Ambassadors to Luxembourg accredited

  The Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo, HE  Dr. Bernard Nikaj. By Henri Estramant. Republic of Kosovo: HE Ambassador Dr. Bernard Nikaj was accredited to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on 4 May 2017. Before holding the triple ambassadorship to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, Dr Nikaj was a Lecturer in Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pristine between 2009 and 2016. http://www.ambasada-ks.net/be/  
Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa (Nepal).
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal : HE Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa presented credentials to HRH Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg on Thursday, 4 May 2017. Before this ambassadorship he was Director General at the Department of Passport under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal.  http://www.nepalembassybrussels.be  
Ambassador Ousmane AlhassaneL Abba (Niger).
Republic of Niger: HE Ambassador Ousmane Alhassane Abba was accredited to Luxembourg on 4 May 2017. Before arriving to Brussels (residence of the mission), he was First Counsellor (2010-14) at the Embassy of Niger in Germany, thus this is his first ambassadorial post.  
HE Dr. Erkinkhon Rahmatullozoda, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Republic of Tajikistan: HE Ambassador Dr. Erkinkhon Rahmatullozoda was accredited to Luxembourg on 4 May 2017. Previous to his ambassadorship Dr. Rahmatullozoda was State advisor to the President of Republic of Tajikistan on Foreign Policy. http://www.tajikembassy.be/  
HE Ambassador Baso Sangqu, from South Africa.
Union of South Africa: HE Ambassador Baso Sangqu was Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN in New York before his ambassadorship with seat in Brussels. He was accredited to Luxembourg on 4 May 2017.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baso_Sangqu  ——– All pictures © Cour grand-ducale / Tous droits réservés    

Rome in Prague: Bvlgari Hosted a Red-Carpet Gala

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  

226th Polish Constitution Day of 3 May 1731 celebrated in Brussels

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_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)    

Guerlain Pre-Launches Oud Essentiel at Gallery 21, Kingdom of Bahrain

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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 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     

China 45th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with the Netherlands

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/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.
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/72157681644784272 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.    

Bensouda visited Ghana

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.    

Iranian Presidential elections in The Hague

                          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.      

Discover The Heart of Eurasia

On the picture H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands. By Roy Lie A Tjam. On the invitation of the Latin American Table at the New Literature Society De Witte, H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands has delivered an expose on Friday 19 May 2017. An audience consisting of Diplomats, business people and other professionals attended the event.
H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ms Sonia Meijer, President of the Latin American Table at New Literature Society De Witte.
Ambassador Ilyassov had chosen the theme Discover the heart of Eurasia’. Kazakhstan is indeed in the heart of Eurasia. Magzhan Ilyassov holds a Master’s Degree from Harvard University, Kennedy School of Public Administration (2013) and a BA from Kazakh State University of World Languages and International Relations (1996). He is married with three children. Before coming to The Hague Ambassador, Magzhan Ilyassov held the position of Adviser to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Head of the Foreign Policy Center of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan(2013 – 2016). His Diplomatic rank is that of Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the II Class.
His Eminence Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, H.E. Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, Ambassador of El Salvador and Ambassador Ilyassov.
As of May 11, 2016, Magzhan Ilyassov is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Kazakhstan, not a country one can pinpoint it on the map or know about its history and current economic prosperity. However, Ambassador Magzhan Ilyassov discourse has been instrumental in bringing about some changes. His discourse has been visiting and a very revealing one.
Mr Jorge Colombo Taricco, Vice – Chair Latin American Table, Mr. Ajay Sharma President of the Rottary Club Metropolitan, Ambassador Ilyassov and Mr Roy Lee.
Magzhan Ilyassov is a poised person; he captured the attention of the entire audience. It is as if Ambassador Magzhan Ilyassov had taken his audience on an enlightening excursion to the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan.
Mr. Anton Lutter, Ambassador Ilyassov and Mr. Menno Sombroek, Directeur , Kroller Assurantien.
The Republic of Kazakhstan, a story that needs to be told! Sonia Meijer, chair of the Latin American Table could look back on a successful evening, certainly, it has been one of the highlights of 2017.
H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands.
  —– Photography by Marta Costa, for Diplomat Magazine.

Second EU Day against impunity

Second EU Day against impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity  and war crimes 

Today, hosted by the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU in Brussels, the second EU Day against Impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes was held, co-organised by the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, and the EU Network for investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes (the Genocide Network). The event’s emphasis was on stepping up collective action and cooperation within the European Union when fighting impunity. In attendance were practitioners, representatives from international criminal courts and tribunals, Member States, European institutions, international organisations and NGOs, academics and lawyers. The opening speech was delivered by the Ambassador of the Permanent Representation of Malta to the European Union, H.E. Marlene Bonnici, who said:’‘The universal respect for human rights and the rule of law must be the bedrock in the fight against impunity. At the same time, we must continue to raise international awareness of the importance of prosecuting those who commit genocide and crimes against humanity to the fullest extent possible.’ In the keynote speech of the President of Eurojust, Ms Michèle Coninsx, she said: ‘Experience shows that fighting impunity for the most heinous international crimes requires close cooperation between States to close impunity gaps and bring criminals to justice. Eurojust is proud to have been entrusted with hosting and supporting the Genocide Network since its start, back in 2004. The network has contributed to successful prosecutions of perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture.’ The other keynote speech was delivered by the Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Ms Věra Jourová, who said: ‘We cannot let crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide go unpunished. We have to put an end to impunity. The contributions by Eurojust and the Genocide Network are crucial to facilitate cooperation within the EU to better prosecute such crimes. ——– Photo © Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU    

The Director-General Visits Rome

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The Director-General Visits Rome THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 23 May 2017 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü visited Rome from 22-23 May to attend and deliver a keynote address at a side event especially organised to mark the 20th anniversary of the OPCW at the First Scientific International Conference on CBRNe (SICC 2017). The gathering focused on safety and security issues in the chemical, biological, nuclear and explosive field and was held at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Ambassador Üzümcü highlighted the verified destruction of 95 percent of the world’s stockpile of declared chemical weapons and stated, “Destruction of the remaining stockpiles continues, and will be completed in the coming five years”. He shared with the audience the new approaches followed and new capabilities acquired by the OPCW as the focus shifts away from destroying existing chemical weapons to preventing their re-emergence.  The Director-General called for a concrete and coordinated response by States Parties, scientists, academia, industry and international organisations especially because: “Our achievements are valuable, but we must not rest on our laurels. Despite our progress and the noble aims of the Convention, the people of the world are not yet free from the scourge of chemical weapons.” Ambassador Üzümcü acknowledged the vital support of Italy to the OPCW’s work and thanked the Italian government and its agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for being at the forefront of the mission towards a chemical-weapons-free world. In praising Italy as a committed partner, he called attention to Italy’s important financial and operational contributions in support of the OPCW’s activities in Syria and Libya. Following his keynote address, the Director-General participated in a round table discussion with experts from diplomacy, academia and industry, on the achievements and challenges facing the OPCW. During his visit, the Director-General also met with H.E. Mr Benedetto Della Vedova, Undersecretary of State at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Director-General briefed Mr Della Vedova on the latest developments relating to Syria and Libya.  He also met with Mr Gianfranco Incarnato, Deputy General Director for Political Affairs and Principal Director for Security, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, and Mr Enrico Valvo, Head of the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).