HIRH Archduchess Camilla of Austria-Tuscany was in Noordwijk as a guest of honour of the XLIX Wiener Ball at Huis ter Duin Grand Hotel upon the invitation of the ball’s committee.
In the company of Jonkheer Alfred Filz von Reiterdank, Archduchess Camilla was invited for a lunch by the Indonesian ambassador to the Netherlands previously posted to Austria, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja and the latter’s spouse. Newly appointed Director of IFIMES, HH Camilla discussed with Ambassador currents in the dialogue of civilizations. http://www.ifimes.org/en/9259
CIA Director Mike Pompeo and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia – Picture by SPA.Friday, 10 February 2017, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, First Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, was honored with the George Tenet Medal, issued by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States of America in “recognition of the outstanding intelligence work in combating terrorism and his immense contributions global security for the last two decades”. CIA Director, Mr. Mike Pompeo decorated the Crown Prince with the medal during a reception in Riyadh. HRH The Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Second Deputy Premier and Defense Minister as well as several high-ranking officials were present on the occasion. The Crown Prince and Pompeo also discussed issues of mutual concern; chiefly ways to further enhance them, especially in the security and counter terrorism fields according to the reports of the Saudi Press Agency. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was trained in counter-terrorism and security matters by the FBI as well as Scotland Yard. Chief of Royal Court, HRH Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, HRH The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Minister of Interior and Director Mike Pompeo, CIA – Picture by SPA.Foreign intelligence services have for a long time lauded the successful anti-terrorism programmes, and directives against religious radicalisation within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Referring to the Saudi-USA relations, The Crown Prince said that “nobody would succeed in creating friction in the historic and strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the USA”.The latter matter was also discussed by HRH Princess Basmah bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a recent interview for Deutsche Welle (https://share.ard-zdf-box.de/s/IhhO2BGoeTNbYnw), that is, the fact that the Kingdom in the last two decades has been counteracting terrorism, and radicalisation through the Ministry of Interior. As a matter of fact, upon hearing of the CIA’s honour for the Saudi Crown Prince, Princess Basmah bint Saud described the heir to the throne as a “true knight of the XXI century, a scholar and a reformer”. ————————–For further information: Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: https://www.moi.gov.saCIA: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sa.html
By Liudmyla Palamar.
Prime Minister of Ukraine H.E. Mr Volodymyr Groysman, participated in a high-level public debate in Brussels. Titled “Cheering and Steering: Ukraine Reforms Reloaded,” the event has brought together European decision-makers and civil society to discuss the democratic changes, taking place in Ukraine since the Maidan Revolution.
Organized by Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, the public discussion fostered the dialogue on the Ukrainian reforms, as well as marked a two-year anniversary of the Center’s UkraineReforms program. The think tank has been facilitating the program to support the developments in Ukraine by empowering local civil society and offering international expertise in the implementation of sustainable reforms.
Prime Minister Groysman, who joined the debate straight after his meeting with the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, contributed to the discussion with a clear narrative, focusing on the achievements of the reforms, which are led by his government. Among the success stories, he mentioned the reformation of the national police, the structural change in the oil and gas sector, etc.
Other members of the panel, namely Andrius Kubiliusm, former Prime Minister of Lithuania, and Taras Shevchenko, Co-Chairman of the Council of the Reanimation Package of Reforms, as well as the moderator, Roland Freudenstein, warmly accepted the narrative of the Prime Minister and admitted that Ukraine has made a significant progress over the past three years. Ivan Mikloš, former Minister of Finance of Slovakia, claimed that more positive changes had taken place in Ukraine after the recent Revolution than during all preceding years of independence.
The positive flow of the conversation was balanced with the critical assessment of the existing challenges that the Ukrainian government has to address in order to ensure the sustainable implementation of the reform package. In particular, questionable fiscal system and the influence of oligarchic groups on the decision-making of the Ukrainian government were among the topics, which were raised during the debate and challenged the optimistic narrative of the Ukrainian Prime Minister.
Both parties – Ukrainian and EU officials – expressed satisfaction with the efficiency of their cooperation and emphasized the necessity to continue the implementation of the democratic reform package.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The staff of the Embassy of Indonesia gathered to bid farewell to their colleague, Mr. Azis Nurwahyudi of the Department of Information & Socio-cultural Affairs who has accepted a post (promotion) in the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Secretary to the Director-General of Information and Public Diplomacy.
This event that was complimented by music, dance and food was organized at the auditorium of the Indonesian Embassy. Present was H.E. I Gusti A. Wesaka Puja, Ambassador to take leave of the man, who is known to be a diligent, hospitable and cordial person, alongside other departing staff members.
We wish Pak Azis the very best in his promisingly long diplomatic career.
He will be greatly missed.
Pictured H.E. Alexander Shulging, Ambassador of Russia.By Sheila Turabaz.
It has become an annual tradition for the Dutch – Russian network to convene at the New Year’s Meeting organized by the Netherlands – Russian Council for Trade Promotion (NRCH) in The Hague. This year the event was jointly organized by NRCH, the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) and the Royal Association MKB Nederland for Dutch small and medium – sized companies and took place on Friday 3 February at the headquarters of VNO-NCW.
Mr. Geert Greving, Vice-Chairman of the NRCH.
The event was well attended by Dutch and Russian entrepreneurs, representatives of multinationals and the public sector. During the annual meeting, a retrospective of the past year was given along with an economic forecast for 2017.
Mr. Geert Greving, Vice-Chairman of the NRCH hosted the meeting. In his welcome address, Mr. Greving emphasized that the Council’s target is to connect the medium and small sized entrepreneurs with large enterprises and subsequently inform the government to create and maintain a consistent policy with Russia regardless of the on-going EU sanctions against Russia. Furthermore, he also mentioned that these sanctions have had serious economic consequences and that it has affected the Netherlands in particular.
Mr. Greving stressed the complexity of the current international economic environment in which the Netherlands faces fierce competition from the U.S. and China in particular. According to Mr. Greving, pragmatism is key despite the current sanctions.
H.E. MS. Renée Jones-Bos, Dutch Ambassador to Moscow.
H.E. Ms. Renée Jones-Bos, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Russian Federation followed with a speech, in which she mentioned the longstanding historical ties between the Netherlands and Russia, the mutual interests both countries share, the current geopolitical situation and lastly, trends and developments in business relations. According to Ms. Jones-Bos, « the worst is behind » and the Russian economy is showing careful signs of recovery.
Structural reforms are necessary to make the Russian economy grow again. Despite the imposed economic sanctions that have affected the bilateral trade relations, the tide seems to be turning as cautious growth took place last year. During her speech Ms. Jones-Bos also mentioned the active involvement of the embassy in Moscow in supporting Dutch businesses and emphasized the importance of these channels even in times of different political opinions.
Laurens Jan Brinkhorst, former Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, representatives of Dutch Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and general public.
H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Netherlands mentioned that the unfavourable international economic environment has affected the Russian economy. However, the Russian government is proactive in structural reforms and modernizing the Russian economy.
Mr. Shulgin also injected some positivity and mentioned that Russia is becoming the most important exporter in agricultural products.
Mr. Ineke Dezentje Hamming-Bluemink Chairperson FME – CMW.
Ms. Ineke Dezentjé Hamming-Bluemink, President of the FME-CMW (the largest employers’ organization in the technology industry) and Mr. Jerke Verschoor, Director of the Nuffic Neso Russia also spoke (briefly) about Dutch – Russian business relations.
Mr. Greving concluded the meeting and a networking reception followed afterwards.
mR. Jerke Verschoor Director Nuffic Neso Russia.
International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages (30C/62). On 16 May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/61/266 called upon Member States “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world”.
By the same resolution, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism.
The date represents the day in 1952 when students demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital of what is now Bangladesh.
Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
We must do, all we can, to save our mother tongue, culture and our unity in diversity.
Let’s celebrate humanity.
Pictured from left to right: Mr. Istiaque Ahmed, Embassy of Bangladesh, Mr. Kazi Russel Pervez Embassy of Bangladesh, Mr. Mohammed Nasir – vice president, BGMEA , Dr. Dilruba Nasrin,Ambassador Belal, Mr. Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul – Chief Executive & Editor in Chief, Ekushey TV (mentor), Mr. Shyamal Dutta – Editor, The Daily Bhorerkagoj (mentor) and Mr. Syad Ishtiaque Reza – Director News, Ekattor TV (mentor).By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The tradition continues, once again H.E. Sheikh Muhammed Belal Ambassador of Bangladesh threw open the doors of Bangladesh House, this time around to host a dinner in honor of a Bangladeshi delegation for a program of Garment Industry and Journalism.
Journalist mingle with guests.
All took place on Monday 6 February 2017. In his welcome remarks Ambassador Belal, flanked by his spouse Dr. Dilruba Nasrin cordially welcomed the journalists to Bangladesh House and the Netherlands.
‘You are close to my heart’ stated Ambassador Belal, ‘ because you are the eyes and ears of my people. Reporting on what you have seen and experienced during the course of your trip will certainly enrich our people.’
Ambassador Belal hence urged the delegates to glean as much as possible from what the Netherlands has to offer. The Netherlands and Bangladesh he continued have in common that they are both small and so-called delta countries. The atmosphere at the dinner has by all means been an excellent one.
Pictured Ms Pauline Krikke, new Mayor of The Hague.By Branko van Loon.
There’s a lot going on The Hague politics, on both the local and national level. A new mayor has been nominated by the city council. For the first time the City of The Hague will have a female mayor: Ms Pauline Krikke. In The Netherlands, the Mayor is not democratically elected, but appointed by the Crown, after a nomination by the city council and approval of the national government. If the national government approves the nomination, as is always the case, Ms Krikke will be installed as Mayor on the 17th of March.
Ms Krikker is an experienced politician and administrator. Currently she is a member of the Senate. Previously she was mayor of Arnhem (2001-2013) and before that she was vice-mayor in Amsterdam. Ms Krikke is member of the Dutch liberal party VVD.
Anticipating
Last year mayor Jozias Van Aartsen announced his retirement, 9 months before the end of his second term. On March 1st 2017, after nine years, he will no longer be the Mayor but a citizen of The Hague. The reason for his early retirement is that next year, in March 2018, local elections will take place (expats can cast their vote too in these elections!). This will give his successor a year to get used to the new job. Enough time before elections, and the installation of a new council and city executive.
More changes
Another political change will take place in the City of The Hague. The current vice-mayor in Leidschendam-Voorburg, Ms Saskia Bruines (D66), will replace Ms Van Engelshoven. Previously Bruines has been member of the city council and vice-mayor in Amsterdam.
After seven years, Vice-Mayor Ms Ingrid van Engelshoven, responsible for International Affairs, will leave local politics to run for a seat in the national Parliament. Ms Van Engelshoven has a high placement on her party’s list D66 and is very likely to be elected. Ms. Van Engelshoven has made no secret of her ambition to become minister. Whether she stands a chance all depends on the outcome of the national elections on this 15th of March.
Who will govern The Netherlands?
In a few weeks, a record number of 28 political parties will participate in the Dutch national elections. Seven new parties have entered the political arena. In the polls the anti-Islam far-right Party for Freedom still is on course to win the most seats in Parliament. Prime-minister Mark Rutte however recently declared that his party the VVD, like other political parties did before him, will not cooperate with the PVV. Most parties fundamentally disagree with PVV-leader Mr Wilders’ political views.
Mr Geert Wilders has pledged, when in government, to close Dutch borders, close mosques and leave the EU. Some of the new political parties however are open to cooperation with the PVV. This most likely will result in very interesting and difficult coalition negotiations. The Dutch will need all their ‘polder’ skills to form a new government.
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About the author:Branko van Loon is Associate Partner and Senior Consultant at Hague Corporate Affairs. He is specialised in public administration, political affairs, and strategic communication.
Hague Corporate Affairs: visit our website at www.en.hague.company.
Afbeelding 1 Branko van Loon
President Agius to pay official visit to Croatia next week.ICTY President Judge Carmel Agius will conduct an official three-day visit to Zagreb, Croatia, from 13 – 15 February 2017. This will be the first in a series of visits that the President will pay to the countries of the former Yugoslavia before the ICTY closes down at the end of this year.
During his visit, President Agius will meet with several high-level officials, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the President of the Supreme Court, and both the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and the Minister of Justice.
The topics to be discussed during the President’s visit include the facilitation of regional cooperation pertaining to war crimes issues, the legacy of the Tribunal, and the possible establishment of an ICTY Information Centre in Croatia.
Release of final evaluation on Eurojust’s Action Plan against human trafficking
The Implementation of the Eurojust Action Plan against THB 2012-2016 Final evaluation report marks the completion of a five-year-long process that started with the Strategic Project on Eurojust‘s Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, which identified and proposed solutions to the main challenges stemming from the investigation and prosecution of THB cases from a judicial cooperation perspective. The Final evaluation follows a mid-term Report released in November 2014.
The Final evaluation confirms that the complexity of THB cases, due to their multinational nature, the involvement of sophisticated criminal groups and the targeting of vulnerable victims, is the main obstacle to the successful repression of THB in Europe. The Final evaluation highlights Eurojust’s crucial role in facilitating essential cross-border judicial cooperation to dismantle THB networks.
Eurojust and Europol have expanded their cooperation on THB by improving the flow of information between the two bodies and increasing their shared casework.
The Final evaluation revealed the willingness of national authorities to cooperate at a higher level in combatting THB. An increase in the number of coordination meetings held at Eurojust and the formation of joint investigation teams (JITS) supported by Eurojust with the competent national authorities highlight this high-level support. THB-focused JITs were confirmed as an invaluable tool in the prosecution of cases that cross borders. The success of JIT Hvepsebo, set up between Denmark and Romania to tackle a case of human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, highlights the valuable role of JITs in combatting THB (see page 20 of the Final evaluation).
Lukáš Starý, Chair of Eurojust’s Trafficking Team, THB Contact Point and National Member for the Czech Republic, said:
‘Improved judicial cooperation is essential for tackling this egregious crime, which targets the most vulnerable members of society. Combatting the trafficking of the vulnerable for labour and other forms of exploitation requires the seamless judicial coordination that is offered by Eurojust. Eurojust remains committed to facilitating the fight against THB. Lessons learned from the Final evaluation and the Action Plan will be used to enhance Eurojust’s operational work.’
Eurojust also took the opportunity of the Final evaluation to focus on the issue of THB for labour exploitation, publishing a report in December 2015 entitled Prosecuting THB for the purpose of labour exploitation. Among other findings, this report identified common indicators of labour exploitation in THB cases in judgements from 11 Member
About the author:
Branko van Loon is Associate Partner and Senior Consultant at Hague Corporate Affairs. He is specialised in public administration, political affairs, and strategic communication.
Hague Corporate Affairs: visit our website at www.en.hague.company.
Afbeelding 1 Branko van Loon
