Hispanic Origins / October 8th at Hilton The Hague.In the month of October 2016 we will be celebrating again the event “Hispanic Origins” in The Hague. After the very well visited edition 2015, the edition 2016 of Hispanic Origins will take place on the 8th of October at the Hilton The Hague hotel.Like the past year visitors will be able to enjoy concerts, dance performances, exhibitions and the gastronomic delights of many Hispanic countries. Since the moment Columbus discovered America on the 12th of October 1492, the Spanish and Portuguese have influenced the development of countries and cultures on the continent. Nowadays, all these different countries have their own culture, traditions and customs although they still share their common origin. To celebrate this mix of diversity based on equality, Hispanic Origins is organised each year around the 12th of October, the date on which America was discovered. This date is especially chosen because it is a holiday celebrated by many people around the world who have a Spanish heritage.The event is for all culture lovers and particularly to people interested in the traditions and peculiarities of Hispanic countries. ‘Nearly all the tickets for the 2015 edition were sold before the event even took place. One hour after opening all the remaining tickets were sold as well which meant all the 450 available tickets were sold out. To allow more people to join the event in 2016, a bigger venue has been chosen.‘ Said Cristina Galbe, from Galbe Events & Catering, organiser of the event. The event will take place from 15:00 until 21:00 and visitors are offered a child’s program in the afternoon, followed by a food & culture show after which the evening show takes place. The food & culture show consists of a variety of shows, culinary presentations and expositions. The embassies of all the different participating countries have supported in organising the program, both by offering the culinary presentations and providing entertainment for the visitors. During the evening show from 18:00 to 21:00, a variety of performances of song and dance can be enjoyed.More information about this event, the complete program and tickets can be found on www.hispanic-origins.comFace book: Origins Hispanic / Día de la Hispanidad
Brazil Network Day (BND), organized by the Embassy of Brazil since 2011, is the Brazilian flagship event.
On November 1st 2016 the 11th Brazil Network Day (BND). BND will take place in the AMTRIUM RAI AMSTERDAM. The upcoming BND will focus on business and investment opportunities in the State of Goiás, Brazil. The event will be organized in partnership with Amsterdam Business and has the support of PwC, Baker McKenzie, Intertrust Group, Neogrid Netherlands and TAP Portugal.
By bringing Brazilian and Dutch speakers together, BND fosters discussions on current issues and promotes network opportunity among companies doing or considering doing business with Brazil. BND Amsterdam will focus on agribusiness opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands.
The BND plenary sessions will take place from 14:00 to 18:00, followed by a business network cocktail (18:00 to 20:00) – see program enclosed. The first plenary session will address agribusiness opportunities of the State of Goiás. The second part will be dedicated to successful business cases of Brazilian companies established and doing business in the Netherlands and Dutch companies in Brazil.
The Hague, 20 September- The President of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (“Mechanism”), Judge Theodor Meron, yesterday took part in a panel discussion entitled “A Conversation on New Models of Tribunals”, at The Hague Institute for Global Justice. Dr. Abiodun Williams, President of The Hague Institute, led the conversation between President Meron, the Registrar of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, Dr. Fidelma Donlon; the Chair of International Criminal Law and Global Justice, and Programme Director of the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, Leiden University, Professor Dr. Carsten Stahn. The event offered a unique opportunity for over 150 representatives of the international community in The Hague to discuss specific aspects of these two institutions, how they differ from other international courts and tribunals, as well as their possible contributions to future accountability efforts.
In his remarks, President Meron reflected on several of the distinctive features of the Mechanism, compared to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, emphasizing that an important unique aspect of the Mechanism is its “overarching and explicit obligation to be lean and efficient” as mandated by the Security Council.
To showcase how the Mechanism is operating in a small, temporary and efficient manner, President Meron touched upon some of the novel features in Chambers. These include, for example, the Mechanism’s reliance on a roster of Judges who carry out their functions for the Mechanism only when necessary; allowing for Judges to operate and undertake judicial work remotely, unless they are called to the seat of one of the two branches of the Mechanism; and the remuneration of Judges only for those days on which they exercise their functions. President Meron noted that these and other measures will achieve “a significant reduction in judicial expenses as compared with the two Tribunals” and enable the Mechanism to “stand as a new model of international court: one that is leaner and more efficient, while continuing to meet the highest international standards of due process”.
Brussels, 21 September 2016As announced by President Jean-Claude Juncker in his State of the Union Address, Members of the College agreed that there should be no limits in terms of timing or volume imposed on consumers when using their mobile devices abroad in the EU. This new mechanism will be based on principle of residence or stable links European consumers may have with any EU Member State (frequent and substantial presence in the Member State of the roaming provider, for example).Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, said: “Parliament and Council agreed on our proposal to end roaming charges for travellers in the EU. Together we need to ensure low prices for users all across Europe, to make full use of new mobile services. European consumers would not accept it otherwise.”Günther H. Oettinger, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, said: “Commission action on roaming prices has delivered for European consumers. Today’s draft rules ensure we can end roaming charges as of 15 June 2017 for all people who travel periodically in the EU, while ensuring that operators have the tools to guard against abuse of the rules.”The College of Commissioners discussed draft rules that will enable all travellers using a SIM card of a Member State in which they reside or with which they have stable links to use their mobile device in any other EU country, just as they would at home.Examples of “stable links” include work commuters, expats who are frequently present in their home country or Erasmus students. Europeans will pay domestic prices when they call, text or go online from their mobile devices and will have full access to other parts of their mobile subscription (e.g. monthly data package).The College of Commissioners will adopt the final proposal by 15 December 2016, following feedback from BEREC (Body of European Regulators in Electronic Communications), Member States and all interested parties.
On the picture Honorable Governor, Festus Uietele and H.E. Ambassador Dr Kaire Mbuende.By Antonia Barthel.
On the evening of the 14th of September, guests from a variety of sectors gathered at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague to celebrate the accreditation of H.E. Dr. Kaire Mbuende, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The celebrations were held after H.E. Dr. Kaire Mbuende had presented his Letters of Credence to HM King Willem-Alexander.Honorary Consul, Ms Cornelie Van Waegeningh and Ambassador Mbuende.
In his speech he described the longstanding relationship of more than 350 years between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Namibia. Additionally he highlighted the characteristics of the bilateral relations between both governments.
Especially important was the presence of representatives of twinning arrangements or partnerships, which the Dutch and Namibian local authorities have established over the years.
Jan Hak, entrepreneur, Loide-Shikwambi, First-Secretary; Ms Cornelie Van Waegeningh, Honorary Consul and Paul Staal, anti-apartheids activist.
H.E. Dr. Kaire Mbuende stated, “The peace and stability that we are enjoying today can only be sustained if we grow the economy and create more jobs. We live in an inter-dependent world and investments in Namibia will not only be good for the people of Namibia but will also benefit the economy of the Netherlands. Both countries stand to benefit from investment and other forms of co-operation.”David De Beer and Ambassador Mbuende.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of the Harambee Prosperity Plan, which was put in place by the Republic of Namibia in 2016 to fight poverty and increase prosperity.
Paul Staal, anti-apartheids activist and H.E. Dr. Kaire Mbuende.
The evening was underlined by an incredible meal and great conversations. Amongst the numerous guests was Namibia’s Honorary Consul Mrs. Cornelie Van Waegeningh, Honorary Consul Mr. Jasper van Mill, the Governor of the Omaheke Region, Honorable Festus Ueitele, representatives of the partnership programs, Jan Rozema, chairperson of the Gobabis Smallingerland working group, as well as many academics.
This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956. On 23 October 2016, it is six decades ago that students started protesting against the communist dictatorship.
In the video below, H.E. András Kocsis, Ambassador of Hungary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands explains the importance of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight today and shows what makes celebrating the sixtieth anniversary in the Netherlands very special.
The worldwide commemoration of the revolution is sponsored by the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight 60th Anniversary Memorial Board. Together with various partners, the Embassy of Hungary in the Netherlands organizes various events from August to November 2016.
They will tell previously untold stories of compassion and rebellion, highlight the important historic connection between the Netherlands and Hungary and thank the Netherlands for their support given to the Hungarian freedom fighters of 1956.
Besides the national commemoration service on 23 October 2016, highlights include the premiere of a composition written by Peter Vigh on the occasion of the commemoration, the Dutch-Hungarian ZeNe music festival, a conference for Dutch secondary school teachers and a photography exhibition of Ata Kando at the Fotomuseum in Rotterdam.
The 1956 Commemoration Season is followed by Hungarian film director Csaba Bogádi. His company Lonely Film creates video short reports of the events organized by the Embassy of Hungary. The videos may be watched on the YouTube channel of the EmbassyFor information on the program please visit: http://haga.gov.hu/1956
On the picture H.E. Jaya Ratnam, Ambassador of Singapore- to the Benelux Countries and the EU. Picture by Brussels Royal Palace.Republic of Singapore to the Kingdom of Belgium: HE Ambassador Jaya Ratnam was previously High Commissioner of Singapore to the State of Brunei Darussalam between 2012 and 2016.
Presented his credentials to HM The King of the Belgians on Thursday, 15 September 2016.
http://www.mfa.gov.sg/brusselsH.E. Ambassador Sabine Monauni Tomordy, credited from Liechtenstein to Belgium and the EU. Picture by Royal Palace Brussels.Principality of Liechtenstein to the Kingdom of Belgium and the EU: HE Ambassador Sabine Monauni-Tömördy was accredited on 15 September 2016 to Belgium.
Previous to her first ambassadorial appointment she was Senior Advisor to the Minister of Family Affairs, 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”.
Liechtenstein Ambassador and staff at the Royal Palace in Brussels. Picture by Belgian Monarchy.http://www.regierung.li/ministries/ministry-for-foreign-affairs-education-and-culture/diplomatic-representations/brussels-b/staff-contacts/Ambassador of Belarus, H.E. Aleksandr Mikhnevich presenting credentials to The King of the Belgians. Picture by Royal Palace Brussels.Republic of Belarus to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the EU: HE Ambassador Aleksandr Mikhnevich has been accredited to Belgium.
Before taking up his bilateral posts in Brussels he was First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs between 2012 and 2016. Between 2006-12 she was Ambassador to St James’s Court (UK) and non-resident head of mission to Ireland.
http://belgium.mfa.gov.by/en/embassy/H.E. Dr Ilze Ruse, Ambassdor of Latvia with The King of the Belgians. Picture by Royal Palace Brussels.Republic of Latvia to the Benelux countries and the OPCW: Dr. Ilze Rūse was accredited as the new Latvian head of mission accredited from The Hague to Belgium and later to Luxembourg. She is accredited to The Netherlands since September 2015.
http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/netherlandsPalau’s Ambassador Ngedikes Olai Uludong with The King of the Belgians. Picture by the Belgian Monarchy.Republic of Palau to the Kingdom of Belgium, the EU and the ACP Group: HE Ambassador Ngedikes Olai Uludong presented credentials to the King of the Belgians on 15 September 2016.
Ambassador Uludong is accredited to the EU since 17 July 2015. Likewise she serves as Special Representative for Climate Change matters.
http://palauconsulate.be/index.php/en/
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Ambassador of Ukraine Dr. Oleander Horin and Dr. Natalia Tymoshenko hosted a reception to observe the 25th anniversary of independence which actually is on August 24.
The venue and date chosen for the celebration was the Hilton Hotel in The Hague on the bright and extremely sunny day of 12 September 2016.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157674192961495Ambassador Olexander Horin, the President of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Ankie Broekers-Knol and Dr Tymoshenko.
The Ukrainian tenor Mr. Gabor Balint, a Royal conservatory The Hague and Budapest alumnus gave a live rendition of both the Dutch and Ukrainian national anthem.
The choir “Chervoni Korali” (Red Corals) sang Ukrainian traditional folk songs a capella.
Several persons had the honor to receive a medal. The head of Dutch foundation ProForKids, Mrs. Barbara Tschorn-Eckardt, received the State Decoration “Order of Merit 3rd class” and her husband Mr. Klaus Eckardt received the Medal “25 Years of Independence of Ukraine”. ICJ Judge, H.E. José De Bousa Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal, the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia, H.E. Ilze Ruse and H.E. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia.
Despite the many challenges Ukraine has faced, despite external aggression in eastern Ukraine and the illegal occupation of Crimea, Ukraine has endeavored to work steadily to build stronger and more effective political, economic, and cultural institutions. These efforts have required perseverance and sacrifice
Ambassador Horin, Mrs Nadine Rushdy, spouse of the Ambassador of Egypt, Dr Tymoshenko and H.E. Taher Hanafi Farahat, Ambassador of Egypt.
Ukraine will also press for full implementation of the Minsk agreements to end Russian aggression in Donbas and return the international border to Ukrainian control.
Ukraine will remain steadfast in her refusal to recognize Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea.
The Ambassador of Cameroon, H.E. Odette Melono, Mrs Leona Beeldstroo and the spouse of the Ambassador of Ukraine, Dr Natalia Tymoshenko.
On the picture H.E. Ambassador Joseph Cole & Mrs. Bernardina Cole.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The celebration of the National Day of the Republic of Malta has taken place on Monday 19 September 2016. H.E. Ambassador Joseph Cole & Mrs. Bernardina Cole organized a reception at their smartly decorated Embassy. The reception was very well attended and it was a nice mixture of Diplomats, Dutch officials, Maltese and friends.
In his address Ambassador Cole, stressed that the National Day is especially valued in Malta. ‘It’s as a symbol of unity that brings together all Maltese, irrespective of their age, religion or place they currently live in.’
According to Cole, National Day is also an excellent occasion to highlight that this year Malta celebrates the 450th anniversary since the foundation of the capital city Valletta. Quoting the former British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, the city of Valletta was built by gentlemen for gentlemen.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157670844827873Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Peep Jahilo, Ambassador of Hungary H.E. András Kocsis and the Ambassador of Luxembourg H.E. Pierre-Louis Victor Lorenz.
Further in his delivery Cole indicted that in 2018 Valletta together with the Dutch city of Leeuwarden will jointly serve as the European Capitals of Culture.
As for 2017(January) Malta will be assuming the Presidency of the European Council for the first time since joining the European Union in 2004.
H.E. Judge Carmel Agius, President of the ICTY and Ribiao Cheng, Minister counsellor at the People’s Republic of China.
‘Malta, will be assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU at a time when the very sustainability of the EU will be put to the test, as it is set to face one of its most delicate and fragile times.
Issues to be faced by Malta during its Presidency will include:
The outcome of the UK referendum;
The elections in France, Germany and The Netherlands;
The rise of populism in Europe;
Boosting economic opportunities; and
Dealing with conflict on Europe’s borders.’
The role of the Presidency is not simply ceremonial. Malta will have the opportunity to shape the EU priorities. This is not about governing the EU for six months but it is about highlighting issues that Malta deems essential.
During its Presidency, Malta will also have the opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, a truly iconic moment and unique achievement in its own right.
Ambassador Joseph Cole thanked his staff and also his wife (laughter) for putting together the event. The guests were invited to stay on, enjoy the company, snacks and drinks.
The Ambassador of Chile H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi with H.E. Odette Melono, Ambassador of Cameroon.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Mrs. Maria Teresa Infante Ambassador of the Republic of Chile in the Netherlands opened the doors of her residence to welcome guests in order to celebrate Chile’s Independence Day. Back home in Chile, Independence Day is celebrated on the 18th September and is part of what is referred to as the Fiestas Patrias.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157673995579996The Ambassador of Chile and H.E. Juan José Quintana Aranguren, Ambassador of Colombia.
The Independence Day reception took place on the sunny afternoon on the 16th September 2016.
The Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola, H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante, the Ambassador of Brazil, Piragibe Dos Santos Tarragô and Fabiola Soto.‘The Embassy of Chile welcomes you all to the celebration of an independence journey initiated more than 200 years ago. It is an occasion to share emotions and recognize those who are our friends, colleagues, members of an already consolidated Dutch- Chilean community. I cannot forget the presence of students who forge a future to render more livable our land.’Our daily duties and meetings do not make us to forget the place that personal contacts play in our lives and the need to continue cultivating these relationships. I invite you to enjoy our wine and empanadas, to make new friends and to share a vivid conversation. The music will be offered by Eduardo López and a choir of artists from the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Enjoy, disfruten!!’ expressed Her Excellency Ambassador Maria Teresa Infante, a musical intermezzo followed.
The Concerto vocale consisting of: Sofia Pedro (soprano), Deborah Saffery (Alto), Francisco Espinoza (Tenor), Rutger van Oeveren (Bass) and Eduardo Lopez (Conductor) entertained the many guests.
Ambassador Infante Caffi and H.E. Ahmet Üzümcü, Director General of the OPCW.
Throughout the afternoon there was a constant flow of the famous Chilean empanadas and drinks.
EU Ambassador Dimitris Eliopoulus, H.E. Rosa Makena Murichi, Ambassador of Kenya and H.E. Haifa Haissami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela to International Organizations.
During its Presidency, Malta will also have the opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, a truly iconic moment and unique achievement in its own right.
Ambassador Joseph Cole thanked his staff and also his wife (laughter) for putting together the event. The guests were invited to stay on, enjoy the company, snacks and drinks. 
