Her Excellency Ms Iffat Imran Gardezi, Pakistan’s New Ambassador to The Netherlands, presented her credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands last week in The Hague. Ms Gardezi during her diplomatic career has earlier served in Pakistan’s diplomatic Missions in Vienna, Hong Kong, Berlin and Washington.  Before her appointment as Pakistan’s Ambassador to The Netherlands, Ambassador Gardezi was serving as Additional Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Ms Iffat Imran Gardezi is married and her spouse Mr Imran Gardezi has recently retired as Federal Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, of the Government of Pakistan. The Pakistan’s Ambassador to The Netherlands, in addition to the bilateral responsibilities, also serves as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Begum Rana Liaqat Ali Khan, the wife of the First Prime Minister of Pakistan, was Pakistan’s First Ambassador to The Netherlands.

On the picture Sindicato Sonico. On Saturday 3 September 2016, the free-accessible Embassy Festival will take place at the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. Forty-three Embassies will participate in this year’s festival, bringing a vibrant and versatile programme to the city. Stroll across the tree-lined boulevard and expect to feel like you’re in ten different countries at once! You will experience the most unique aspects of various parts of the world, with culinary delights, worldly handicrafts and wines from undiscovered regions. At the Embassy Festival you will feel like an absolute world traveller! On three outdoor stages a variety of international acts will be performing. Australian Hammond player Lachy Doley will bring funk and blues on the Contemporary Stage. On the Classical Stage, world class soprano Elodie Fonnard will enchant the audiences. Rwandan warrior dance and Nepalese traditional dance beautifully show the contrast between these cultures at the Creative Arena. A performance by singer songwriter Levi Silvanie, from Curaçao, will start off the Haagse UIT Nach, part of the Haagse UIT Festival.  

Cultural diversity More and more Embassies have found their way to the Embassy Festival, offering a diverse programme that grows every year. On the stage of the Creative Arena, performances include the traditional Marinera from Peru, Nepalese and Rwandan dances, Indonesian jazz and Slovenian folk music. The International Market of the Embassy Festival offers visitors a variety of culinary delights and cultural surprises presented in the various country pavilions. With this cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres, the festival sets an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness. While their parents are discovering the world, children are invited to make a colourful journey at the Kids Compound. Below you will find a list of participating Embassies.   

  Musical programme    The musical programme of the fourth edition of Embassy Festival is outstanding to say the least. In addition to the previously announced acts Lachey Doley (AUS), Hudson Taylor (IRL), Akua Naru (United States), Shishani (NAM) and Sindicato Sonico (MEX), a unique combination of Orsi Burján the Pálinkálom with the Zoli Soós Vinsky Project (HON) complete the line-up of the Contemporary Stage.

Embassy Festival’s Classical Stage brings classical music to the ears of anyone ready to listen. Acclaimed by the New York Times for her ‘expressive, poignant, clear voice and admirable stylistic facility’, soprano Elodie Fonnard (FRA) will bring classical pieces from the Baroque scene. Paula Perez (violin) and Alma Barroca (ESP, ITA, NLD) bring classical pieces by Liszt, Bartók, Vivaldi and Corelli. Aldona Bartnik (POL) examines the influences of Polish folk music on the Polish identity. Anna Stegmann (DUI) presents music of Eyck’s’s Der Fluyten Lushof, one of the richest collections from the 17th century. The rest of the programme include viola da gamba virtuoso Susanne Herre (DUI), flamenco singer Maria Marin (ESP) and pianist Eva Szalai (HON).  The ‘singer songwriter of sunshine soul’ Levi Silvanie (CUR) will lead the audience to the end of the festival with a performance at 7:30PM. The classic stage will then be transformed into the stage for the ‘Haagse UIT Nach’, which starts right after the Embassy Festival at 20:00. The UIT Nach is part of the Haagse UIT Festival, which takes place from the 3rd to 4th of September and marks the start of the cultural season. So after you’ve visited the Embassy Festival, you can stick around and visit one of the 150 activities, performances or concerts, offered by various The Hague institutions, venues and museums. For more information visit www.haagsuitfestival.nl.  Embassies involved in the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival are: Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, 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.   EMBASSY FESTIVAL | SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd 2016 | 12 – 8 PM LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE ADMISSION MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:  WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM

Prince William and Hannelore Kraft at Düsseldorf – Picture by RTL TVI. By Baron Henri Estramant. Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Wednesday, 24 August 2016: Germany is fêting the 70th anniversary of its most populous Bundesland as well as a main trading partner for the Benelux countries . The Bundesland of North Rhine- Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen/NRW) was carved out by the British military government in 1946 after Germany’s defeat in WWII. “Operation Marriage” merged the regions of North Rhine, lands of the largely cultural Catholic Rhineland, and the predominantly cultural Protestant Westphalia. Ever since a close link between the UK and the North Rhine-Westphalia state has endured, partially owing to the continued British military presence. The Netherlands has a plethora of military and economic interests with neighbouring NRW as well. Precisely one year ago HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid a visit to NRW, or more precisely to the city of Münster to celebrate the setting up 21 years ago of the first German-Dutch battalion (https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2015/08/27/king-attends-german-dutchs-army-anniversary/). HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was guest of honour of the Bundesland’s Premier, Hannelore Kraft at a gala in the capital of Düsseldorf, location of Tonhalle concert hall, which was likewise attended by the Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel who met the duke for the first time.  

The Duke of Cambridge emphasised the nature of British-German relations with the following utterances: “In short, what began 70 years ago as a relationship of necessity between an occupying power and a region in ruin, is today a partnership of genuine friendship and of massive mutual benefit”.  “This partnership will continue despite Britain’s recent decision to leave the European Union. The depth of our friendship with Germany and with North Rhine-Westphalia will not change.” NRW is ruled since 2010 by a political coalition of Social-Democrats and Greens led by Premier Hannelore Kraft. NRW is a hub for foreign direct investment amongst all 16 Bundesländer because of its location, prominent urban centres as well as highly-skilled labour force. For further information : Premier of NRW (The Hon Hannelore Kraft): https://www.land.nrw/de/landesregierung/ministerpraesidentin Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU (Director Rainer Steffens ): https://mbem.nrw/de/lv-eu/unser-haus-in-bruessel German Embassy to the Netherlands (HE Ambassador Dirk Brengelmann):  http://www.niederlande.diplo.de German Embassy to Belgium (HE Ambassador Rüdiger Lüdeking): http://www.bruessel.diplo.de German Embassy to Luxembourg (Ambassador-designate Dr. Heinrich Kreft): http://www.luxemburg.diplo.de          

On the picture Jane Berger de Salvador and H.E. Horacio Salvador Ambassador of the Argentinian Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Argentina celebrated the 200th anniversary of its independence from Spain with fireworks, parades, speeches, and military spectacles across the country. Festivities extended to The Netherlands, where H.E. Ambassador Horacio Salvador and Jane Berger de Salvador together with the embassy staff welcomed more than 600 guests to the Argentinean residence in Wassenaar. A delegation of 50 members of the Argentinean Navy’s sailing ship and school vessel A.R.A “Libertad” arrived in the port of Amsterdam as part of its 45th training trip, and led by the ship’s commander, attended the reception. Other guests included Dutch officials and civil servants, representatives of the Royal House of Orange, members of international organisations, the diplomatic corps, businesspeople with bilateral economic ties to Argentina, representatives of the culture, sport and media sectors, and many members of the Argentinean diaspora in the Netherlands. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157671842473131

The impressive residence and gardens were full as never before, with an animated crowd in a festive mood tasting fine Argentinean wines and empanadas among many other delicacies. Besides the popular wine tent, there was a Dulce de Leche’s tent where the Chef of Establecimientos San Ignacio S.A. prepared pancakes and waffles with a delicious sweet spread. Argentineans are noted mate drinkers, and hot mate imported to the Netherlands was also served. The Institute for the Promotion of Argentina’s Met sent a selection of high quality beef to be served on this special occasion. The Argentinean restaurant brand Gauchos, with more than 36 years’ experience in the Netherlands serving Argentinean wines and met, installed three parrilas where Daniel Verón, master chef of Gauchos, and his team prepared asados in front of the guests.

A soprano accompanied by an accordionist interpreted Aurora, and the Fragata Libertad’s band performed the National Anthem. It is a significant anniversary year for the country which is also celebrating 100 years since famed writer Jorge Luis Borges’ birth. Borges fans are celebrating the occasion with international conferences and the publication of several new biographies. An academic journal has been dedicated to the study of Borges, and a university in Denmark has a center devoted to him.

The stay of the frigate Libertad in the Port of Amsterdam was particularly relevant because of the Bicentennial of the Independence of the Argentine Republic on July 9^th but also clear reflected the excellent historical ties and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the Argentine Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  

Shortly after assuming the Presidency of Argentina, President Mauricio Macri held an official meeting in January 2016 with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Queen Maxima at the World Economic Forum in Davos. From there, an active exchange of official visits and delegations took place: the visit of the Argentine Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador Carlos Foradori, to the Hague last May; the journey to Buenos Aires in June of the Mayor of the city of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, leading a commercial and technical delegation; the visit of Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bert Koenders, to Buenos Aires this July; and the visit of Dutch Minister for Agriculture, Martijn van Dam, to Buenos Aires at the head of a business delegation in September.  

The frigate “Libertad” is one of the biggest sailing ships (Tallships) of its kind and has the specific mission to train the graduating naval cadets and enable them to practice and apply the technical knowledge learned in the Naval Academy. It also performs a task as goodwill ambassador and bearer of peace and friendship, carrying a message from the Argentine people to all the nations of the world. This is one important mission entrusted by the national government.

Pictured Mrs Véronique Miclea and H.E. Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru. On July 28, in one of the most beautiful gardens of Wassenaar, the National Day of Peru was celebrated. This year, the 192nd anniversary of the Republic of Peru was also the inauguration of HE President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, leader of ‘Peruvians for Change’ as Head of the Peruvian State and Supreme Commander of the Peruvian Armed Forces. More than 250 guests, among them members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, Dutch civil servants, businesspeople, and representatives of Dutch and Peruvian civil society in the Netherlands celebrated the emblematic day.   For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157671538570190

Favourable weather encouraged almost every guest to try the famous pisco sour in many varieties, and to enjoy the great Peruvian cuisine by Chef Alberto Lara. A generous and tasty buffet was served, including papa a la huancaina (potatoes with pepper sauce); ceviche (marinade fish with lime, pepper and onions); causa de atun (potatoes, pepper, avocados, tuna, tomatoes and olive); soltero (quinoa salad with vegetables and cheese); ají de gallina (chicken with red pepper sauce); rice with sea food; and seco (beef with beand sauce). Desserts included a luxurious mix of lucuma and chocolate, and quinoa with apples; together, these traditional dishes show why Peruvian gastronomy has been recognized as one of the richest in the word. Some 250 guests at the Peruvian residency just had been initiated into a culinary tradition boasting 4,911 traditional dishes. H.E. Carlos Herrera Ambassador of Peru with spouse Veronique Miclea at his side spoke in English, French and Spanish to the audience. “On this special day,” Ambassador Herrera began, “we wish to express our solidarity with all the countries and peoples of the world that are suffering from various ills. In particular, considering our own history, we remember the victims of brutal and blind violence in Iraq or in the USA, in Pakistan or in Germany, in France or in Syria, in Afghanistan or in Ivory Coast, in Belgium or in Somalia, in Tunisia or in Nigeria, in a long list of horrors which is far from exhaustive. “It might seem strange and paradoxical to mention these tragic events during a festive occasion, or even still to celebrate anything in these circumstances. But I consider that this is an important form of resilience: our everyday lives, our values and our practices of friendship and gathering should not yield to the blackmail of terror and fanaticism. Human civilisation is defined, among other fundamental attributes, by the vocation of sharing. Compartir Partager.”  

  After this profound message of solidarity, Ambassador Herrera went on to explain in French the significance of the presidential elections and arrival of the new president to the democratic history of Peru. “ Le Pérou vous invite donc, chers amis, à partager notre joie, en fêtant 195 ans de vie républicaine, dans le contexte spécial d’une passation de pouvoir présidentiel, aujourd’hui même, après une quatrième election démocratique consécutive pour la première fois de notre histoire. Ce n’est pas un record dont on doit se vanter: c’est une étape de plus dans la bataille quotidienne pour la démocratie partout dans le monde.” “C’est au gouvernement qui prend ses fonctions aujourd’hui de nous guider vers le bicentenaire de l’indépendance nationale, durant les prochaines cinq années. C’est l’opportunité de lancer des projets ayant une vision d’avenir, sur des bases économiques parmi les plus solides de la région. Mais aussi de se rappeller que ces 200 ans sont le dernier avatar d’une civilisation qui commenca il y a cinq mille ans à Caral, cette ville originelle dont on a herité des tissus et des flûtes, non pas des armes. Ensuite viendront habiter l’espace national des hautes cultures qui offrirent les jaguars ailés de pierre de Chavin, les lignes énigmatiques de Nazca, les rêves tissés de Paracas, les céramiques Moche ou l’or de Chimú. Et, bien sûr, Machu Picchu. ”

“Puis le métissage arriva: la rencontre et la fusion avec d’autres cultures. L’un des plus précieux résultats de cette rencontre est la gastronomie péruvienne qui, sur la base des produits de la mégadiversité biologique du pays et des techniques ancestrales, incorpore les apports ibériques, arabes, africains et asiatiques. ” “C’est l’une des raisons pour lesquelles, pour fêter cet anniversaire, rien de plus appropié que de partager avec vous un échantillon de cette gastronomie, avec le buffet que nous ouvrirons à la fin de mon intervention. Vous êtes aussi cordialement invités à visiter le pisco-bar qui est dans le jardin.” The Ambassador concluded in Spanish with a poem by the Peruvian writer Antonio Cisneros.

“Queridos amigos, “Reiterándoles nuestro reconocimiento por su presencia hoy, para terminar, permítanme dar lectura a un poema del poeta peruano Antonio Cisneros. Primero, porque es una práctica muy recomendable y altamente terapéutica leer al menos un poema por día. Y segundo, porque expresa, como ocurre siempre con la poesía, mucho mejor y de más bella manera mucho de lo que he querido decir a lo largo de eta intervención.   Sea este cordero a la norteña alegre y abundante como los bares el viernes por la noche. Siempre esté con nosotros, es decir en nuestro corazón pero también en nuestro calmo vientre.   Compasivo y sabroso sepa ser en el lecho de muerte, donde cesan la gula y la memoria. Sea el cordero símbolo y consuelo. Agnus Dei. Sea eterno el cordero con sus papas doradas partidas en mitad.   Mas no se tenga por cosa de comer o digerir. Sea solo un farol, una bengala en medio de los fondos submarinos. Algo en la mano para esa travesía tan oscura y feroz como un mandril.”   A memorable National Day of Peru that many will remember for a long time.  

By Roy Lie A Tjam. On Tuesday 23 August 2016, H.E. Mr. Vusi Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Netherlands, hosted a luncheon for a group of newly arrived South African students. The students were accompanied on their journey by Mr. Caiphus Chauke and Ms. Eugenia Mwale, both of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Only hours after landing at Amsterdam airport, the students were taken to the residence of Ambassador Koloane where they were welcomed by the Ambassador and his spouse Ntokozo Patience Koloane, Ms. Namhla Gigaba, Counsellor and Mr. Lindsay Louis, 3rd Secretary of the Bilateral Department of the Embassy. Also present at the residence were Drs. Elske van der Wal and Mr. Bas Groot of Breda University. Operation Phakisa The arrival of the 19 students from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa is the result of what had started with a seminar name operation Phakisa. The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in conjunction with the STC-Group held the seminar in Rotterdam on 6 Jun 2016. Ambassador Kolane noted that he was pleased with the cooperation involving Breda University of Applied Sciences NHTV lead by its Director Mr. Hein van Oorschot for the M.O.U which was about to be signed with the Municipality of Ekurhuleni and Dr. Nkosidinphile Xhakaza.

Phakisa means to hurry, and indeed, in less than three months following the signing of the M.O.U, the agreement is bearing fruit. Mr. Thulani Masilela in charge of rolling out Operation Phakisa, reported Phakisa’s aim is to strengthen public accountability and transparency. Phakisa provides great opportunities for partnerships between the private and public sectors, and draws civil society and communities into developing solutions together. The M.O.U. signed between the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Breda University of Applied Science NHTV is to be considered the first step in a long lasting relationship between the University of Breda and a municipality in South Africa, in collaboration with the Association of Dutch Municipalities, VNG International. The Municipality of Ekurhuleni has lots of manufacturing activities, and thus it is no wonder the vibrant Ekurhuleni is referred to as the workshop of the country. One of the 19 fresh water students is Bokang, who finished high school some years ago and has since had many jobs. Earlier this year, Bokang opened an IT bureau. Bokang is also the author of a book entitled “Are you the right mind, heart or limbs for that business” (available on Amazon). Bokang has for the coming four years shifted his attention towards obtaining his Bachelor degree from Breda University in order to enhance his prospects. Like Bokang, the rest of the group has similar aspirations. Asked whether he had met the other members of the group before, he explained they had been like family since meeting one another. This close-knit group is motivated and determined to obtain their Bachelor degrees and return to Ekurhuleni to work in logistics. The motivation of the students has an obvious effect on Breda University’s lecturer Drs. Elske van de Wal. She recounts how this particular program developed. With the involvement of Mr. Bas Groot and other colleagues, the cooperation between Breda and Ekurhuleni will doubtless become a success. The group of students will be kept together, with independent living quarters and a monthly stipend. There will be regular evaluations. Besides logistics, students will be given training in entrepreneurship, enabling them to start their own businesses should they decide to do so. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is financing the project. All that is required of the students is to return home to Ekurhuleni and work for four years after completing their degree. 80% of the students are not in the position to finance their studies themselves, and are from single parent families. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality hopes to have its own Centre of Excellence one day. Mr. Caiphus Chauke head of Department of Economic Planning & Aerotropolis Development has in his portfolio: attracting investment, business and education to the municipality and region. According to Chauke, his Municipality is not limited to cooperation with Breda. He is also eyeing Gemeente Harlemmrmeer where Schiphol is located. An impressive piece of cooperation between a city (city diplomacy) and an educational institution located thousands of kilometers apart. The South African Government’s Operation Phakisa looks set to be a success.  Photography by Namhla Gigaba, Embassy of South Africa.