooperation among States Parties in the pursuit of chemistry for peaceful purposes. We would like to see the next Director-General promoting vigorous international cooperation in many areas: from sponsoring chemical research to capacity building in verification regime to guaranteeing legal assistance; from developing and improving laboratory capacity to specialised internships/fellowships. We would like to see his (regrettably we don’t have a female candidate this time) leadership in activating a trust fund for funding the interns/fellows from the least developed countries and addressing the problem of skewed geographical representations that we now have.
Metaphorically speaking, we would like to see a “third eye” in our Director-General to always remain ahead of the problems curve and thereby uplift this organisation as a successful model of disarmament. With ramping poverty and ravaging war in different parts of the world, the OPCW should be a source of solace to the victims as well as support to divert resources away from destruction to rehabilitation and new construction.
The OPCW was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 2013 for its “extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons”. It is Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, under whose leadership; the OPCW received such an international accolade with the support of all the State Parties. I would hope to see even more spirited cooperation from the State Parties to the new Director-General as he embarks at the helm of the OPCW to uphold our promise of “never again” to the chemical weapons.
I would urge all the State Parties to continue their best of cooperation to the OPCW and to its next Director-General towards our ultimate goal of ridding the world free of chemical weapons.
Disclaimer: The above is a personal reflection of Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, in rendering his role as the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the OPCW. Therefore, neither the OPCW nor the Executive Council has anything, either explicit or implicit, to do with this reflection.
On the picture, Dutch delegation at the 6th ERA of Knights of Rizal.By Anton Lutter.
From the 25th to the 27th of august the 6th European Regional Assembly of the Order of the Knights of Rizal – the sole order of knighthood in The Philippines – has taken place in Brussels. The Order of Knights of Rizal was founded in 1911 to to honor and uphold the ideals of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal.
In 1951 it was granted a legislative charter by a law, which signed by president Elpidio Quirino becoming Republic Act 646.
Sitting next to Sir Olaf baron van Boetzelaer is Alan Deniega, charge d’affaires at The Philippines Embassay at Brussels.
The assembly -which theme was the “KOR Europe in solidarity of Rizal’s vision” was visited by more than 200 knights and ladies, from all over Europe: Czech Republic, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, under the leadership of the European Regional Commander the Honorable cónsul Sir Antonio Guansing, KGOR. But also knights from the United States and Canada attended the assembly.
The guest of honour was without doubt the Supreme Commander of Knights of Rizal and former Chief Justice of The Philippines Sir Reynato Puno, KGCR, who attended with several other members of the Supreme Council from Manila. The Dutch delegation was led by Sir Anton Lutter, KCR, chapter commander of The Hague Chapter. The first day commenced at The Philippines Embassy in Brussels hosted by the chargé d’affaires Alan L. Deniega.
As guest speaker of the evening Sir Olaf baron van Boetzelaer, KR held a very interesting speech titled Dr. Jose Rizal : A Philippine Patriot who knew Europe. Some excerpts: “As the intellectual patriot he was, he stays as a beacon of light to his countryman: then, now and for the generations to come. But what strikes, this patriot, with the Philippines never out of his mind was also a cosmopolitan“.Sir Reynato Puno, KGCR.
We can say, here in our European assembly that he knew different European countries. He worked in Paris and was also a member of the Berlin Anthropological Society. He has lived here in Brussels and his famous book El Filibusterismo was printed in Gent. Dr. Rizal was driven by universal ethical values: succinctly: human dignity at home and if possible also abroad. Therefore he belongs to the Pantheon of great men – and women – of our world who want to further human dignity, human rights, without naiveté.
As said, he visited studied and worked in several European countries. We can say he “knew” parts of our continent. He had contacts, friendship even, with European scholars. An outstanding example of course was his friendship and exchange of ideas with the German scholar Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt. What has all this to say to us, in our present time? Well, his example as an outward looking patriot and at the same time as a fatherland loving internationalist is still relevant and inspiring, especially in our world where on the one hand people are sometimes afraid of losing their national or regional identity and traditions and where on the other hand, we witness more and more globalization.
Both aspects should be complementary not contradictory. Dr. Rizal always saw his fatherland as part of the global world, the family of nations. In this aspect he is also inspiring in 2017, now that The Philippines has the chair of ASEAN. The “homo universalis” he was, would have seen with a benign eye the contacts and cooperation between the European Union and ASEAN.
Regarding the status of the EU-ASEAN relations, I can quote the then High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Baroness Ashton, who stated: “The EU wants to be an active and constructive player in Asian regionalism. “The appointment of an EU Ambassador to ASEAN in August 2015, is an important step in that direction”. Van Boetzelaer concluded “Well, look to us here today. Dr. Rizal still brings nations and people together: brothers and knights from so many European nations, in brotherly solidarity. Also an example for international relations. And we all have also a special bonding with the country where it originated: The Philippines”.
The second day found important speeches by the Rev. Fr. Paul John Camiring, chaplain at SHAPE (NATO), titled “Knights of Rizal Europe in Solidarity with Rizal’s Vision” and the keynote speech from the Supreme Commander which was on Federalism in The Philippines.The ceremonial part of the assembly consisted of the dubbing and elevation to higher ranks as well as awarding individuals for outstanding services rendered.
Sir Olaf an Boetzelaer, KR between Sir Dominiek Segaert, KGOR and Sir Lino Paras, KGCR.
From The Netherlands elevated to Officer in the Order of Knights of Rizal were Sir Olaf baron van Boetzelaer, KR and Sir Steef Klarenbeek, KR, respectively pursuivant and exchequer of The Hague Chapter.
The visting supreme commander Sir Reynato Puno, KGCR led the official ceremonies of the three days assisted by members of the supreme council and Masters of Ceremony Sir Dominiek Segaert, KGOR and Sir Lino Paras, KGCR, who flawlessly led as through the three days of confraternity.
Rev. Fr. Paul John Camiring.
The official ceremonies of the day ended by the awarding of the Regional Commander Sir Antonio Guansing, KGOR with the well deserved Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of Rizal for his longtime honorably serving the Order.
A galadinner ended the evening, while the closing of the assembly – next day – by the supreme commander was preceded by a Thanksgiving Mass at the Saint Mary Mother of God Church, presided by the Rev. Father Jorgedy Bago, Chaplain of Seafarers and of the Filipino Community in Antwerp.
Sir Antonio Guansing, KGCR with Supreme Council members.
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Photography by A. Lutter.
Diversity and inclusion,as they continue to build a welcoming Canada
Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Youth – as they continue to engage young people and give them the means to contribute to their society, because they are the ones who will shapetomorrow’sCanada
Environment, as they are all the custodians of their environment, a source of our country’s wealth and pride.
The logo of the 2017 celebration symbolizes “Kerja Bersama”, in essence meaning “togetherness”.
“72 tahun Indonesia Kerja Bersama”, they say, referring to the 72 years of Indonesia working together.
It represents the spirit of Gotong Royong, (mutual cooperation) striving to send Indonesia beyond expectations with the aim of a brighter future for its peoples.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157687073629104
The upcoming 32nd Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) is planned to be held in Banten, Indonesia, 11-15 October 2017. It will host a good opportunity for Dutch businesses to get a complete view of what Indonesia has to offer.
With unwavering confidence, both the Netherlands and Indonesia are making strive towards perpetuating their centuries old bilateral cooperations.
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H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja Indonesia’s Ambassador in The Hague and his staff will be happy to assist any prospective investor in Indonesia.
From an economic and commercial point of view the nuclear agreement has provided European countries with a great opportunity for using the regional position and economic capacities of the I.R. of Iran to gain enormous benefits. The approximately 5 billion dollars contract with Total, the contract for the purchase of hundreds of civil aircrafts with Airbus and Boeing, automobile manufacturing contract with Peugeot and Renault and dozens of other contracts are only part of the achievements of the Nuclear agreement.
Although some important countries of the global economy have enjoyed the opportunities of the Nuclear agreement to the maximum and have signed major contracts with the I.R. of Iran, we occasionally see that some countries, having unnecessary concerns or under the influence of propagandas, have not yet taken part in this healthy international competition in Iran and have deprived themselves of the great opportunities provided. Interestingly, Iranian people with a broad participation in the recent presidential election conveyed the message of continuing constructive engagement of Iran with the world.
The relationship between the I.R. of Iran and the Netherlands has also made good progress. Dozens of political, economic and commercial delegations have been exchanged between the two countries.
As the most important cases we can refer to the mutual visit of foreign ministers to each other’s capitals and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations between the two countries, two times travel of H.E. Mr. Henk Kamp, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Netherlands to the I.R. of Iran, preparing a road map for expanding economic co-operation between the two countries, visit of H.E. Mrs. Melanie Schultz, Dutch Minister of the infrastructure and the Environment to Tehran and the visit of H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Hojati, Minister of Agriculture of Iran to the Netherlands.
During these visits great strides have been taken in developing relations between the two countries in various political and economic fields including agriculture, water resources management, environment, oil, gas, energy, medical equipment, etc. The volume of exchanges between the two countries is expected to increase by more than 50% this year compared to 2016. The two countries’ economic and trade co-operation process is very promising and there is a very positive prospect of relations between the two countries as well.
In order to maintain 400 years-old bilateral relations, the I.R. of Iran has always been keen on welcoming and presence of Dutch companies and investments in Iran and the Embassy of the I.R. of Iran in The Hague has tried to work together with various organizations to overcome the obstacles for the presence of Dutch investors in different economic sectors in Iran.
Tourist attractions of Iran can function as an important element for expanding the tourism industry between the two countries. Iran has unparalleled historical monuments and magnificent nature including both snow-capped mountains and spectacular deserts. Due to a large area one can experience four types of weather in one season. This is why all the tourist who have travelled to Iran want to visit the country again with their entire family.
The Embassy of the I.R. of Iran in The Hague has facilitated the travel of tourist to Iran by launching an electronic visa system and also many Iranian tourists travel to the Netherlands to visit this beautiful country.
In our view the role of the journalists in informing the elites, owners of capital and public opinion about the capacities of economic co-operation with Iran can be described as unique and highly important. We hope with the help and collaboration of the media, we can improve the co-operation between these two great countries after the recent elections in both countries. 
