Sudan Business Seminar

On the picture, the Ambassador of Sudan Her Excellency Rahma Salih Elobied. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan in the Netherlands, in collaboration with NABC (The Netherlands-Africa Business Centre) hosted the First Sudan Business Seminar at the Word Trade Center  in The Hague on Thursday 27 October 2016. Her Excellency Rahma Salih Elobied rolled out the welcome mat for the many participants. Subsequent to that, the following speakers enthralled the audience with their presentations to discern the business opportunities as well as the investment climate of the Republic of the Sudan:
  • Irene Visser – NABC
  • Martin de Jong – The Frisian
  • Dr Nagi Iskander A. Masoud – Embassy of Sudan
  • Martijn Moonen – RVO
  • Bernard Klassen – Koudijs Aninal Nutrition
  • Maurice Bol – Van Vliets Trucks BV
  • Dennis Janssen – MPS Meat Processing
  • Faustine Lescanne (MC)NABC
  • Arne Doornebal – NABC
The seminar was a tremendous opportunity for potential investors to receive responses to their questions. In the seminar, it was revealed with great emphasis that:
  • Sudan’s priority investment sectors are agriculture, mining and petroleum. As a result, the agri-business sector – although already well-developed – still has a wide-range of opportunities in the poultry, fish, dairy, and vegetable industries.
  • The Sudanese population is known for being hard-workers and for their honesty. Therefore, the citizens put great emphasis on finding the right partners.
  • To remit funds from Sudan, it is advisable to make use of the Dirham currency, instead of the U.S. Dollar, via intermediary banks in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States.
  • The Sudanese government offers important incentives to attract investors to Sudan. The Sudan Important Aspects the Investment Encouragement Act is part of it. This act guarantees the non-confiscation or sequestration of invested funds and the non-nationalization or expropriation of a project.
To conclude this successful seminar,a Q&A session was hosted. A panel answered the questions.          

Cycling diplomacy

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By Roy Lie A Tjam. The first ever biking spree for diplomats in The Hague was held on Saturday, 5 November 2016. The group of participants was made up of cyclists of all ages, first-time riders/new riders as well as veteran riders. Participating were Ambassadors, diplomats, from Bangladesh, Iraq, Malaysia, Mexico, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Israel, Indonesia, Belgium, Turkey, USA, Italy and Japan. For additional Kim Vermaat’t pictures please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157674903236071
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Ambassadors of Bangladesh, H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, Malaysia, H.E. Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Mexico H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola, Sweden, H.E. Per Holmström, Israel, H.E. Mr. Aviv Shir-On and Iraq, H.E. Saywan Barsani.
The objectives of the ride were to promote inclusion and to provide an opportunity for networking; all while having fun and exploring The Hague’s beautiful environment.
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Mr Masaki Sugamiya, Counsellor General Affairs, Ms Maasa Imada, Legal Advisor/Researcher and Mr Hidenori Akasaka, Embassy of Japan.
The biking spree departed from Carlton Ambassador Hotel, travelled in the direction of Wassenaar, and returned via Haagse Bos to end at the Buitenhof in the city centre. Along the way, stops were made at interesting sights and group photos were taken at the rear of the Palace Huis ten Bosch and a nearby lake.
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Front line: Anna Maria Mistretta, Embassy of Italy, H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola, Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Mr Saywan Barsani, Ambassador of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia. Second line: Richard Gopaul and John Tilstra, USA Embassy, H.E. Mr. Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel, Judge Alexander Beelaerts van Blokland, Mr. Muzaffar Bin Durahim, Embassy of Malaysia.
  img_4689 Following the bike ride, all participants were invited for lunch at a renowned restaurant in the center of The Hague. Diplomat magazine appreciates the participation of all attendees and their contributions to making this a very successful event. We hope that it will become an annual event.        

President-elect Donald J. Trump celebrated at the Kurhaus

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By Catherine Ann Dailey. Early morning on Wednesday November 9, some 1,000 registrants and guests gathered at the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus to participate in the “Who’s the President Breakfast” organized by the Stichting OAR (Overseas Americans Remember), in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America and the Amrâth Kurhaus. The event, which has become a local tradition, brought together “guests from everywhere” and many American voters, both Republicans and Democrats, stood “side by side, in the best tradition of democracy,” to watch CNN’s election results, as they came in, on an enormous big screen. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157676262751926
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Colonel Jack van Elten, from the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
As early as 5:00 a.m, members of the media, local politicians, American diplomats, ex-pats, and American dual-nationals, began arriving for the celebratory event in honor of American democracy and, ultimately, of President-elect Donald J. Trump, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and the movement that has become known as the “Trump Train.” In addition to the well represented American community who were present, members of the Dutch media, military, business community and countless others were present to witness, with one another, this morning’s historic event. img_4773 A palpable excitement was in the air as guests entered the main hall of Amrâth Kurhaus which had been colorfully decorated for the occasion. Adding to the color, was an impressive display of the 50 state flags of the United States draped over the balustrades above them. Live jazz music played, while the crowd enjoyed an extended buffet breakfast as they watched the election results roll in. Within an hour, the excitement became more subdued, as it became increasingly clear that the candidate, heavily favored by both the media and political elite, faced a stunning defeat of historic proportions. Interested parties, who may have relied on the mainstream media to report on matters of importance to the American voters in a neutral and accurate manner, may have been stunned by the outcome. Perhaps, they were unaware that just 5 media conglomerates control approximately 90% of American news media, which heavily favored the “first female candidate.” Their message, crafted from the results of “focus groups” and DC, LA and NYC political consultants was in stark contrast to the scrappy and largely web-based campaign waged by the Trump Movement, which spectacularly harnessed the power of the new media and social media to communicate their message directly to American voters—to effectively bypass the gate-keepers of the corporate controlled MSM (mainstream media).
Jan van der Loos and Catherine Dailey.
Jan van der Loos and Catherine Dailey.
  Today, Americans staunchly repudiated the globalist agenda in favor of a political outsider with a populist and nationalistic message who is promising to begin with “restoring honesty and accountability, and bringing change to Washington” in his 100 day “Action Plan” titled “Donald Trump’s Contract with the American Voter,” which was first presented in his now famous October 22, 2016 “Gettysburg Address Speech” and has been widely published in pdf format on the web. Today’s results clearly show that he message was resonated with the hopes and dreams of “everyday Americans.” img_4780 On his first day in office, President-elect Trump has promised to clean up corruption in Washington by “enacting tough new ethics reforms, restore prosperity to the country, secure communities, and honesty” in order to once more have “a have a government of, by and for the American people” as was it was envisioned by the founding fathers and set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Most importantly, Trump campaign has pledged that by following his “Action Plan”, Americans will be able to “Make America Great Again.” ————- The event was also sponsored by:
  • Fluor B.V.
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Beeuwkes Real State
  • EuroHoff B.V.
  • GT Greenberg Traurig LLP
  • Lemonberry Web and Brand Designs
  • Legal Benchmarket International B.V.
  • Groeneveld
  • Bokstijn Feestartikelen
  • Multicopy The Communication Company
  • LPS Solutions
     

It’s time to come together, Make America Great Again

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Donald Trump won USA presidential elections in an unexpectable for many in The Hague and determinant turnover of the results pools and medias predicted. As many as 278 electoral votes far more than the 270 he needed to win and with that the control of the Senate and the second chamber.
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Ingrid van Engelshoven, Deputy Mayor, Department of International Affairs and Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel.
After Trump reached 268 of the electoral votes, Hilary Clinton’s headquarters announced that she will not deliver a speech today and asked partisans to go to bed. Historical triumph for Mr Donald Trump, now the 45 elected president of the USA. Passed 3 AM this morning his speech before the crowded Republican headquarters was conciliatory and invited all Americans to come together as one, promised to work with every country willing to do it fairly and trusty. Thanked his family, team, supporters, and the secret service but also congratulates Hilary Clinton for her long service and work during the campaign.
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H.E. Olexander Horin, Ambassador of Ukraine and spouse Dr. Natalia Tymoshenko.
“I will be the president for all American, those who did not vote for me, we can work together an unified our great country. Ours was not a campaign but an incredible movement made out of incredible man and women that dreamed for a better country, who wants to serve their country and serve it well, rebuild the American dream. I made my entire life working around the word, looking for opportunities and potential; now I will do it for our country, to all Americans, you will not be forget any more. We will build bridges, schools hospitals, we rebuild our infrastructure and will put million of our people back to work. It is time for us to come together as one united people.” Trump declared.
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Mayor of Wassenaar, the Honourable Mr Jan Hoekema.
Reactions from many countries are coming profusely, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said: “EU tides with the USA are stronger than any changes, we will work together.” Clinton’s team was hunted since few days already about the idea to loos the elections, even if the medias and most of the pools were given the victory to her, just Donald Trump’s team keep the faith until the very end to ended in an amazing and historical victory.
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Emmanuelle de Foy, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Belgium, Ellen Brager and Verena Gräfin von Roedern, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany.
Who’s the President Breakfast 2016 at Kurhaus was packed already at 5 am, live music, food, champagne a colourful and majestic central salon decorated with USA theme, flags, balloons, hats and of course Uncle Sam. Many diplomats attended the invitation sent by the USA Embassy, Diplomat Magazine and the organisers among them Ambassadors of Ukraine, Israel and Canada; Ministers from Belgium, Germany, Kenya and many other countries. Trump is the higher elected Republican in all history, as he said today “The campaign is over , our job just began, you will be so proud to your president. I love this country.”
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Verena Gräfin von Roedern, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany and the Ambassador of Canada, H.E. Ms Sabine Eva Nölke.
 

Colombia at The Hague University

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The Ambassador of Colombia H.E. Juan Jose Quintana. On 31 October 2016, the Colombian Ambassador Juan Jose Quintana gave a lecture about Colombia. It was addressed to the Dutch students of the “Doing Business in Latin America” minor at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. mg-47851 The aim of the Embassy was to promote the country in a didactic way, providing practical advice especially to the group of students who will be traveling to Colombia and participate in the exchange program at the School of Higher Administrative Studies (CESA) in Bogota. Cultural, socio-economic, commercial balance and bilateral relation between the Netherlands and Colombia were presented during the lecture in order to complement the acquired knowledge in the minor. After the lecture, the Embassy hosted a brief reception with Colombian empanadas and arepas, as well as promotional material of the country. The purpose was to offer an experience in Colombian cuisine prior to their trip. p1b0lhs2osnd8dd51hkj1s14j8041 ————- Photography by Wim van der Spiegel.  

Alfonso Dastis becomes Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister

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On the picture Alfonso Dastis Quecedo, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of Spain. Madrid, November 2016: Henceforth the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation shall be Alfonso Dastis Quecedo, who hitherto served as the country’s permanent representative to the EU. He replaces José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfíl in office between 2011 and 2016.  Born in Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz, Andalusia) in 1955, Dastis Quecedo graduated in law. He entered the diplomatic service in 1983, and has worked as Executive Adviser in the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of Spain to the UN, Adviser to the Prime Minister, Director at the Unit in charge of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union Council back in 2002 as well as Secretary General for European Affairs.  His first ambassadorship took him to The Netherlands in 2004, thereafter he served in Brussels at the Permanent Representation to the EU, whereof he became the chief diplomat in 2012.  For further information:  Minister Alfonso Dastis: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/Ministerio/Ministro/Paginas/Biografia.aspx  Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU: https://representacionpermanente.eu  Embassy of Spain to The Netherlands, Mission to the OPCW (HE Ambassador Fernando Arias): http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/LAHAYA/es/Embajada/Paginas/Embajador.aspx ——— Alfonso Dastis Quecedo – Picture by EU Regional on Flickr    

Ambassadors to the European Union accredited

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By Baron Henri Estramant.  Japan to the EU: HE Ambassador Kodama Kazuo was accredited on Thursday, 29 September 2016.  Previously he was the Permanent Delegate of Japan to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) with headquarters at Paris. http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/eu/index.html http://www.eu.emb-japan.go.jp/contact_details.html
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Swiss Permanent Representative to the EU Mr Urs Bucher and President Donald Tusk.
Swiss Confederation to the EU: HE Ambassador Urs Bucher, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the EU since Thursday, 29 September 2016.  Previously he was Ambassador to Japan, and before that Director of the Integration Bureau managed by both, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/foreign-policy/european-politics/eu/ch-mission-eu.html https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urs_Bucher http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ausland/europa/bundesrat-ernennt-urs-bucher-zum-missionschef-in-bruessel/story/21257833  
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Ambassador Dr Everton Vieira Vargas and President Donald Tusk.
Mission of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the EU: HE Ambassador Dr. Everton Vieira Vargas was accredited to the EU on Friday, 14 October 2016. This post is preceded by an ambassadorship to Argentina between 2013 and 2016. http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/en/ficha-pais/6698-european-union https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everton_Vieira_Vargas https://sistemas.mre.gov.br/kitweb/datafiles/Berlim/pt-br/file/Currículo%20do%20Embaixador%20Everton%20Vieira%20Vargas.pdf  
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Ambassador Sabine Monauni Tomordy and President Tusk.
Principality of Liechtenstein to the EU: HE Ambassador Sabine Monauni-Tömördy presented credentials on 14 October 2016. Previous to her first ambassadorial/permanent representative appointment Ambassador Monauni was Senior Advisor to the Minister of Family Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and Head of Unit ad interim, Equal Opportunities Unit in Vaduz between 2014 and 2016. Before that function he served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the rank of “Counsellor”. Ambassador Monauni also covers Belgium during her ambassadorship in Brussels. http://www.regierung.li/ministries/ministry-for-foreign-affairs-education-and-culture/diplomatic-representations/brussels-b/staff-contacts/
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Ambassador Aharon Leshno Yaar and President Tusk.
State of Israel to the EU: HE Ambassador Aharon Leshno-Yaar was accredited on 14 October 2016. Prior to arriving to Brussels, Ambassador Leshno-Yaar served as the Deputy Director General, Head of UN and International Organisations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His previous ambassadorship was as Permanent of Israel to the United Nations in Geneva from 2008 until 2012. http://embassies.gov.il/eu/NewsAndEvents/Newsletter/Pages/Israel’s-new-Ambassador-to-the-EU—NATO—Meet-Aharon-Leshno-Yaar.aspx
HE Ambassador José Filomeno de Carvalho Dias Monteiro (Cabo Verde to the EU).
HE Ambassador José Filomeno de Carvalho Dias Monteiro (Cabo Verde to the EU).
Republic of Cabo Verde to the EU: HE Ambassador José Filomeno de Carvalho Dias Monteiro was accredited on 14 October 2016. Before this first ambassadorial position, he was a MP for the island of Santiago in Cabo Verde, however, he has served in the diplomatic service before. Ambassador José de Carvalho Dias Monteiro also covers the ACP Group, the OPCW and the Benelux countries. https://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/EU/XXV/EU/11/09/EU_110961/imfname_10645064.pdf http://noticiasdonorte.publ.cv/49655/jose-filomeno-toma-posse-embaixador-cabo-verde-no-reino-da-belgica/
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Ambassador Bojan Sarkic Montenegro and President Tusk.
Republic of Montenegro to the EU: HE Ambassador Bojan Šarkić presented his credentials on Thursday, 29 September 2016. Before being appointed Permanent Representative of Montenegro to the EU, Ambassador Šarkić held an office as State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence. Previously he worked in Brussels as an Acting Chief of Mission to the EU and NATO.  Back in July of 2006 Ambassador Šarkić organised the first visit of representatives of NATO Headquarters to Montenegro. In the same year he received on behalf of Montenegro an invitation letter from NATO’s then general secretary for Montenegrin membership in the partnership for peace. http://www.mod.gov.me/en/ministry/cabinet/bojan_sarkic ———————— All pictures by the European Union.      

Yvan’s Jeweller cocktail

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On the picture flute play by Ann van Gansen from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. 29 September 2016, Brussels, Galerie de la Reine: Yvan’s Jewellers hosted a rather elegant and opulent cocktail in Brussels historic city centre, or to be more precise at the exclusive shopping arcade Galerie de la Reine/Koninginnegalerij.  The soirée was sponsored by Deutsche Bank, and supported by Rolex, Breguet, Tudor, Omega, Chanel and Vacheron Constantin. Musical performances including flute and violin performances by young talents from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, including singer, flutist and piano player Ann van Gansen.  For further information: Yvan’s Jewellers: http://www.yvans.be Breguet: http://store.breguet.com/fr/points-de-vente?country=All&region=All&store=Breguet Ann van Gansen: https://www.facebook.com/Ann-van-Gansen-556016901109935/?fref=ts ————– Photography by Yvan’s Jewellers and Deutsche Bank Belgium   

President Agius meets with President of the United Nations General Assembly

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ICTY President Judge Carmel Agius met last Friday with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Peter Thomson (Fiji), at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The meeting was held ahead of President Agius’ presentation of the ICTY’s annual report to the Seventy-First Session of the General Assembly. The meeting highlighted the importance of the relationship between the Tribunal and the General Assembly, as well as its Member States. President Agius briefed President Thomson on the Tribunal’s remaining work, focusing on the final trial and appeal proceedings and the challenges facing the Tribunal in its final year of operations. He identified staff attrition as the most critical factor in this respect. The two Presidents also discussed the advancement of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. President Agius indicated that the ICTY would be particularly interested in contributing to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 related to peace, justice and strong institutions, with a special focus on strengthening the rule of law and ensuring access to justice. Finally, President Agius informed President Thomson about the Tribunal’s “ICTY Legacy Dialogues” series of legacy and closing events, which in 2017 will include a major conference in Sarajevo and a closing ceremony in The Hague. President Agius will present the ICTY’s annual report on the court’s work to the General Assembly this coming Wednesday, 9 November 2016. ——— Photography by Allen Borrelli.    

10 Years Anniversary of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands

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On the picture H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga. The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda celebrates a decade of its existence in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in The Hague. The Embassy was established on 1 November 2006 and since then the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda has built relations and partnerships in the Netherlands, not only in The Hague but also throughout all the provinces at all levels from political and economic issues to cultural and academic. For additional Kim Vermaar’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157672585901233 img_4618 Cooperation at the bilateral level has been reflected in numerous visits exchanges at a high level, political discussions and signed agreements in the fields of economy, rule of law, water management and agricultural cooperation. The embassy is proud that the last 10 years have seen continued growth in bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and the Netherlands as reflected in engagements at both public and private sector levels. Today, many Dutch companies are established in Rwanda and are enjoying one of the best business climate in world, in the sectors of agribusiness, manufacturing, water, food processing, financial services, energy and real estate and have created jobs and employment thus contributing to the country’s socio-economic development. Dutch companies enjoy the business climate in Rwanda and many are successful businesses.
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Mr Pieter Jan Kleiweg, Vibviane Uwicyeza Mironko, H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga and H.E. Rose Makena Murichi, Ambassador of Kenya.
The Dutch brewery company Bralirwa / Heineken, Dutch Rabobank in the Rwandan Banking sector and the KLM operates daily direct flights to Kigali. DSM started in Rwanda in 2016 and Unilever acquired shares in a Tea Factory, to name but a few. The most recent positive development is with Rwandan floriculture and horticulture companies signing business agreements with their Dutch partners for exporting Rwandans flowers and other produces to the Dutch and international market. As a matter of fact this week 3 Rwandan flower companies participated for the 1st time at the International Floriculture Trade Fair in Amsterdam.
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Marianne van Stekelenburg and Richar Gopaul from the USA Embassy.
The anniversary was celebrated on Friday 4 November 2016 at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague with a reception/dinner where next to H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, guest speaker Mr Pieter Jan Kleiweg, representing the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the audience. “On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague, I want convey my heartfelt thanks to The Government, The Parliament of The Kingdom of The Netherlands, Municipalities and Towns, High learning Institutions and many other institutions and organizations in the Netherlands. Most of the achievements couldn’t have been realized without the numerous collaborations with the Dutch government, the Dutch parliament and the countless number of partnerships with public, private, civil society organizations, Rwandan diaspora and Friends of Rwanda”, said the Ambassador.
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H.E. Mr Nourredine Ayadi, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms Odette Melono, Ambassador of Cameroon and H.E. Ms. Rahma Salih,Ambassador of the Sudan.
H.E. Ambassador Karabaranga concluded to say that he is looking forward to continue to work together with all of the Embassy’s partners and stakeholders to strengthen the already existing excellent relations between the two countries and explore more opportunities and possibilities for a brighter future.