Taipei, ROC: President Tsai Ing-wen called on China to engage in constructive talks, pledging to maintain peace with the island’s giant neighbour in spite of a near five-month impasse after Beijing halted official communications with the self-ruled island. The utterances came during the president’s National Day address. The full text to her National Day address can be read at: http://english.president.gov.tw/Default.aspx?tabid=491&itemid=38133&rmid=2355——
President Tsai Ing-wen – Picture by Office of the President of the ROC (Taiwan)
By HE Mr Kuoyu TUNG, Representative at the Taipei Representative Office to the EU and Belgium.The Republic of China, the first republic in Asia celebrates its 105th National Day on the 10th October. Over the past 105 years we have witnessed the tremendous transformation and development of my country, as it has changed from an authoritarian system into a liberal democracy, and from an agricultural society into a knowledge-based economy. After a century-long endeavour, the Republic of China on Taiwan has proved to be a role model of democracy for all the Chinese people in the world.This 105th year also marks a new beginning for my country’s politics. This January’s general election led to our third-ever peaceful transfer of power, and a female president was elected for the first time. In her inaugural address on May 20th, the new president, Madame Tsai Ing-wen, committed her government to transforming Taiwan’s economic structure: strengthening the social safety net; realizing social fairness and justice; ensuring peaceful and stable development in the region, including by properly managing cross-Strait relations; and contributing to the global agenda through diplomatic outreach.In parallel with its dynamic democratic development, Taiwan’s vibrant economic performance maintains good standing, though affected to some extent by the sluggish growth of the world economy in recent years. Last year Taiwan – the 27th largest economy in the world- had a GDP of US$524.5 billion, which was similar to Belgium’s. As the 17th largest exporter and 18th largest importer worldwide, last year Taiwan’s trade with the European Union, the fifth-largest trading partner of Taiwan, reached US$46.5 billion, accounting for 9.1% of Taiwan’s total trade value. Within this, Taiwan-Belgium trade amounted to US$1.68 billion. Furthermore, a new development has provided encouraging impetus to our economic ties with the European Union. We were happy to learn that the European Commission released its new trade policy strategy for the period of 2015-2019 last October, stating that it will explore launching negotiations on an investment agreement with Taiwan. In endorsing the Commission’s strategy, in July the European Parliament adopted a resolution that urged the Commission to immediately start these negotiations. I am convinced that an EU-Taiwan bilateral investment agreement would greatly benefit us both, and move us towards an even closer partnership.However, apart from mutual economic interests between us, our strong relationship has been formed by deep-rooted likemindness, and an attachment and adherence to shared values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. Over the years, we have been deepening relations with European countries, including Belgium and Luxembourg, cooperating in an array of fields such as education, climate change, green energy, cybersecurity, homeland security, gender equality, and many others. Overall, as Taiwan and the European Union have been growing interdependent, only by working together can we adequately and effectively respond to the many crises and challenges we are facing nowadays. For further information:Taipei Representative Office to the EU and Belgium: http://www.roc-taiwan.org/be_en/index.html
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Photography by Press Division, TRO in the EU and Belgium.
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On the picture Prime Minister Mark Rutte.By Joe Ray.
Hundreds of Dutch entrepreneurs gathered in The Hague on 9 September for the second annual National Entrepreneurs’ Day hosted by ONL, voor Ondernemers (Entrepreneurial Netherlands).
The day began with an international breakfast, attended by ambassadors and embassy representatives from a diverse group of countries. Guests were introduced to ONL by its co-founders, Hans Biesheuvel and Mirjam Bink, who explained that the organisation seeks to build bridges between businesses and facilitate entrepreneurship in the Netherlands and beyond.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: http://gallery.twycer.nl/album/onl-nod2016#1.H.E. Mr J.S. Mukul, Ambassador of India.
The highlight of the morning was a speech by HRH Prince Constantijn, ONL special envoy. The Prince began by observing that entrepreneurship and innovation drive the economy and create jobs for the future. National Entrepreneurs’ Day is a wonderful occasion for bridge-building, he added.
It is not easy to start or grow a business, and many start-ups do not succeed in the long term. But ONL brings the best entrepreneurs together, and arranges missions worldwide to develop networks and help entrepreneurs make the right connections.
ONL – Nationale Ondernemersdag 2016
Breakfast was followed by three masterclasses, featuring expert analysis on global economic trends and corporate social responsibility. Meanwhile, a ‘speed-dating’ session provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect directly with participating embassies and organisations.
The morning concluded with a presentation on tomorrow’s entrepreneurial economy by Pieter Waasdorp, director of entrepreneurship at the Department of Economic Affairs.
ONL – Nationale Ondernemersdag 2016
After lunch the programme proceeded with a range of workshops and a presentation from Minister of Economic Affairs, H.E. Henk Kamp. There followed a discussion forum with the parliamentary leaders of four of the Netherlands’ political parties. Then came the launch of Megatrends MKB, a new book by Adjiedj Bakas and Hans Biesheuvel exploring the latest and most important trends among small and medium enterprises in the Netherlands.
Next on the agenda was the much-anticipated announcement of the National Entrepreneur of the Year 2016. This prestigious award was presented to Marco van Zijverden of Dutch Flower Group, who was congratulated on the success and continual growth of his family business since 1999.
The programme concluded with an appearance from Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who took the stage for a discussion with ONL co-founder Hans Biesheuvel before the floor was opened to questions from the audience. After a lively Q&A session with the Prime Minister, attendees enjoyed a networking reception which brought the event to a close.
Diplomat Magazine is honored of having sponsored this magnificent event, we are looking forward to see you again in 2017.
By Djoeke Altena.
Her Excellency Ms. Dziunik Aghajanian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, invited fellow diplomats, officials and other honourable guest to a concert and reception on the occasion of Armenia’s 25th Independence Anniversary. The event took place at the Rijswijkse Schouwburg on 28 September 2016.
The program started with the Little Singers of Armenia choir, directed by Tigran Hekekyan, singing multiple songs from Armenian composers. The choir, 40 voices strong, travels the world to perform and participate in competitions. It was nominated as cultural ambassador by the European Federation of Choirs in 2001, and awarded the Leonardo da Vinci silver medal by the European Academy of Natural Sciences. For additional Hester Dijsktra’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157674943370116H.E. Ms. Dziunik Aghajanian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia welcome Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) ; also in the picture H.E. Mr. Breik A.B. Swessi and Mrs. Naima Shennib Swessi
After the first part of the concert Very Reverend Father Aren Shahinian, Vicar of the Patriarchal Delegation to Western Europe in the Netherlands gave his remarks, followed by the speech of Ambassador Aghajanian. In this speech she told about the history of Armenia’s independence.
Little Singers of Armenia
“Those 25 years were not easy ones. When we started on the path of independence, we started at the lowest possible point. We had over 500.000 almost homeless people as result of the earthquake in 1988. At least one-third of the country devastated. We had over 400.000 refugees from Azerbaijan as result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We faced total economic blockade as a result of the war going on because of the conflict, and we found the country in total standstill, because it was totally dependent on export. But we had to survive, because we had the dream. We had the dream of an independent and free country. Left on H. E. Alexander Shulgin Ambassador of Russia and spouse Natalia Shulgina.The people came together. The people from Armenia and Armenians all over the world, came together to fulfil a dream. A dream of 600 years. A dream of having your own homeland in your own hands and making decisions for yourself. We had to suffer a lot, but the Armenian courage and the creativity proved once again that we are able to overcome all difficulties when we have a goal and a purpose to be free.”
The Ambassador mentioned the opportunities for the younger generations to make Armenia a prosperous democracy.
Ending her remarks with the wish that this generation can “fulfil all the dreams that they have in their minds and hearts to become a very successful country, very successful people that will bring joy and happiness to everybody around them”.
Very Reverend Father Aren Shahinian and Ambassador Aghajanian.
The second part of the concert consisted of a combination of Armenian folk songs and works of composers such as Verdi and Claude Debussy.
After the concert there was a reception, where diplomats, officials and members of the Dutch-Armenian community where able to meet, while enjoying traditional Armenian food.
On the picture New Zealand’s PM John Key and Dame Patsy Reddy – Picture by the Prime Minister of New Zealand’s Office.Wednesday, 28 September 2016, Wellington: Dame Patsy (Patricia) Reddy was sworn-in at Parliament as the Queen of New Zealand’s twenty first vice-regal representative, thereby becoming the “the Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Realm of New Zealand” executing the royal prerogatives on behalf of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand. Coat of arms of the 20th GG – Sir Jerry Mateparae – Picture by gg.govt.nz.Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy, is a trained lawyer married to Sir David Gascoigne. Her term is by tradition to last five years as vice-regal albeit the latter is not enshrined in law, or letters patent. She succeeded Sir Jerry Mateparae who is due to become New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, non resident ambassador to Ireland, Ghana and Nigeria. For further information Governor-General of New Zealand: http://gg.govt.nz/the-governor-general
On the picture Kersti Kaljulaid and incumbent President Toomas Hendrik Ilves – Picture by Andres Putting.Monday, 3 October 2016, Tallinn: former member of the European Court of Auditors, Kersti Kaljulaid, was elected president of the country by the Riigikogu (parliament). The sole, and independent candidate won out 81 MPs out of 101 in her support. Kaljulaid is due to serve as the first female, and fifth president of Estonia from 10 October 2016 for a period of five years. The presidential office is largely ceremonial yet incumbent president Toomas Hendrik Ilves has made it more visible and internationally relevant. For further information:President of Estonia: https://www.president.ee/en/index.html
National Museum of Estonia – Picture by National Museum of Estonia.Thursday, 29 September 2016, Tartu, Republic of Estonia: President Toomas Hendrik Ilves opened Estonia’s first national museum dedicated to the history, statehood, life and traditions of Estonians and other Finno-Ugric peoples. It was built on the edge of Tartu, neighbourhood of Raadi, upon an abandoned Soviet airfield. The Estonian National Museum (Eesti Rahva Muuseum) was open to the public on 1 October 2016.Estonia’s first flag – Picture by Helen-WrightThe project is the largest independent Estonia has ever undertaken; both financially as well as in spatial terms . The museum was designed by the Paris-based architecture firm, DGT.A plethora of items making up the permanent exhibitions have been donated by private Estonians, foreign institutions and archives. Amongst of rarest items are the book in which the Estonian language was first written down, the robe of the first Estonian Orthodox Bishop and the first Estonian national flag.For further information:National Museum of Estonia: http://www.erm.ee
On the picture Ambassador Yang Yanyi.By Baron Henri Estramant.Monday, 26 September 2016, Mission of the PRC to the EU, Brussels: HE Ambassador Yang Yanyi, Head of Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union hosted a reception at the large chancery premises in Brussels to celebrate the PRC’s 67th foundation day back on 1 October 1949. European Commission Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva and Ambassador Yang Yanyi.Guest of honour at the well-attended reception by ambassadorial colleagues and EU representatives was European Commission Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva, Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources. US Head of Mission to the EU, Ambassador Anthony Gardner was also present highlighting the importance of Sino-US relations. Vice-President and Commissioner Georgieva called the PRC’s hosting of the G20 a “huge success”, whist stating that the country’s steady commitment in tackling climate change has been reflected the the republic’s determination to deal with severe global challenges.On her side, Ambassador Yang Yanyi, emphasised that the successful hosting of the G20 Hangzhou Summit offered new solutions to improving global economic and financial governance as well as unlocking a new driving force for growing the global economy.Diplomatic relations between the PRC and the then European Communities were established in 1975. For further information:Album by the PRC Mission to the EU: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129701717@N05/sets/72157674398200896——Picture by PRC Mission to the EU
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, ahead of the Office’s visit to Israel and Palestine from 5 to 10 October 2016As part of its commitment to promote a better understanding of the work of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC”), a delegation from the Office will visit Israel and Palestine from 5 to 10 October 2016.The purpose of this visit will be to undertake outreach and education activities with a view to raising awareness about the ICC and in particular, about the work of the Office; to address any misperceptions about the ICC and to explain the preliminary examination process. Such visits are standard practice, even in countries that are not State Parties to the Rome Statute.In accordance with its usual practice at this stage of its work, the delegation will not engage in evidence collection in relation to any alleged crimes; neither will the delegation undertake site visits, or assess the adequacy of the respective legal systems to deal with crimes that fall within ICC jurisdiction.The delegation is scheduled to travel to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah and will hold meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials at the working levels. The delegation will also participate in two events at academic institutions and engage in television and newspaper interviews in both Israel and Palestine. In addition, the delegation will hold a courtesy meeting with United Nations agencies under the auspices of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (“UNSCO”). Given the limited duration of the visit, the delegation will not engage in unscheduled events or meetings.The Office is grateful to both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities for facilitating the visit and to UNSCO for providing logistical support. The preliminary examination of the situation in Palestine is on-going and is following its normal course as with any other preliminary examination. The visit is not linked to any findings regarding any issue, nor will any announcement be made in that regard. This process involves an analysis of a number of complex legal issues and a review of large volumes of documents. It is a thorough process during which the Office must be given the necessary space and time to conduct its activities, which it does in all instances independently and impartially. In this context, the Office has engaged with both Israel and Palestine and is examining all information on crimes alleged to have been committed by all parties. In the course of the visit, the Office will continue to uphold its independence and to protect the integrity of the visit and of the preliminary examination process against any attempt at politicization.
