If you ever saw her, even just once, you would never forget this elegant lady in great silky broader dresses; she often uses roses in her shiny black hair or patterned into the designs of her clothes. With the serenity of a master, she enters the stage and sings and plays like an angel; and of course, after all that you may be led to believe a famous artist is visiting The Hague.
Of course this is all true but the lady on the stage beside the Ambassador of Bangladesh, is in fact his wife, Dr Dilruba Nasrin, an epidemiologist and a medical doctor involved in teaching and scientific research in Asia and Africa, as a faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the United States.
Since 2006, Dr Nasrin has been coordinating an epidemiological study of the diarrhoeal disease burden in Asia and Africa, in coordination with the University of Maryland, and supported by the Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation. She frequently travels to the United States but also to Mali, Kenya, Gambia, Mozambique, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, she has been working for children health throughout her professional life.
Her work has been published extensively since 1999 in international medical reviews, mainly concerning the use and resistance of antibiotics, children pulmonary diseases and the diarrhoeal epidemic; the microorganism, spread, treatment and immunological response.
Dr Nasrinās passionate career and her duty beside her husband are more than a little demanding; H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal said: “She is an amazing woman and I consider myself extremely lucky to have her on my side.”
What are your long-term goals?
I guess, I can summarize my short-term, long-term or my life-time goal into one word and it is āhappinessā. I like to spread happiness around me within my limited capacity. I know happiness is not something ready-made; one has to work hard to achieve it. I have quite a few passions, so I try to balance my time between my family and my passions. But if you ask me if I can single out my main passion, it would be working with children. Being a researcher in child health, most of my professional life I worked with children, a major part of my work part is devoted to children in developing countries.
At work in Bamako,. Mali.
I grew up in Bangladesh, therefore I am aware of the challenges that a child may face in developing countries to enjoy the basic childhood needs. I believe that every child should have the opportunity to grow up healthy. In order to see that happen I have been engaged in programs to improve the health and wellbeing of children. I believe a multi-sector partnership approach that includes health, education and social services that could make a difference.
How do you combine your professional career with being the spouse of an ambassador?
It is not easy to maintain a full time job while being a spouse with lot of ceremonial demands. But you can do that as long as you are passionate about them. I learnt to combine many different roles early on in life, I had my daughter in the midst of tough study in medical school. Then I started my PhD in Epidemiology with my 8 month old son. If there is a challenge I donāt like to complain, instead I like to take it on board. I continued my study, my profession, and my family life without compromising the best care for my children.
Dr Nasrin, hospital in Bamako, Mali. Photographer Adama Mamby Keita.
Currently, I am a full-time research professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. I am fortunate that I could manage remote work arrangements for my job, but I still have to travel frequently to Africa, Asia and USA, but being wife of an Ambassador is not less than a full time job! I stand by my husband to organize all the national events, participate in the other diplomatic events in the Netherlands, and also be an active member of Ambassadorās Spouse Association.
If my time permits, I also participate in the events organized by the International Women Club, The Hague. I try to organize my calendar long ahead to help me doing all those jobs. On the top of everything I do, I am a proud mother of two beautiful children, who are studying in the USA. I am a passionate Mother when it comes to anything related to my children.
What events do you organise or participate in with the diaspora or the diplomatic community?
I take part in organizing all the Bangladesh national events including International Mothers Language Day, National Day, Bengali New Year Day, Childrenās Day and Victory Day. In every event I always make sure that there is a part devoted to the children. The reason is our children, who are growing up abroad, may not have the environment to practice our mother tongue and culture. I try to inspire our mother tongue at home, so that our children will continue our heritage. In every country we lived in I engaged myself in childrenās forum for language, music and dance. We invite other countries to participate in our programs as I believe in the concept of universal community.
Dr Dilruba Nasrin.
Would you please elaborate on what you mean by universal community?
In this globalised world any violation of rights in one part of the world is bound to be felt in another part. As a working health activist, when I visit developing countries I could almost see it with my eyes how deprivation in one part of the world is hampering peace and development in other parts of the world. Had the developed world invested enough for more vigorous researches in diseases, which mostly affect the developing world, like diarrohea, malaria, typhoid, etc, we could have saved thousands, if not millions, of lives. This realisation made me convinced to work for a universal community where we will work as a member of this globalised world.
How advanced are your investigations?
My current study is vaccine impact on diarrhoea in Africa, which started a year ago and it has two more years to go. This study represents an extension of our previous study named Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS). GEMS is the largest study of the diarrhoeal disease in children ever conducted in developing country settings. As you may know many different bacteria, viruses and other pathogens cause diarrhoeal disease. The objective of GEMS was to prioritize and target interventions to reduce the global burden of diarrhoeal diseases. Key findings from GEMS were published in the Lancet in May 2013.
The study identified only four out of ~40 pathogens that were responsible for the majority of diarrhoea cases. The leading pathogen of diarrhoea was rotavirus in young children. Vaccine against rotavirus recently rolled out in developing countries. Our ongoing study aims to assess the impact of a rotavirus vaccine introduction on the epidemiology of diarrhoea, and the adverse consequences of diarrhoea, like death and malnutrition in children.
I would like to hear your views on supporting your country with your husband and how your work will benefit Bangladesh and the developing world.
My husband considers his tenure in the Netherlands as a “water pilgrimage” and I strongly support his view. Bangladesh has many common aspects with the Netherlands, especially when it comes to water, as both are delta countries. My country progressed over the years and made a huge success with regards to women in education, lower infant and maternal mortality. However because of the geographical location of the country in between worldās three largest river systems (Ganges-Brahmaputra, Meghna), my country is still struggling with flooding every year.
The Netherlands made it possible to make their own country flood free for many years. There are many things to learn from the Netherlands, including preventing flood and natural disasters, land reclamation etc.
I hardly miss any opportunity to accompany my husband when he traverses this country, in search of clues for innovations and creativity that could be replicated in Bangladesh. I try to complement his effort, as he is trying to develop his Embassy as a virtual bridge for knowledge transfer between our two countries and businesses.
One aspect, I wish to emphasize though is how impressed I am with the academic quality and quantum of academic activities in the Netherlands. This is why, I wonder, at times, how we could best connect our educational institutions with that of the Netherlands. So, I am always there, along with my husband, to make this academic connectivity the best we can. I believe, of all the hats I wear, the one of an academic charm must be increased.
As we live in this beautiful country and among all these beautiful people, it is easy to forget that there are still far too many children, mostly in the developing world, who do not have access to the essential health services they need to merely survive. So, whenever, I get opportunity I try to engage in discussion with our friends to create awareness. Given the monumental advances that have been made in public health, most of these diseases are preventable and curable.
If we could do little bit more to give all children the chance they deserve. Let me quote Bono to conclude: “Where you live should not determine whether you live”. I wish I could do more but, at the end of the day, I am also a woman from developing world. This is not my excuse, but my resolve.
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Photography by Marian van Noort for Diplomat Magazine.
By Anton Lutter.On Wednesday 15 March 2017 new parliamentary elections will be held in The Netherlands. The formal election cycle begins earlier and is supervised by the Electoral Board. The day of formal entry of parties who are part of the elections is 19 December and the entry of candidates will take place on 30 January 2017. Prior to this, observers will notice the usual escalation in political tensions in parliament, due to members wanting to enhance the profiles of their parties and themselves. Campaigning will begin after the state opening of parliament with all its pomp and pageantry on 3 September. The debates in parliament about the the state budget (Rijksbegroting) will be more vigorous than usual, as political parties seek to differentiate themselves and carve out their own political space. The question of who will be the number one man or woman for each party in the elections will be decided at the partiesā respective national conferences. So far, the SP, D’66, CDA, Groen Links and VVD parties have already decided who their frontrunner (lijsttrekker) will be in the forthcoming elections; as yet, there has been no change in leadership. Governmening parties PVDA and VVD will soon make their own selections. In this series, I will profile the party leaders of the larger parties in order of their election.The first to be chosen as his partyās frontrunner is Gert-Jan Segers of the Christen Unie, a traditional Christian party with five seats in the lower house (Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal) and three seats in the upper house (Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal). Mr Segers, born in Lisse (province of Zuid-Holland) in 1969, studied politicology at Leiden University. He later earned a Master degree at the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC, specializing in Western-Islamic relations. Before entering parliament, Mr. Segers worked for the Evangelische Omroep, the evangelical televison and radio corporation, and from 2000 to 2007 was coordinator of a Christian organization in Egypt. Since 20 September 2012 he is a Tweede Kamerlid and since 10 November 2015 Chairman of the Christen Unie party in parliament. On 23 April he was selected by his party as frontrunner. Mr Segers is married with 3 children.Jesse Klaver of leftwing party Groen Links was elected on the same day. The Netherlandsā youngest political frontrunner, born in 1986, was elected uncontested. He has been a member of parliament since the 2010 elections, and Chair of his parliamentary group since 2015. CDA (Christen Democratisch Appel) parliamentary leader Sybrand van Haersa Buma comes from a distinguished family of public servants. He was elected leader of his part on 4 June. Mr. Buma was born in Workum (Province of Frisia) in 1965 and studied law at Groningen University. Since 2002 he has been a member of parliament and became the leader of the CDA group in 2010, which then consisted of 13 members. The CDA is an amalgamation of the CHU, ARP (both parties of a Protestant persuasion) and the KVP (the Catholic party). The CDA and its predecessors were continously in government until 1994. After heavy losses, the CDA subsequently became an opposition party, but recovered in 2002 to again become the largest party in parliament. At present, the CDA is in opposition. Mr van Haersma Buma, whose father and grandfather where both mayors, is married and has two children.Alexander Pechtold is the frontrunner of the D’66 liberal party. Selected on 14 September he is a long-serving member of parliament. He has been involved in politics since 1994; first as a city councillor and alderman in the city of Leiden (province Zuid-Holland) and later as Mayor of Wageningen (province Gelderland) from 2003. Two years later, he became Minister of Internal Affairs, a post he left after his party withdrew support for the government resulting in elections on 2 November 2006 at which D’66 lost heavily. He returned to parliament though, where he has remained. Mr Pechtold is known for his interest in art, having studied art history and archeology at Leiden University.The left wing Socialist Party (SP) has also chosen its current leader, Emile Roemer, as it frontrunner for the coming elections. Mr. Roemer ā a teacher by profession ā has been a member of parliament since 2006, and leader of the SP parliamentary group since 2010. As with Mr Pechtold, he began his political career as a city councillor in 1994. After the city council elections in 2002 he became alderman in Boxmeer (Province Noord-Brabant) before entering parliament. He was elected as his party frontrunner the 24 of June. The leader of largest opposition party in parliament, Geert Wilders, is the uncontested leader of his party. He has been in parliament since August 1998, with a short break from 2002 to 2004, as a member of the VVD (liberal) group. In 2006 he founded the Party for Freedom (PVV) and leads it today. He is well known for his anti-Islamic stance and role as producer of the film ‘Fitna’ in 2008. His direct way of debating has earned him accolades from sections of the public and media.In the next article, we will discuss some of the new and smaller parties, alongside the largest governing party led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the second governing party (PVDA) which has just started its leadership contest.Ā
By H.E. Nourredine Ayadi, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Algeria commemorates, at the beginning of this November, a particularly important date of its contemporary History. It is indeed the first of November 1954 that the Algerian people decided to take in hand its fate and to turn over the darkest page of its long history; that of 132 years of colonization and domination.
It is the day on which the Algerian people decided to make all sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, the self-giving, in order to achieve its aspiration to freedom and dignity. Almost one million and a half martyrs was the price of this freedom. More than an armed uprising, the war of liberation that has begun that day was a real revolution against the colonial system, a revolution that shaped the personality of the Algerian people and forged its values and principles, which guided its moving forward. The notions of freedom, independence, self-determination of people and solidarity are immanent values for the Algerian people.
The solidarity that the fighting Algeria benefited from Brother countries, neighboring countries and friend countries is binding the independent Algeria. It is naturally that it constitutes the cornerstone of its foreign policy, mainly the African one. It is in this solidarity that there is good reason to draw out the foundations of the commitment of Algeria to support the striking people for their freedom and self-determination. It is also in this solidarity that one can draw out the foundations of Algeriaās contribution to the resolution of the conflicts, often wished and requested, in Africa and Sahel. It was the case in Eritrea, Guinea, Niger, Mauritania and more recently in Mali, where the implication of Algeria was concluded by the signature of the Agreement of peace and reconciliation of 2015.
To reach this result, Algeria had succeeded, under the impetus of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to create a dynamic of peace, to establish a serious, methodical and well-made dialogue between the actors of the Malian crisis, and, especially, to involve in this process all the external actors and partners of Mali, mainly the neighboring countries as well as other States and international organizations.
And in this respect, I would like to invoke the eloquent testimony of Mr. Bert Koenders, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, who declared during the dinner offered in his honor, on June 9th, 2016, by the Council of Arab Ambassadors in The Hague: “Two years ago, I celebrated Ramadhan every evening in Algeria with a good friend of mine, the Algerian Ambassador who is in this room. This was when I was working as the special representative for the Secretary General of the United Nations in Mali. And what I really enjoyed was the solidarity, the warmth and strength of people fasting together and of course at that time in Mali, Algeria was of the intelligence to organize also peace meeting during Ramadan. It created spirit of togetherness. Sitting together, the government and other forces, instead of fighting each other, talking about the northern part of Mali.ā
What does appear, in fine, from this declaration and that I would like to highlight, is the full implication of Mr. Koenders and the Netherlands in the quest of peace and stability in Mali and in the Sahel Region. Mr. Koenders brought, thanks to his personal commitment and high qualities, a decisive contribution in the implementation and the deployment of the MINUSMA, and thus to the stabilization of the situation in Mali, in a particularly complex and difficult context. In this vein, the Netherlands supplied a significant assistance through military staff and logistics, mainly air assets, with the provision of helicopters, a contribution that was so precious for the realization of the objectives of United Nations. This commitment of Mr. Koenders and the Netherlands are clearly compatible with their consciousness that the peace and stability in this region have a direct impact on the Security of Europe, even in terms of migration, an issue that dominates the political debate today.
Algeria and the Netherlands decided to build on this friendly and sincere cooperation in favor of the peace in Mali and the Sahel region, in order to undertake a re-energization of the bilateral relations, which were moreover always good, since their establishment in 1604.
Within two years, Mr. Ramtane LAMAMRA, the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, has paid two visits to The Hague, while Mr. Koenders, in his capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, has visited Algiers followed by the visits of Mrs Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, and Mr. Henk KAMP, Minister of Economic Affairs. During this period, three cooperation agreements were signed in the sectors of agriculture, renewable energies and harbor activities. The bilateral cooperation took a new dimension and is diversifying more and more. The second Algerian-Dutch mixed-commission, held in The Hague, on March 9th, 2016, was an occasion for both parties to boost the bilateral cooperation, on the basis of an ambitious road map aiming at the consolidation of the economic and technological cooperation in diverse sectors in particular agriculture, industry, Water resources, harbour activities, energy ā¦
The current challenge consists in the strengthening of these relations and expanding the commercial dynamism, while realizing a diversification and an extension of sectors concerned by this cooperation, dominated at present by hydrocarbons. In 2015, the Netherlands were the 5th customer of Algeria and its 12th supplier, with around 5 billion dollars of exchanges.
More than being a reliable supplier in energy products for Europe and the Netherlands, Algeria is also an important economic partner due to the dynamic potential of the Algerian market and the opportunities offered for investors and Dutch products. In the same time, Algeria works hardly to diversify its economy and finds in the Netherlands a partner of choice to develop its agriculture, hydraulic sector and transport network.
Algeria, which has gone through a tragic period and has lonely faced a wave of large-scale terrorism, did not wait for the last events to alert against the danger of terrorism and the security problems related to it. Algeria did not stop pleading to achieve a cooperation with good faith and a coordination of international efforts in the struggle against this transnational phenomenon.
Algeria who succeeded in curbing this phenomenon and in restoring peace and security in the country through the national reconciliation policy, initiated by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has since undertaken the implementation of a scope of structural reforms that have deeply transformed the institutional and political landscape, and metamorphosed the economic and social situation of the country.
These structural reforms have enabled Algeria to reach all the Millennium Development Goals. According to the latest ranking of the UNDP, it is a country with a high human development index. It ranks 88th worldwide and 3rd in Africa.
The country looks nowadays as a pole of peace and stability and a real bastion against terrorism which threatens the region and the rest of the world. Algeriaās natural resources and the dynamism of its economy offer real potentialities of growth, development and investment.
For several countries, including the Netherlands, Algeria is definitely a reliable partner.
By Patrick I. Gomes, Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States.
Cotonou, the capital of the Republic of Benin, hosted the historic event on 23 June 2000 at which the 20-year Agreement was signed between 79 developing countries of Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions and the European Union (EU).
This unique international treaty in the geo-political space of four continents, referred to as the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA), comprises more than fifty percent of the 193 countries of the UN with 48 from sub-Sahara Africa, 16 from the Caribbean, 15 island-states of the Pacific and 28 from the EU.
The ACP-EU partnership serves 1 billion citizens, poor and rich, in both advanced industrialised and predominantly small, agro-based economies, which also possess extensive natural resources. Through the Cotonou Agreement, ACP-EU trade and investments have been mainly in extractive mining sectors, exporting primary agricultural commodities, and tourism. In addition to trade, the CPA allows for grants and loans through āaidā programmes under the European Development Fund (EDF), financed from contributions of EU member states. Political dialogue between parties to the Agreement, individually or as a Group, enables exchanges on human rights and rule of law, tied to incentives or sanctions on accessing EDF resources.
Achievements and Challenges
Improved socio-economic status of several ACP countries is evident from macro-economic data and UNDPās Human Development Index. For instance, āin … 2000 a total of 44 ACP states were Low Income Countries (LICs), 30 were Middle Income Countries (MICs) and 1 was a High Income country (HIC). By 2015 they were 26 LICs, 43 MICs and 7 HICs,ā but only empirical data can confirm to what extent such economic growth is attributable to ACP-EU cooperation.[1] Despite growth in ACP countries and ongoing attraction of investment from both developed and emerging economies, poverty eradication and substantial integration into the global economy ā twin objectives of the CPA- remain elusive.
This is unsurprising as Illicit Financial Flows from the African continent are estimated at ā¬60 billion annually, far more than the ā¬45 billion received in aid over the last five years. More disturbing is widespread violence, crime, drugs and corruption, largely engendered over conflicts to control and reap the spoils from exploiting natural resources, at the expense of peace, security and jobs for women and youth.
In todayās world of acute and growing inequality between and within countries, the ACP Group is engaged in a process of strategic reflection to re-invent and restructure. This will inform a new, qualitatively enhanced partnership with the EU beyond 2020. Principles of subsidiarity and complementarity will enable deeper economic, social, cultural and political Intra-ACP relations as well as more structured ties to Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union. A reconfigured ACP Group will also deepen partnerships across the Global South through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
Let me briefly share key parameters of the ACPās strategy for consolidation and fundamental change.
The ACP Group as a single entity:
The ACP Group as a unique tri-continental, inter-governmental organisation has preserved a common identity as a single geo-political entity, over the last four decades since its establishment in 1975. As this unified entity, the ACP Group will negotiate a successor to the Cotonou Agreement with the EU in 2020, taking account of regional specificities.
A legally binding contractual agreement.
The successor agreement should maintain a legally binding character. This unique and fundamental principle of ACP-EU relations is an added value of global significance attributing rights, responsibilities and obligations that mitigate asymmetrical relations between geopolitical groupings, and enable inclusivity and mutual accountability.
Agenda 2030 and the SDGsā Framework
ACP and EU negotiated and adopted a joint position on the post-2015 Development Agenda to address mutual interests on global challenges. Now we can identify specific SDGs to join forces in addressing issues of global governance. This was remarkably demonstrated in the ACP-EU joint action for the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. ACP intends to examine scope for common positions with the EU on SDGs on oceans and marine resources; access to justice for all; and the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, amongst others.
Trade, Investment and Services.
The ACP Committee of Ambassadors advocates a sharp focus on trade and investment, infrastructure, energy and services as mutually reinforcing themes under which to implement the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. We envisage intra-ACP activities under the EDF (2014-2020), with co-financing from additional resources that will address policy analysis and advocacy, capacity building, information sharing and exchange of experiences for structural transformation of ACP economies.
There is growing recognition of the ACP Groupās added-value and substantial expertise in the design, management and assessment of development cooperation, mainly derived from its experience this unique North-South model of ACP-EU relations. While addressing weaknesses, the ACP Group as a hub of South-South and Triangular cooperation will aim to assist in implementing the SDGs of Agenda 2030.
Reinforcing unity and solidarity, while respecting diversity, the ACP Group looks forward to a qualitatively different post-Cotonou agreement to promote economic justice and poverty eradication in the Global South.
[1] See German Development Institute (DIE), āTowards a new partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries after 2020ā by Niels Keijzer, Mark Furness, Christine Hackenesch,, Svea Koch Bonn, December 2015, 16pp.
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Photography by Josephine Latu-Sanft/ACP Secretariat
By HE AmbassadorShiaan Ahmed, Head of Mission to St James’s Court (UK), the EU, the Benelux and Nordic countries.Last week, the Commonwealth family lost another of its members – the third one in the past years. The Maldives took the extremely difficult but inevitable decision to withdraw from the organisation after 34 years of continuous and active participation. People rightfully have wondered, how come a constructive and fully engaged member such as the Maldives, has decided to separate from the Commonwealth family. Perhaps, our story offers a window into why this organisation requires fundamental reform ā reform it needs more than ever in the post-Brexit era.Ever since joining in 1982, the Commonwealth of Nations was seen as the start of a new era in which the member countries would work together, in partnership and as equals, towards a shared future. As a small nation committed to the core Commonwealth principles, the Maldives had always regarded this organisation as an invaluable platform to engage with an international community of like-minded states on the important issues facing the global community; as an organisation that helps its member-States in democratic consolidation, in building institutions, in developing the rule of law, and above all, in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. The Maldives, being the leading advocate and voice on climate change gave Commonwealth prominence on climate change.It comes as no surprise that we, one of the smallest nations, had high hopes and expectations to see the Commonwealth serving its role as a champion of small states advocating for their special needs. But as an association born in the twilight of the empire, the Commonwealth has shown surprisingly little empathy towards the struggles of post-colonial states. No one can deny that the Maldives has faced challenges in recent years, like many other Commonwealth countries. As a new democracy, we are always looking to increase capacity, knowledge and professionalism within our institutions. In doing so, the Government has worked closely with its international partners and we look forward to their continued support in consolidating democracy and to further strengthen our young institutions. And yes, our judiciary, parliament and civil society need further professional development.Ā But this is not unusual. From Asia to Africa and the South Pacific to the Caribbean, these challenges are universal. Many members have also witnessed civil conflict and political upheaval. Regrettably, and despite the Government’s efforts to give maximum cooperation, show maximum transparency, and engage with the Commonwealth at the highest levels, the Commonwealth decided to intrusively take political stances in the domestic political developments of a member state, against its own Charter. Since 2012, when the former President resigned, the Commonwealth has sought to question the domestic developments rather than putting an effort to know the issues. Furthermore, it has turned a blind eye to the progress made in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions. For example, Commonwealth has conveniently disregarded that the Government has enacted a total of 110 pieces of legislation in the last three years, 94 of which were directly related to the core values set out in the Commonwealth Charter. 69 were specifically designed to promote human rights, strengthen democratic governance, and to reinforce the separation of powers. Further, Maldives has per capita more journalists and media outlets (majority being run by the Opposition) than any other Commonwealth country. All political parties including the Opposition parties are paid by the State; a system that not only sustains the opposition but also a provision that very few countries can boast about. Sadly these achievements are below the bar set for Maldives by the Commonwealth. Sadly this ostentatious behaviour is symptomatic of the modern era Commonwealth. Its budget has shrunk year-on-year, meaning development and institutional building projects have fallen by the wayside. Without the resources to fully look into the issues of the Commonwealth countries, the work of improving governance or increasing development has been replaced by the ever more active and ideological Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), along with the Secretariat, has become embedded in the political discourse of smaller member states. This has helped the Commonwealth leverage its way into international diplomacy.Ā But the organisationās desperate need to remain relevant should not mean it morphs into an unaccountable global police force. If the Commonwealth really wanted to engage, it would see progress is being made on our islands.Ā It was within this context that the Maldives became sceptical of the benefits conferred to small nations by Commonwealth membership. It is hoped that the decision to leave the Commonwealth spurs a reassessment of its role in the 21st century. The Commonwealth has always prided itself on being an organisation in which all nations are committed to working together in partnership and, most importantly, as equals. Equality and inclusivity within the Commonwealth family are vital in ensuring that it remains an organisation that represents the values embedded in the Commonwealth Charter. The Maldives believes that these founding principles should be resurrected. Let there be no doubt though. The Maldives is not closing its doors to its friends in the Commonwealth. It aims to improve bilateral relations with Commonwealth members, especially with the United Kingdom, and work to reform the Commonwealth from the outside; to make the organisation that is fit for purpose; is value for money; and more importantly serves the aspirations of the member states.The Maldives takes pride in the active and useful role it plays on international level. Despite our size, our voice is strong and clear. The Maldives reassures that its international engagement will continue both bilaterally and multilaterally.
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On Saturday 3 September 2016, the free-accessible Embassy Festival took place at the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. Forty-three Embassies participated in this yearās festival, bringing a vibrant and versatile programme to the city, 35.000 people visited the festival.
More and more Embassies have found their way to the Embassy Festival, offering a diverse programme that grows every year.
For additional Roy Strikās pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157675051434175
On three outdoor stages a variety of international acts performed. The musical programme of the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival was outstanding to say the least. The Australian āmost celebrated Hammond artistā Lachy Doley (AUS) has been compared to Jimi Hendrix in his home country and was one of the bands that performed on the Contemporary stage. Akua Naru (USA) whom critics compared to some of the greats, such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu was one of the highlights of the day. Other acts such as; Hudson Taylor (IRL), Shishani (NAM) and Sindicato Sonico (MEX), a unique combination of Orsi BurjĆ”n the PĆ”linkĆ”lom with the Zoli SoĆ³s Vinsky Project (HON) completed the line-up of the Contemporary Stage.
Every year, the programme on the classical stage surprises the audience with breath-taking performances. Opera, flamenco, piano recitals, baroque music, it was all there. Embassy Festival’s Classical Stage brought classical music to the ears of anyone ready to listen. Acclaimed by the New York Times for her āexpressive, poignant, clear voice and admirable stylistic facilityā, soprano Elodie Fonnard (FRA) brought classical pieces from the Baroque scene. Anna Stegmann (DUI) presented music of Eyck’s’s Der Fluyten Lushof, one of the richest collections from the 17th century. The rest of the classical programme included; Paula Perez (violin) and Alma Barroca (ESP, ITA, NLD), Aldona Bartnik (POL), Susanne Herre (DUI), Maria Marin (ESP) and pianist Eva Szalai (HON).
The International Market of the Embassy Festival offered visitors a variety of culinary delights and cultural surprises presented in the various country pavilions. Visitors enjoyed the wealth of typical and delicious international cuisine and beverages. Phad Tai from Thailand, dates from Saudi Arabia, Raspao from Panama, Bauyirsak from Kazakhstan and much more. With this cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres, the festival set an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness.
The fifth annual Embassy Festival will take place next year on Saturday, 2 September. Participation in the Embassy Festival is very rewarding and easy to arrange. If your embassy is interested in getting involved, please let us know by contacting Carly Dutton at 070-3606033 or embassyfestival@prooost.nl.
Embassies involved in the 2016 edition of the Embassy Festival: Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Ukraine, Palestinian Mission, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sudan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam, South Africa.
Diplomat Magazine is honored of having sponsored this magnificent event, we are looking forward to see you again in 2017.
Last August the Embassy of Ukraine in The Hague hosted a festive diplomatic reception on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Independence Day of Ukraine.
Among the guests of the evening were President of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Ankie Broekers-Knol, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, prominent public figures, representatives of the Ukrainian community.
The evening opened with a performance of National Anthems of Ukraine and the Kingdom of the Netherlands by a born in Ukraine opera singer Gabor Balint, followed by an address of the Ambassador of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Olexander Horin.
In his remarks Ambassador Olexander Horin welcomed those present at this year’s diplomatic reception on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, which, according to him was special in many ways.
āThis year’s celebration is special. It is a quarter century ago that we chose our independent future. The foundation was laid for Ukrainians at last realizing an ancient dream of multiple preceding generations of having their own state,ā he said.
According to the Ambassador, the period that followed, was marked by our hesitation to break the link with our immediate soviet past. āDomestically, paternalism and political indifference turned out to be deeply rooted in the public conscience, readily exploited by populist politicians with mercantile interests and planning horizons spanning no further than a next election campaign. It was not better on the international scene: we were getting lost in the nets of multi-vector policies, seeing Europe ahead as our model but looking back constantly at Moscow, believing in a mythical brotherhood, trying to keep foot in both camps,ā he said.
H.E. Olexander Horin, the Honorable, Ankie Broekers-Knol, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Dr. Natalia Tymoshenko.
Ambassador Horin said that the events of 2013-2014 in Ukraine and Russia’s hybrid all-out aggression against Ukraine that followed, became a rude awakening for Ukrainians that made them re-think deeply their attitude to the surrounding reality.
āIt is of course the accelerated process of Ukrainian political nation building on the basis of civic patriotism, the Ukrainians’ readiness to defend our state arms in hand shoulder to shoulder that we have to thank for Ukraine still being there,ā he said, emphasizing also the role of Ukrainian heroes, who sacrificed their lives for peaceful future of Ukraine.
Olexander Horin stated that the development of democracy and liberty, transparency of government, rule of law based on the sense of human dignity and national unity has been on the rise in Ukraine since the Maidan events of 2013-2014 as never before. āIntroduction of the new police, now so much more trusted by the population; establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau to the best standards and experience of the Western world; launching of the new revolutionary system of public e-procurement āProZorroā;legislative changes opening access to several government databases, such as the registry of legal entities and the registry of property owners; introduction, despite numerous problems, of the system of e-declaration of income by civil servants, are some of the many small steps forward,ā he said, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness to admit that there is still such negative phenomena as corruption, bribery, nepotism, embezzlement of funds, in Ukraine, which were precisely the ailments of the Ukrainian reality that young Ukrainians with a new European world outlook had been protesting on the Maidan square in Kyiv and across Ukraine in 2013-2014.
He stressed again that the current slow but steady changes that the Maidan brought are fundamental and irreversible. āAll public polls demonstrate these fundamental changes in the social consciousness. People are proud of their Ukrainian citizenship, state symbols, respect and honor Ukrainian language. The Euro-Atlantic vector, the EU and NATO predominate in geopolitical preferences of majority of Ukrainians,ā he said.
Speaking about the Ukrainian-Dutch relations, 25th anniversary of establishment of which the two sides are going to celebrate next year, Ambassador Horin said they have reached an unprecedented level of activity in the last few years and expressed Ukraine’s gratitude to the Dutch Government for their unshaken support of Ukraine, both in the EU and on bilateral level, in the question of defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity from Russia, the policy of non-recognition of illegal occupation of Crimea and firm stance of opposition to Russia’s actions to fuel the conflict in the east of Ukraine.
He pointed out that the Netherlands have become one of Ukraine’s main economic partners in the EU with $1,5 billion trade turnover in 2015 and growing, and one of the biggest investors in the Ukrainian economy.
āWe are of course looking forward to the development of this cooperation, especially in the framework of the already provisionally working EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Having been assured by our Dutch partners that they value the prospects offered by the Agreement for all sides, as much as we do, we remain optimistic and positive that the Dutch Government will eventually find a way to make it work in full for the benefit of our two countries,ā he stressed.
After addressing the audience, the Ambassador took part in a presentation of national decorations and Embassy of Ukraine in The Hague Certificates of Gratitude to members of the Dutch public and Ukrainian community in the Netherlands, who had made an outstanding contribution into the promotion of Ukraine’s image and culture, as well as into the provision of humanitarian assistance to the ATO servicemen and internally displaced persons in Ukraine.
After that, the guests of the evening had an opportunity to enjoy a performance of Ukrainian folk songs by the Ukrainian diaspora in the Netherlands organized Choir āChervoni Koraliā, an exhibition of ceramics by Ukrainian sculptor Olena Cornet, as well as taste dishes of the traditional Ukrainian cuisine.
By Her Excellency Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi.
Burundi ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in August 2003. By ratifying the Rome Statute, Burundi intended to join the rest of the international community to fight against impunity for specific category of crimes in the statute.
Unfortunately some world powers, the project initiators of the creation of this Court who instigated others, mainly African countries to ratify the Rome Statute to the extent of using pressure, refused to ratify the Statute with the intention of protecting their potential criminals. It is an unimpeachable fact that this Court which is financed by over 70% by the European Union has become an instrument of political pressure on poor countries and their Governments with the intent to control then dominate or destabilize them.
Indeed, it is not a secret that the initiation of investigations against African leaders is done under pressure from major powers, calling into question the independence of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and the Court herself. In the case of Burundi, everyone knows that since April 2015 violent demonstrations which turned into acts of terrorism have occurred in Burundi, specifically in some neighborhoods of the capital Bujumbura. This insurrection that was financed and supported by some Western countries and some international organizations, led to the loss of human lives and the destruction of considerable material goods.
The insurrection then ended in the attempt to overthrow the Republican Institutions of the Republic of Burundi on May 13, 2015. The well-coordinated efforts by coup leaders, some radical opposition activists and terrorist elements with foreign support to render the country ungovernable by indiscriminately targeting in their attacks and criminal acts, the civilian population, members of government, state officials, security and national defense personnel have been well documented.
In addition to information obtained from several hundreds of civilians who were forcefully conscripted and trained a foreign country to attack their own country, and who have surrendered, Burundi has in its possession, intercepted communications between the perpetrators of these acts of criminality and their sponsors. These individuals have publicly claimed responsibility for these crimes including distributing grenades and arms to civilians to carry out these attacks. Despite the magnitude of the senseless violence and atrocities that occurred during the insurrection directed against civilians and members of security forces, the Prosecutor of the ICC, some Western countries and the European Union failed to condemn the perpetrators or at least include in their various report on the situation in Burundi these crimes which were publicly and widely acknowledged by the perpetrators.
Whereas the security forces, officials of state institutions as well as the civilian population of Burundi are the prime targets of this senseless wave of criminality in which the perpetrators have claimed responsibility, tainted reports from supposed human rights experts have consistently published tainted reports based on concocted evidence attributing the responsibility to the victims of these criminal attacks.
It is significant to note thatĀ Ā while the Burundian justice system have deployed every sustained efforts to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes, some of the very countries and institutions that have led a campaign of blackmail against Burundi have evinced every effort to frustrate these efforts by granting funding and golden asylums in their countries from where they continue to carry out destabilizing actions against Burundi. Paradoxically, the ICC Prosecutor, ignoring its duty of neutrality, has continued to multiply statements directed against the Government of Burundi to announce the opening of a preliminary review on the situation in Burundi based on false reports produced by the individuals who are subject of international arrest warrants to face justice in Burundi and granting them a platform and voice to further their objectives.
Lately after two brief visits to Burundi, a group of supposed independent experts of the UN Human Rights Commission whitewashed a false report prepared by these Burundi fugitives and submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC even before the said report was considered by the UN Human Rights Commission. The media frenzy and press comments by the Burundi fugitives praising this conduct that violates the spirit and letter of the Rome Treaty and the independence of the Office of the Prosecutor, could not be condoned by the Government and people of Burundi who spontaneously demonstrated in protest and called on Burundi to withdraw from the Rome Treaty. The Government and Parliament of Burundi obliged to this popular demand for the good of its people, sustainable peace, security and progress.
The ICC Prosecutor did not allege in her decision to intervene that the Government of Burundi breached its treaty obligations by failing to investigate or prosecute the perpetrators of crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction over the territory of Burundi. Thus, the ICC Prosecutor violated the sacrosanct principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Treaty, regarding collaboration and complementarity with the State concerned. The Government of Burundi believes that the decision of the Prosecutor of the ICC to intervene in the ongoing political conflict in Burundi, the pressure of the powers that finance its operation in this case, the European Union, by initiating a preliminary examination while she had assurances and information establishing that Burundi was in the process of fulfilling its obligations as provided in the Rome Statute constitutes a serious and flagrant violation of the sovereignty and national security of Burundi.
Indeed, to undertake the preliminary examination potentially encourage negative forces and their sponsors and encourages violence and impunity. Consequently, the Government considers that maintaining Burundi as a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court cannot be justified. Burundi believes the letter and spirit of the Rome Treaty in relation to her participation have been breached with potential prejudice to the fight against impunity in Burundi, peace, security and progress in Burundi and the sub-region. In arriving at its decision, Burundi considered the fact that the Security Council that has primary responsibility for ensuring world peace and security and has referral authority under the Rome Statute visited Burundi twice and did not find any reason to exercise its mandate under the Rome Statute.
The ICC intervention has a high potential of compromising encouraging efforts that are ongoing by the Government of Burundi to investigate and prosecute all the crimes within its national territory and commendable efforts by the UN Security Council, African Union, East Africa Community, Conference on Peace and Security in the Great Lakes, Inter-Burundi Dialogue Commission, and the multiple actors aimed at bringing justice, enduring peace, security and progress in Burundi and the sub-region.
Azerbaijan, being faithful to the ideas of multiculturalism and seeing dialogue as a best tool for building peace and prosperity amid the crises and tensions in the world, has declared 2016 the Year of Multiculturalism.
Azerbaijan established the first secular democracy in the Muslim world in 1918 and offered women the right to vote in 1919. Tolerance and multiculturalism in secular Azerbaijan is a style of life for over 9.6 million people living at the crossroad of the East and West, combining traditions and cultures.
Despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of the population (about 96 percent) of the country is Muslim, representatives of other religions enjoy freedom here, and one can often witness Jewish synagogues and Orthodox and Christian churches as well as other religious centres functioning freely. The country acts as a model for peaceful coexistence of members of different nations and religions for many other countries as well.
Historical monuments of all religions are protected by the government of Azerbaijan which provides funds for the restoration of these monuments. Mosques, churches and synagogues are built and renovated in Azerbaijan. One of the oldest mosques in the world situated in Azerbaijan, in the city of Shamakhi, dating from 743, and also one of the oldest Christian churches, an Armenian church from the 12-13 century, is also located in the capital of the country – Baku. Orthodox and Catholic churches, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, are bright examples of Azerbaijan’s multicultural heritage.
Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries that are members of both the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In 2008, the Ministers of Culture of Islamic countries were invited to the Baku Forum of Ministers of Culture of Council of Europe member-states. For the first time in history, a link was established between these two institutions. In 2009, Azerbaijan invited ministers from the Council of Ministers to the meeting of Ministers of Culture of Muslim countries in Baku.
Thus, this process was called the “Baku process”. Today, Azerbaijan hosts numerous international events within the framework of the “Baku process”. These include the summit of religious leaders of the world. The Forum on Intercultural Dialogue is held in Azerbaijan every year. Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an annual platform for famous representatives of political, scientific and cultural elite of the world community including famous statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and leaders of influential international organizations for holding dialogues, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of global issues in the interest of all humanity.
The fifth International Humanitarian Forum was held in Baku on September 29-30, 2016 and one of the main themes on its agenda was multiculturalism. Given Azerbaijani successful activities in this area, the UN decided to hold the Seventh Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in Baku in 2016.
In addition, Azerbaijan has set up an international centre for multiculturalism in 2014, as a concrete effort to promote the values of multiculturalism. Thanks to domestic interfaith and multicultural harmony, Azerbaijan was able to protect itself from the triggers of extremism, one of the most dangerous threats of the modern world amid the clashing cultures and religions.
Azerbaijan makes important contributions to the traditions of tolerance, intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue. The country’s success in multiculturalism relies on the full-scale embrace of this openness and tolerance by both government and the society at large which has remained primarily stable for many decades.
On October 2, 2016 Pope FrancisĀ visited Azerbaijan. During the visit he celebrated mass on Sunday at the Salesian centre in Baku. Pope Francis visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country`s independence and territorial integrity. Pope Francis laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.
Furthermore, bilateral meeting between the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Pope Francis was held. It was underlined that the relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan have been developing successfully for 24 years. Reciprocal high-level visits were especially highlighted. In 2012, the Vatican museums hosted an Azerbaijani exhibition dedicated to the 20th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
The Azerbaijani exhibition was the first exhibition of Muslim countries. Our ties are also supported by civil society organizations. In February last year, with support from the largest non-governmental organization of the South Caucasus, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Saint Marcellino and Pietroās catacombs of the Vatican were reopened after major overhaul and restoration. This great event showed again that our bilateral relations. At the same time, the strengthening of the interreligious and intercultural dialogue is a reality.
The Pontiff met with Chairman of the Clerical Office of Caucasus Muslims Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade and representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. After the bilateral meeting, both religious leaders addressed representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. Pope Francis` visit to Azerbaijan where 96Ā percent of population is Muslims once again demonstrates importance that the Holy See attaches to the multicultural traditions in this country. This visit is important for all of the mankind, as it shows once again that the dialogue between civilizations lives on, continues to expand, and we are trying to give a new impetus to this dialogue.
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Photography by Azertac.
I hardly miss any opportunity to accompany my husband when he traverses this country, in search of clues for innovations and creativity that could be replicated in Bangladesh. I try to complement his effort, as he is trying to develop his Embassy as a virtual bridge for knowledge transfer between our two countries and businesses.
One aspect, I wish to emphasize though is how impressed I am with the academic quality and quantum of academic activities in the Netherlands. This is why, I wonder, at times, how we could best connect our educational institutions with that of the Netherlands. So, I am always there, along with my husband, to make this academic connectivity the best we can. I believe, of all the hats I wear, the one of an academic charm must be increased.
As we live in this beautiful country and among all these beautiful people, it is easy to forget that there are still far too many children, mostly in the developing world, who do not have access to the essential health services they need to merely survive. So, whenever, I get opportunity I try to engage in discussion with our friends to create awareness. Given the monumental advances that have been made in public health, most of these diseases are preventable and curable.
If we could do little bit more to give all children the chance they deserve. Let me quote Bono to conclude: “Where you live should not determine whether you live”. I wish I could do more but, at the end of the day, I am also a woman from developing world. This is not my excuse, but my resolve.
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Photography by Marian van Noort for Diplomat Magazine.
On three outdoor stages a variety of international acts performed. The musical programme of the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival was outstanding to say the least. The Australian āmost celebrated Hammond artistā Lachy Doley (AUS) has been compared to Jimi Hendrix in his home country and was one of the bands that performed on the Contemporary stage. Akua Naru (USA) whom critics compared to some of the greats, such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu was one of the highlights of the day. Other acts such as; Hudson Taylor (IRL), Shishani (NAM) and Sindicato Sonico (MEX), a unique combination of Orsi BurjĆ”n the PĆ”linkĆ”lom with the Zoli SoĆ³s Vinsky Project (HON) completed the line-up of the Contemporary Stage.
Every year, the programme on the classical stage surprises the audience with breath-taking performances. Opera, flamenco, piano recitals, baroque music, it was all there. Embassy Festival’s Classical Stage brought classical music to the ears of anyone ready to listen. Acclaimed by the New York Times for her āexpressive, poignant, clear voice and admirable stylistic facilityā, soprano Elodie Fonnard (FRA) brought classical pieces from the Baroque scene. Anna Stegmann (DUI) presented music of Eyck’s’s Der Fluyten Lushof, one of the richest collections from the 17th century. The rest of the classical programme included; Paula Perez (violin) and Alma Barroca (ESP, ITA, NLD), Aldona Bartnik (POL), Susanne Herre (DUI), Maria Marin (ESP) and pianist Eva Szalai (HON).
The International Market of the Embassy Festival offered visitors a variety of culinary delights and cultural surprises presented in the various country pavilions. Visitors enjoyed the wealth of typical and delicious international cuisine and beverages. Phad Tai from Thailand, dates from Saudi Arabia, Raspao from Panama, Bauyirsak from Kazakhstan and much more. With this cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres, the festival set an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness.
The fifth annual Embassy Festival will take place next year on Saturday, 2 September. Participation in the Embassy Festival is very rewarding and easy to arrange. If your embassy is interested in getting involved, please let us know by contacting Carly Dutton at 070-3606033 or 
Diplomat Magazine is honored of having sponsored this magnificent event, we are looking forward to see you again in 2017.
Historical monuments of all religions are protected by the government of Azerbaijan which provides funds for the restoration of these monuments. Mosques, churches and synagogues are built and renovated in Azerbaijan. One of the oldest mosques in the world situated in Azerbaijan, in the city of Shamakhi, dating from 743, and also one of the oldest Christian churches, an Armenian church from the 12-13 century, is also located in the capital of the country – Baku. Orthodox and Catholic churches, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, are bright examples of Azerbaijan’s multicultural heritage.
Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries that are members of both the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In 2008, the Ministers of Culture of Islamic countries were invited to the Baku Forum of Ministers of Culture of Council of Europe member-states. For the first time in history, a link was established between these two institutions. In 2009, Azerbaijan invited ministers from the Council of Ministers to the meeting of Ministers of Culture of Muslim countries in Baku.
Thus, this process was called the “Baku process”. Today, Azerbaijan hosts numerous international events within the framework of the “Baku process”. These include the summit of religious leaders of the world. The Forum on Intercultural Dialogue is held in Azerbaijan every year. Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an annual platform for famous representatives of political, scientific and cultural elite of the world community including famous statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and leaders of influential international organizations for holding dialogues, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of global issues in the interest of all humanity.
The fifth International Humanitarian Forum was held in Baku on September 29-30, 2016 and one of the main themes on its agenda was multiculturalism. Given Azerbaijani successful activities in this area, the UN decided to hold the Seventh Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in Baku in 2016.
In addition, Azerbaijan has set up an international centre for multiculturalism in 2014, as a concrete effort to promote the values of multiculturalism. Thanks to domestic interfaith and multicultural harmony, Azerbaijan was able to protect itself from the triggers of extremism, one of the most dangerous threats of the modern world amid the clashing cultures and religions.
Azerbaijan makes important contributions to the traditions of tolerance, intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue. The country’s success in multiculturalism relies on the full-scale embrace of this openness and tolerance by both government and the society at large which has remained primarily stable for many decades.
On October 2, 2016 Pope FrancisĀ visited Azerbaijan. During the visit he celebrated mass on Sunday at the Salesian centre in Baku. Pope Francis visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country`s independence and territorial integrity. Pope Francis laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.
Furthermore, bilateral meeting between the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Pope Francis was held. It was underlined that the relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan have been developing successfully for 24 years. Reciprocal high-level visits were especially highlighted. In 2012, the Vatican museums hosted an Azerbaijani exhibition dedicated to the 20th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
The Azerbaijani exhibition was the first exhibition of Muslim countries. Our ties are also supported by civil society organizations. In February last year, with support from the largest non-governmental organization of the South Caucasus, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Saint Marcellino and Pietroās catacombs of the Vatican were reopened after major overhaul and restoration. This great event showed again that our bilateral relations. At the same time, the strengthening of the interreligious and intercultural dialogue is a reality.
The Pontiff met with Chairman of the Clerical Office of Caucasus Muslims Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade and representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. After the bilateral meeting, both religious leaders addressed representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. Pope Francis` visit to Azerbaijan where 96Ā percent of population is Muslims once again demonstrates importance that the Holy See attaches to the multicultural traditions in this country. This visit is important for all of the mankind, as it shows once again that the dialogue between civilizations lives on, continues to expand, and we are trying to give a new impetus to this dialogue.
——————–
Photography by Azertac.