Pictured H. E. Mrs. Soraya Alvarez Núñez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and her spouse, Mr. Eduardo Morales Monteagudo.   By Roy Lie A Tjam. In the days following the presentation of her credentials to HRH King Willem Alexander, Cuba’s new ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Soraya Alvarez Núñez, organised a reception to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution – which is officially and historically celebrated on the 1^st of January every year. Ambassador Soraya Alvarez Núñez , had the pleasure to make the acquaintance of many of her colleague-ambassadors who came to Hotel Marriott The Hague on 2 February 2017 to felicitate her on this momentous celebration. Among them the ambassadors of Malaysia, Spain, Russia, Georgia and several others. Notable was the presence of the evenly new Haitian Ambassador Mr. Daniel Supplice, stationed in Brussels. In her welcome remarks, Alvarez Núñez thanked the audience for accepting her invitation, subsequent to which she enumerated the successes and hurdles her beloved country, Cuba, faced during the course of 2016. Ambassador Soraya Alvarez Núñez also paid homage to the departed leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro. A resume of what she said in her discourse follows: “I have the honor and the pride to represent in this prosperous and beautiful country the Cuban Revolutionary Government and its people who with great optimism and confidence continue to build a prosperous and sustainable model of Socialism, which foundations were laid out and developed by the Historic leader of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, who worked tirelessly for a dignified and just country for the men and women of Cuba and for a dignified and fair world for the peoples of the world”.

“Fidel’s legacy and thinking goes beyond its physical presence. The best tribute to his ideas that the men and women of Cuba can pay is to make his ideas expressed in the concept of Revolution come true every day”. “With this premise, Cuba continues to work to achieve its goals for development, to build a fairer and more human society and to exercise its Foreign Policy according to its historic position of principles in defense of peace, self-determination, and the sovereignty of the peoples, to preserve Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, to develop economic and cooperation ties based on respect and mutual benefits with all countries. Likewise, Cuba will continue to exercise its traditional solidarity with the peoples of the world… 2016 was a year particularly emotional and intense for Cuba in all aspects”.   .”     “The economic performance faced financial constraints caused namely by the fall of the exports income brought about by the decrease of the price of some of our main exports, among other internal and external factors, and the substantial damages caused by the devastating hurricane that hit six municipalities in the Eastern damaging several sectors of production and services. This adverse scenario translated in a decrease of the GDP of 0.9%.  “However; amidst this unfavorable environment, Cuba complies with all the obligations undertaken and the social services remain at the same levels of the years before, guaranteeing healthcare, social assistance and education to the people. In this analysis, we cannot leave out the negative effect of the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States, which is still in force.” “In 2017, it is expected that the GDP will grow 2% and great importance is placed in the need to boost foreign investment.” “In the international arena in 2016, it is worth mentioning an unprecedented event that took place on February 12th, when the Pope Francis and His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of All Russia met in Havana. It was the first time both religious authorities ever got together.”    

“Likewise, from April 16 to April 19, 2016, the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) was held. In the meeting, it was approved a Proposal for the Conceptualization of the Economic and Social Model and the guidelines for the National Plan for Development until 2030 were outlined”. “Under the maxim “Promoting the sustainable development of the Greater Caribbean,” the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) held its Summit in June 2016, which was attended by State members and associates, as well as high-level Representatives such as Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who held a cordial meeting with President Raul Castro during this time”.   “Other exchanges and visits of high level between Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands also have a positive balance last year. Among them, it is worth mention the visit of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and Bert Koenders, the mutual Exchange of visits of the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands H.E. Mrs. Lilianne Ploumen and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba H.E. Mr. Rodrigo Malmierca”. “In this same token, the high level visits in different areas such as higher education and business went smoothly and allowed identifying major opportunities for Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which has greatly contributed to the strengthening of the historic Diplomatic ties between the two countries and the increase of cooperation of mutual benefit for their governments and peoples”. “It is also worth stressing the significant increase of Dutch citizens visiting Cuba, which has also contributed to the knowledge and approach between the Cuban and the Dutch societies”. “Finally, I would like to underline the importance Cuba gives to the signature on December 12 of the Agreement to the Political dialogue and Cooperation between Cuba and the European Union, mechanism that will help enrich the historic ties existing in many areas between Cuba and the countries of the bloc, based on mutual respect and understanding.” This memorable reception took place in a pleasant atmosphere which made it an excellent networking occasion. An authentic Cuban buffet dinner was part of the evening. With open arms, Ambassador Soraya Alvarez Núñez and Mr. Eduardo Morales are welcomed.

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Photography by the Embassy of Cuba in The Hague.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

       

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.

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 17^th 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 1^st 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 15^th 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. ————————— 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