H. E. Ms. Haifa Aissami Madah and Mr. Wilhen Díaz Lara.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in The Hague, celebrated the country’s two hundred and fifth year of its Independence. Venezuela was one of the first Spanish-American colonies to declare independence.
The Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Wilhen Díaz Lara, of the Venezuelan Embassy, organized a reception at the Marriott Hotel on 5 July 2016 to commemorate this very significant event.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157668022639293H.E. Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, the Ambassador of Malasia, H.E. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, the Ambassador of Algeria, H. E. Nourredine Ayadi, H.E. Taher Farahat, Ambassador of Egypt and Mrs Abir Ali, Charge d’affairs du Lebanon.
Large numbers of ambassadors, diplomats, Dutch civil servants and many others, came out to congratulate Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Wilhen Díaz Lara and H. E. Ms. Haifa Aissami Madah of the Permanent Mission of Venezuela to the OPCW-ICC. on this memorable day.
H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, H. E. Karim Ben Becher, Ambassador of Tunisia and the Ambassador of Algeria, H. E. Nourredine Ayadi.
The Venezuelan duo, singer Elena Gil and guitarist Enrique Pinto, again stole the hearts of the audience. The repertoire consisted of popular Venezuelan and international songs.
The Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Brett Mason, H. E. J. S. Mukul, Ambassador of India and H.E. Petar Vico, Ambassador of Serbia.
National and international entrepreneurs subscribed with Diplomat Magazine in the Netherlands, will start fostering missions and business envoys to southern Manitoba, Canada to invest in Aboriginal First Nation lands. The move encloses the support from the Government of Canada as well as provincial authorities, the private sector and aboriginal chiefs.
EU diplomats and other EU investors along with counterparts from Latin America have been recently eyeing Canada for further investments due to the uptick in land value in Europe, and lack of agricultural space, and appropriate zoning. Many local EU companies and multinational, catering services and products raging within the realm of alimentary goods, are indeed presently seeing the potential of investing in Canadian soil, for production, harvesting, infrastructure, and depot centres. Perhaps due to its high taxation system or its strict foreign investment structure, Canada has never fared well with foreign investors as it was noted by Carlos Rosario Minister Counsellor and Head of Economic Affairs of Portugal in El Prat Barcelona. In turn, it should not be surprising to some that the new target specifically surrounds First Nation Aboriginal lands because of the autonomy that many of these regional nations possess over their territory. This shift was done recently in hope to grasp a better deal, one that may be more befitting for foreign investment strategies in the North American country. In this sense, states such as Spain, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Germany are presently on the drawing board while simultaneously in contact with academics drafting the most appropriate way to approach diplomatically and open this new door of dialogue and investments between diplomats and Canadian Aboriginal governance.
By John Kennedy Stewart.
Discover the state-of-the-art publication on international relations and diplomacy in the Netherlands. Welcome to our recent printed edition available at no charge on PDF: https://issuu.com/diploflying/docs/dm.summer.2016
Diplomat Magazine has been recognized by key European universities and marketing strategists as the fastest growing diplomatic publication in Europe, reaching so far 70,000+ clicks per month on this Online version, apart from its top quality printed-luxury version.
The magazine recently received the recognition from four Dutch academic centers specialized in diplomacy and social sciences, for its outstanding contribution to research on international relations. As per recommendation of Dr. Eugenio Matos G, one of our diplomat founders and researchers, the magazine has offered the opportunity to non-diplomats (including Dutch citizens without international relations background, students and NGOs) to be introduced to members of the diplomatic corps. The gesture has allowed them to develop their own business projects, to be hired by embassies or international organizations, enhance their CVs or better achieve their academic or personal goals.
In June, 2016, members of the staff of Diplomat Magazine celebrated its 3rd anniversary at The Hague Marriot Hotel.
First contributing writers founders of Diplomat Magazine were:
H.E. Carlos Jose Arguello, Ambassador of Nicaragua, Dean of the Diplomatic corps. H.E. Roberto Canzadilla, Ambassador of Bolivia, vice-Dean of the Diplomatic corps. H.E. James Lambert, Ambassador of Canada. H.E. Huynh Minh Chinh, Ambassador of Vietnam. H.E. Martin Valentino, Ambassador of Malta. H.E. Yasumasa Nagamine, Ambassador of Japan and Dr. Eugenio Matos Gomez, DM’ strategist and project manager, Charge d’affaires a.i. of the Dominican Republic Embassy, (currently Minister Counselor in Buenos Aires, Argentina).
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The author is an international relations researcher.
Pictured President Pavlopoulos and Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice. Official visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 4-5th July, 2016By Elizabeth Naumczyk.
The President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Vlassia Pavlopoulou, paid an official visit to the Netherlands on Monday 4 July and Tuesday 5 July 2016.
It is more than twenty years since the last visit of a President of the Hellenic Republic. This high profile visit will contribute to the further strengthening of the bilateral relations and will underline the beneficial cooperation between Greece and The Netherlands.
For additional Henry Arvidsson’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157670136845482Mr. Win Weijland, Director of the National Archeological Museum in Leiden and Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos, President of Greece at the Hellenic residence during a visit to The Hague, Netherlands. A bust of Artistotele was presented to the University of Leiden
The President of the Hellenic Republic started his visit with an official ceremony followed by lunch at the Nordeinde Palace with H.M. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. He then visited the Senate and met with President of the Senate, Ms Ankie Broekers-Knol, and the President of the House of Representatives, Ms Khadija Arib. This was followed by a guided tour at the Mauritshuis house and a visit to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Late afternoon, a special ceremony at the Greek Residence in The Hague was organized by the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mrs. Teresa-Paraskevi Angelatou for H.E. Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos to present and offer a first copy of a bust of philosopher Aristotle to the Director of the National Archeological Museum in Leiden Mr. Win Weijland as a gift from the Greek State to the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
President of Greece Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos at his arrival the Hellenic residence in The Hague.
The President explained to guests mainly from the academic and civil society that this event was not only important to Greece and The Netherlands but also for our common European civilization. We are celebrating 2,400 years since the birth of Aristotle declared by UNESCO as “Aristotle Anniversary Year”.“Aristotle, like no one else has influenced the history of the human spirit from philosophical thought to science. He had been a teacher to Alexander the Great. Aristotle’s contribution was unique. He took information and experience and turned it into knowledge, into science and subsequently into wisdom. Aristotle is the true founder of science. We are indebted to him for the philosophy of science and law and formal logic. Even today, there are many followers of Aristotlean ethics”.
The copy is of a Roman-era bust of Aristotle from the first century AD found in 2005 during the excavations for the construction of the new Museum of Acropolis, in the area of Makriyianni. According to ancient sources it is a very faithful and high quality depiction taking into account his nose, his curly hair and bread. The copy was made using the most advanced technological means by the Acropolis museum under the supervision of Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis, President of Acropolis Museum whom he thanked.
President of Greece Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos at the Hellenic residence during his official visit to the Netherlands.
“So on the occasion of my visit to The Netherlands and especially here, the Greek State wishes to offer this portrait of Aristotle to an emblematic museum, the National Archeological Museum in Leiden, a city which has one of the oldest universities, a city where Rembrandt was born and a city which took part and is still taking part in classical studies. We are very happy that this will now find its place in Leiden.”
Guests were offered refreshments and snacks during the ceremony. The evening concluded with a dinner at Catshuis hosted by Prime Minister Mr. Mark Rutte.
On the second day of his visit, the President of the Hellenic Republic visited the Department of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies of the University of Amsterdam, the Social and Economic Council (SER) and YES!Delft, the incubator that unites students and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The South China Sea issue and the Arbitration initiated by the Philippines against China implicate a score of complex legal issues.
This has prompted the Wuhan University Institute of Boundary and Ocean studies and the Leiden University Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies to organize a seminar on the South China Sea Arbitration and the International Rule of Law.
This event was held at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague on the 26th June 2016. Chinese and international scholars shared their academic views regarding issues relevant to the Arbitration. A press briefing was then held on the 27th June at the Hilton Hotel where a forum, composed of some of the scholars mentioned here below briefed the media and answered some questions.
The general view of the seminar is that any verdict by the Arbitral Tribunal on the South China Sea will be of no legal validity. Simply because the related parties have not all entered into an agreement to authorize the Hague-based arbitration body to handle the dispute.
Composition of the forum:
Chair: Lingjie Kong; Mr.Hu Dekun , Dean at Wuhan University China, Mr. Abdul G. Koroma, former judge of the International Court of Justice. Mr. Sreenivasa Rao Pemmaraju, an international lawyer who has served as a chief legal adviser in India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Sienho Yee; Mr. Michael Sheng-ti Gau; Professor of International Law at Institute for the Law of the Sea, National Taiwan Ocean University in Keelung; LL.M. (Cantab.); Ph.D. (Leiden).
Mar Hu Dekun, stated, the tribunal is incompetent, inconsistent and not diligent to take the case. Moreover, it does not respect China’s intentions. How will it all end? I can’t make predictions says Hu Dekun, it is a legal matter.
Judge Koroma highlighted how the tribunal has to ascertain what the very nature of the question submitted for arbitration is (prima facie case?) A non-binding advisory opinion could be given to parties concerned. Judge Koroma also added: The tribunal is not entitled to give binding advice. The South China Sea issue is very complex, so many littoral states are involved. A peaceful solution seems to be the best option with the possibility that the tribunal could maybe advise parties on methods for negotiations. I hope wisdom will prevail.
During the Q&A, the representative of China Central TV noted: the view of China is that the tribunal has no jurisdiction, so China will not participate.
According to Mr. Michael Gou of Taiwan, The Philippines only talks about the surface, about symptoms. He illustrated his view on the South China Sea issue by comparing the situation to a customer in a casino. The customer will not go to play at a table if it is obvious that those at the table are corrupt. China is in such a situation it will not recognize the tribunal. Unfortunately, the South China Sea issue is deadlocked.
Mr. Sreenivasa Rao Pemmaraju, notes how a consensus should be reached. ASEAN might be able to play a role in this as negotiation remains an important option. Mr. Sionho Yee also called for negotiations and the need for a consensus to be reached. He highlighted how this should be possible between good neighbors.
By Elizabeth Naumczyk.
On the 24th of June, 2016 The Ambassador of Japan H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata hosted a reception to commemorate the Self-Defense Forces Day at his residence.
The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic community, the armed forces and civil society. Despite the inclement weather guests found themselves in a welcoming and convivial environment sheltered from the elements.
The Ambassador welcomed guests and also made reference to the 1st of July 2016 which will mark the 62nd anniversary of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Japan since the end of WWII has been committed not only to working to secure peace in the world but also in assisting in the development of the international community as “a peace-loving nation”.
The Ambassador said Japan has gained the trust and confidence of the international community through activities such as the Official Development Assistance (ODA), providing financial assistance to developing nations worldwide.
Japan has taken the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, introduced by the Abe Administration in December, 2013.
“The legislation for Peace and Security came into effect in March this year. The new security legislation has historical significance in further ensuring the peace and security of Japan through making more proactive contributions to the peace and stability of the region and the international community.”
A video in the room called Peace – for tomorrow’s Smile (available on You-Tube) explained the destabilizing factors and security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. The aim of the video is to provide a better understanding of the recent legislation on Peace and Security including its guidelines.
The Ambassador clarified any misunderstandings about what had occurred regarding the above developments. Japan has in no way changed its Constitution to become a military power and its Self-Defense Forces are limited to participating in UN peace-keeping operations. They will not engage in combat cooperation on any foreign soil except in self-defense.
Japan is ready to respond to changes occurring in the global security environment, using diplomacy and active participation in international peace keeping activities.
Since 1992 when the Government dispatched the Japan Self-Defense Forces to Cambodia for the first time, the country has participated in some thirty international peace cooperation missions, including its current engagement in South Sudan.
The Ambassador then referred specifically to its cooperation with the Netherlands in Iraq and Cambodia. Japan is also deploying Maritime Self-Defense vessels and patrol aircrafts for conducting anti-piracy activities off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden in cooperation with other countries. Japan intends to strengthen cooperation with the European Union (EU), NATO and European countries.
In November, 2015 the Prime Minister of The Netherlands Rutte met Prime Minister Abe in Japan whereby both leaders decided to characterize the Japan-Netherlands relations as a “Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Peace and Prosperity”. They also reaffirmed that both countries will strengthen their security and defense cooperation in this regard.
The Ambassador of Japan H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata“We are looking forward to future opportunities to cooperate with the Netherlands for the sake of peace and stability in the world, as we share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”
After proposing a toast to a peaceful and prosperous future, guests were invited to a delicious Japanese buffet.
By Joe Ray.
On 4 July 2016, the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands hosted a seminar and VIP dinner to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Guests from the Dutch and Hong Kong business communities congregated at the Postillion Convention Centre WTC in Rotterdam to enjoy a series of special presentations from key players in the field of Hong Kong-Netherlands trade and investment. A central focus of the event was on the opportunities provided by the Belt and Road Initiative – the major development strategy launched by the Chinese Government to promote economic cooperation, increase market integration and encourage the free flow of economic factors across Eurasia.
Mr George M. Ammerlaan, Director of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, got the programme underway. After welcoming guests, he introduced Mr Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, who presented an overview of Hong Kong-Netherlands commercial relations.
Mr Poulis was followed by Ms Alice Choi, Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, who highlighted the extraordinary connectivity that makes Hong Kong so attractive as an investment destination. She emphasised the unique relationship that Hong Kong enjoys with mainland China, and noted the territory’s privileged role as a major trade settlement centre for the renminbi.
Further insights into the Belt and Road Initiative were provided by Mr David Marsden, Director for the UK, Benelux and Ireland at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Mr Marsden underlined the sheer magnitude of the project, which will eventually traverse a vast area within reach of 60 per cent of the world’s population. He added that Rotterdam, already a world class international port, stands to benefit as the termination point of the Belt and Road maritime route.
Mrs Kristina Koehler-Coluccia, Director of the Koehler Group, set out the wide array of opportunities for Dutch companies arising from the Chinese Government’s 13th Five-Year Plan. She explained that Hong Kong acts as a gateway for international businesses seeking to enter the vast Chinese market, and serves as a hub for the Asia Pacific more broadly.
The benefits of Hong Kong’s strategic location were reiterated by Ms Paula Kant, Senior Investment Promotion Executive at Invest Hong Kong.
Half the world’s population is within a five-hour flight, she said, and the territory hosted some 59 million visitors in 2015. Alongside its many other attributes, Hong Kong also offers investors a highly favourable tax environment.
Following a short break for refreshments, the first of three case studies was presented by Mr Maarten Roos, Managing Director of R&P China Lawyers. Mr Roos addressed in detail some of the practical challenges faced by businesses seeking access to the vast Chinese market. He observed that the opportunities for businesses are immense, especially in retail and e-commerce, but stressed that dealing with the changing legal framework in China requires expertise and adaptability.
The next case study was presented by Ms Min Zhang, Business Manager China at Rotterdam Partners, who focused on the many opportunities for the Rotterdam region arising from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. She explained that the vision underpinning the project is one of mutually beneficial cooperation, aimed at creating shared prosperity and development.
Mr Bert Gevers, International Trade, Customs and VAT attorney at Loyens & Loeff, wrapped up proceedings with an analysis of the new EU Customs Code and how it will affect trade between Europe and Asia.
After an enlightening afternoon seminar, guests made their way to the historic Maritime Museum for a networking reception and dinner.
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Photos courtesy of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. For more information, please click here.
Affaire Ntaganda : Programme audiovisuel « Dans la salle d’audience », 16 juin – 1 juillet 2016
Le procès de Bosco Ntaganda devant la Cour pénale internationale s’est poursuivi du 16 juin au 1er juillet 2016 avec la déposition de plusieurs témoins cités à comparaître par l’Accusation.
Veuillez trouver ci-après des liens pour le visionnage et le téléchargement d’un programme audiovisuel revenant sur ces audiences.
Contexte : Bosco Ntaganda, ancien chef d’état-major général adjoint des Forces patriotiques pour la libération du Congo (FPLC) est accusé de 13 chefs de crimes de guerre (meurtre et tentative de meurtre ; attaque contre des civils ; viol ; esclavage sexuel de civils ; pillage ; déplacement de civils; attaques contre des biens protégés ; destruction de biens de l’ennemi ; et le viol, esclavage sexuel, enrôlement, et conscription d’enfants soldats âgés de moins de quinze ans et leur utilisation pour les faire participer activement à des hostilités) et de 5 chefs de crimes contre l’humanité (meurtre et tentative de meurtre de civils ; viol ; esclavage sexuel ; persécution ; et transfert forcé de populations) qui auraient été commis en 2002-2003 en Ituri, en RDC.
Ntaganda est actuellement détenu par la Cour. Son procès devant la CPI s’est ouvert le 2 septembre 2015 devant la Chambre de première instance VI, qui est composée de M. le juge Robert Fremr, juge président, Mme la juge Kuniko Ozaki et M. le juge Chang-ho Chung.
By Dr.Ilze Rūse, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Dear colleagues at the diplomatic missions and members of international organizations in The Hague!
It is my great pleasure to inform you that ESIL (European Society of International Law) this year holds its annual conference on 8-10 September in Riga, Latvia. ESIL is an organization that unites more than 1000 international judges, government officials, diplomats, legal advisers in international organizations, academics and practicing lawyers from 90 countries around the world.
The society was created[1] in 2001 with the aim of bringing together people working in the field of international law to contribute to the rule of law in international relations and to promote the study of public international law. Since its founding meeting in Florence in 2001, where it was agreed to establish a European Society of International Law, the annual conferences have been held in Geneva, Paris, Budapest, Heidelberg, Helsinki, Cambridge, Tallinn, Valencia, Amsterdam, Vienna and Oslo.
This year the ESIL conference takes place in Riga. The conference is organised by Riga Graduate School of Law and Constitutional court of Latvia, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice of Latvia on the initiative of the Member of the Board of ESIL, former judge of the European Court of Human Rights and current judge of Constitutional court of Latvia Professor Ineta Ziemele.
Riga, Photography Latvian Institute.
Information about the conference and registration can be found on the official website – http://esil.rgsl.lv/en. The ESIL conference this year addresses the issue of “How International Law Works in Times of Crisis” and offers high level speakers, i.e. James Crawford, Judge of the International Court of Justice, Catherine Redgwell, Professor of Public International Law, University of Oxford, Jean-Marc Sauve, Vice President of the Council of State of France and many others. ESIL conference also includes a panel of Foreign Ministers.
Combining with your professional interests, this is a great opportunity to visit Latvia and get acquainted with Riga – the Heart of the Baltics and the city where centuries and contrasts meet – a modern European metropolis with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The conference will be hosted at the new National Library building, where Latvia held informal meetings of its first Presidency of the EU Council a year ago.
Please find below further information from the ESIL Secretariat regarding the conference programme and registration. The Embassy of Latvia in the Netherlands stands ready to support you with further necessary information regarding any travel opportunities to Latvia and visitors’ information in Riga (http://www.latvia.travel/en).
Welcome to Latvia!
[1] Those participating in the founding of the Society were: Philip Alston (EUI), Mariano Aznar Gomez (Spain), Andrea Bianchi (Italy), Geneviève Burdeau (France), Antonio Cassese (Italy), Luigi Condorelli (Switzerland), Wladyslaw Czaplinski (Poland), Pierre-Marie Dupuy (France), Bardo Fassbender (Germany), Dieter Fleck (Germany), Andrea Gattini (Italy), Vera-Gowlland-Debbas (Switzerland), Christine Gray (United Kingdom), Vaughan Lowe (United Kingdom), Boldizsár Nagy (Hungary), Hanspeter Neuhold (Austria), Alan Rosas (Finland), Hélène Ruiz Fabri (France), Daniel Thürer (Switzerland), Bruno Simma (Germany), and Joe Verhoeven (Belgium).The group agreed to establish a ESIL based at the European University Institute in Florence.
12th ESIL Annual Conference, Riga, 8 – 10 September 2016: How International Law Works in Times of Crisis The programme is now online.
An exciting conference programme has been planned, with more than 90 speakers, and with more than 36 nationalities represented among the chairs and speakers in the various agorae and fora. If you plan to attend the conference, please register as soon as possible.
Among the highlights of the conference are the panel of the Foreign Affairs Ministers, hosted by Mr. E. Rinkēvičs, the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister, and a keynote speech by Jean-Marc Sauvé, Vice-President of the French Council of State.
These panels, as well as the Opening Discussion and eight fora and twelve agorae, will explore the theme of crisis from its different perspectives in international law. In addition, the following parts of the programme may be of interest:
Wednesday 7 September, starting from 11:00 Ten ESIL Interest Groups have organised events. The conference programme lists all the groups and the venues where they will be meeting. Over the years, these pre-conference events have become a very important activities and all members are invited to attend any of the IG events.
Thursday 8 September, 13:00 – 14:30 : ‘Meet the Jurist’ This is a new initiative of the ESIL Board, which was organized for the first time at the 2015 ESIL Conference in Oslo. Mentors hold 10-minute conversations with a succession of early-career professionals and academics, offering advice and sharing their experience. The purpose of the event is to give younger members of ESIL the opportunity to meet and hold short discussions with more experienced colleagues.
Thursday 8 September, 18:00 – 19:00: Conversation with the ESIL Book Prize Winner The winner of the 2016 ESIL Book Prize will be invited to hold a conversation about the prize-winning book.
Friday 9 September, 12:30 – 14:00: Lunch Meeting of International Law Journals Editors Any ESIL members who are editors of international law journals are invited to contact the ESIL Secretariat if they wish to be invited to the lunch meeting.
Friday 9 September, 16:00 – 17:30: ESIL General Assembly The agenda of the annual General Assembly will be sent to all members shortly. ESIL SecretariatEuropean Society of International Law Academy of European Law
The Ambassador welcomed guests and also made reference to the 1st of July 2016 which will mark the 62nd anniversary of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Japan since the end of WWII has been committed not only to working to secure peace in the world but also in assisting in the development of the international community as “a peace-loving nation”.
The Ambassador said Japan has gained the trust and confidence of the international community through activities such as the Official Development Assistance (ODA), providing financial assistance to developing nations worldwide.
Japan has taken the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, introduced by the Abe Administration in December, 2013.
“The legislation for Peace and Security came into effect in March this year. The new security legislation has historical significance in further ensuring the peace and security of Japan through making more proactive contributions to the peace and stability of the region and the international community.”
A video in the room called Peace – for tomorrow’s Smile (available on You-Tube) explained the destabilizing factors and security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. The aim of the video is to provide a better understanding of the recent legislation on Peace and Security including its guidelines.
The Ambassador clarified any misunderstandings about what had occurred regarding the above developments. Japan has in no way changed its Constitution to become a military power and its Self-Defense Forces are limited to participating in UN peace-keeping operations. They will not engage in combat cooperation on any foreign soil except in self-defense.
Japan is ready to respond to changes occurring in the global security environment, using diplomacy and active participation in international peace keeping activities.
Since 1992 when the Government dispatched the Japan Self-Defense Forces to Cambodia for the first time, the country has participated in some thirty international peace cooperation missions, including its current engagement in South Sudan.
The Ambassador then referred specifically to its cooperation with the Netherlands in Iraq and Cambodia. Japan is also deploying Maritime Self-Defense vessels and patrol aircrafts for conducting anti-piracy activities off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden in cooperation with other countries. Japan intends to strengthen cooperation with the European Union (EU), NATO and European countries.
In November, 2015 the Prime Minister of The Netherlands Rutte met Prime Minister Abe in Japan whereby both leaders decided to characterize the Japan-Netherlands relations as a “Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Peace and Prosperity”. They also reaffirmed that both countries will strengthen their security and defense cooperation in this regard.
Mr George M. Ammerlaan, Director of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, got the programme underway. After welcoming guests, he introduced Mr Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, who presented an overview of Hong Kong-Netherlands commercial relations.
Mr Poulis was followed by Ms Alice Choi, Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, who highlighted the extraordinary connectivity that makes Hong Kong so attractive as an investment destination. She emphasised the unique relationship that Hong Kong enjoys with mainland China, and noted the territory’s privileged role as a major trade settlement centre for the renminbi.
Further insights into the Belt and Road Initiative were provided by Mr David Marsden, Director for the UK, Benelux and Ireland at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Mr Marsden underlined the sheer magnitude of the project, which will eventually traverse a vast area within reach of 60 per cent of the world’s population. He added that Rotterdam, already a world class international port, stands to benefit as the termination point of the Belt and Road maritime route.
Mrs Kristina Koehler-Coluccia, Director of the Koehler Group, set out the wide array of opportunities for Dutch companies arising from the Chinese Government’s 13th Five-Year Plan. She explained that Hong Kong acts as a gateway for international businesses seeking to enter the vast Chinese market, and serves as a hub for the Asia Pacific more broadly.
The benefits of Hong Kong’s strategic location were reiterated by Ms Paula Kant, Senior Investment Promotion Executive at Invest Hong Kong.
Half the world’s population is within a five-hour flight, she said, and the territory hosted some 59 million visitors in 2015. Alongside its many other attributes, Hong Kong also offers investors a highly favourable tax environment.
Following a short break for refreshments, the first of three case studies was presented by Mr Maarten Roos, Managing Director of R&P China Lawyers. Mr Roos addressed in detail some of the practical challenges faced by businesses seeking access to the vast Chinese market. He observed that the opportunities for businesses are immense, especially in retail and e-commerce, but stressed that dealing with the changing legal framework in China requires expertise and adaptability.
The next case study was presented by Ms Min Zhang, Business Manager China at Rotterdam Partners, who focused on the many opportunities for the Rotterdam region arising from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. She explained that the vision underpinning the project is one of mutually beneficial cooperation, aimed at creating shared prosperity and development.
Mr Bert Gevers, International Trade, Customs and VAT attorney at Loyens & Loeff, wrapped up proceedings with an analysis of the new EU Customs Code and how it will affect trade between Europe and Asia.
After an enlightening afternoon seminar, guests made their way to the historic Maritime Museum for a networking reception and dinner.
——————–
Photos courtesy of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands.
For more information, please click here. 
