By Roy Lie A Tjam. Africa Day 2016 came and went it was recently celebrated at the Marriott Hotel The Hague; H.E. Odette Meleno, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in the Netherlands and her colleagues Ambassadors welcomed the guest in style. A total of well over 400 persons attended the function. Africa Day, is the day Africa celebrates the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in Addis Ababa on May 25th, 1963. The theme of this year’s celebration is “2016: African Year of Human Rights, with a Special Focus on the Rights of Women” For additional Carlotta Duken’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157669664174462 H.E. Dean Meleno held a vibrant speech on the achievement, aspirations, and challenges of the continent. Some extracts of her speech are sited hereunder. On behalf of the Africa Group of Ambassadors, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this wonderful 2016 commemoration of Africa Day in The Hague. I am happy to see, taste, smell and feel Africa today. “I would like to thank the Organizing Committee for the hard work in putting this event in motion. This year, there is much to celebrate because there is a sense of hope and optimism across Africa. As you are aware, Africa Day is annually celebrated on May 25th throughout the world to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, in 1963. The theme of this year’s celebration is “2016: African Year of Human Rights, with a Special Focus on the Rights of Women”. It reinforces among others, the need for gender equality and women’s rights. Removing barriers that impede women from fully enjoying their human rights will empower the African continent. With the creation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, African leaders made a commitment to work together towards a brighter future for the whole of the continent. It is, therefore, our responsibility to continue that pledge and see to it that the future of Africa remains brighter. The foundation for this must be our ability to respect and treat everyone equally, especially the vulnerable ones. Attaining equality between women and men and eliminating all forms of discrimination against women are fundamental human rights and United Nations values. It has always been said… and I will not be the last to say it: Women’s Rights are Human Rights. It must be said that so far, a great deal has been accomplished by the peoples of Africa to secure Africa’s rightful place on the world stage despite considerable challenges. Our commemoration of Africa Day also acknowledges the progress that we, as Africans, have made, while reflecting upon the common challenges we face in a global environment. Every 25th May, African citizens from all around the world celebrate with traditional clothes, songs, music, and dances. What better way to reclaim the African identity of our countries and peoples? Today will not be different. It must not be different because Africa Day presents an opportunity for all Africans to reconnect and recommit themselves in support of all government interventions to develop a better Africa and a better world. In this regard, I would like to mention the fact that the 14th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development will both be held in Africa, in Nairobi, this year. Africa Day also reminds Africans of the historical importance of banding together against common challenges, whether those be economic, social, armed conflicts, climate change, poverty, human rights, women’s rights and gender equality, or terrorism. On this day, Africa Day, let us pause to reflect on what it means to be a human being, and an African. It is only then that we can be able to answer the question whether we are on the right path towards the dawn of a new day for Africa, and her people in the domain of human rights, women’s rights and gender equality. We must also sustain the understanding that our own progress and prosperity are dependent on the progress and prosperity of our neighbors and other African countries. To achieve progress and prosperity, we Africans must be free from human exploitation such as slavery, child abuse, sexual abuse, child labor, gender inequality, bad traditional practices like female genital mutilation, poverty and lack of basic education…just to name a few. We all have a responsibility to defend human freedom and human life at a time when we need to be shining lights for Africa.” Africa Day 2016 celebration has been a tremendous success; all are intently looking toward the 2017 celebrations. Photography by Carlotta Duken.  

On the picture H.E. Roman Kirn, Manca Izmajlova and Benjamin Izmajlov. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The remarkable Slovenian soprano, Manca Izmajlova opened the 2016 National Day reception with her interpretation of Zdravljice the Slovenian national anthem. H.E. Roman Kirn and his wife gave all the guests a warm and cordial welcome and thanked them for joining in the festivities to mark 25 years of Slovenian Independence. Photo-album of this event, please click the link below : https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157669660645142   The celebration was held at The Hague Hilton Hotel on Tuesday 21th June. Following Ambassador Kirn’s speech, Manca Izmajlova and her husband Benjamin Izmajlov, both a composer and accomplished violinist played a few more Slovenian songs to add some professional color and animation to the evening. Slovenia is both proud of her past achievements as an old nation in the center of Europe but also extremely proud of what has been achieved in the past 25 years as an independent state. Furthermore, the country cares about the future and wants to continue along the path it is paving for itself; a safe and prosperous one.

Ambassador Kirn further described Slovenia as a committed and responsible member of the international community and highlighted how his beloved Slovenia cares enormously about its own wellbeing – he added: “we have a good record on that: we have a high quality of life, and what is today becoming increasingly important; safety – Slovenia is amongst 10 most peaceful and safe countries in Europe.”

Ambassador Krin continued, “as an EU member state, we want to contribute in making Europe whole and free for generations to come: As a NATO member, we want to commit yourself to trans-Atlantic partnership. As a UN member state we are committed to our universal values, to the rule based international system in which we take our share of responsibility in building a peaceful, safe and prosperous environment for the whole of mankind.”

“The Hague”, the Ambassador added, “as a world capital of justice and rule of law, as a host to so many international organizations, such as OPCW, ICC, ICJ, PCA, EUROJUST, EUROPOL and others, Slovenia plays an important part in our common aspirations to secure our future. Slovenia is also glad to be part of these endeavors in The Hague.

Slovenia is a popular tourist destination for Dutch holiday makers, it offers everything Dutch tourists would like to experience such as trekking and mountaineering in the Alps to swimming in the blue sea on the Adriatic coast. Not to forget rafting and fishing in our smaragd clear rivers, whilst also leaving time to relax and enjoy the wines and slow-cooked succulent food in Slovenia’s wine regions.”

The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to all who have contributed to making the celebration of 25 years of independence a great success. Among them were: the sponsor of the wine, Cellar Brdo from Goriška Brda, one of the well known wine regions in Slovenia. Thanks also went to the main sponsor, Slovene Tourist Organization and its representative, Brina Čehovin, who helped the reception both through financial and logistical aid but also presented Slovenia as a green, active and healthy country. Many thanks must also go to all the staff at the Embassy whose role in putting the reception together has been imperative. The goody bag offered to guest upon departure contained a CD with a collection of Manca’s songs and a bottle of Quercus a superior Slovenian wine from Goriska Brda winery. A fantastic way to end a wonderful evening.

  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, met yesterday with the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. The Director-General briefed the Foreign Minister about the work of the Organisation, including the status of the implementation of the Convention, OPCW initiatives to counter the threat of chemical terrorism from Non State Actors, and provided an update on activities related to the Syrian Arab Republic. The full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention is crucial to achieving the complete elimination of chemical weapons and preventing their re-emergence.  Ambassador Üzümcü underlined that “Iran is an important State Party which has supported the activities of the OPCW in order to achieve the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention”. He also thanked Iran for hosting the Regional National Authorities meeting recently. Dr Zarif remarked, “The OPCW is at the forefront of efforts to ensure chemical weapons are never used again, and enjoys the full support of Islamic Republic of Iran.” The Foreign Minster further remarked, “Non State Actors and terrorist groups, in particular ISIS in Syria and Iraq, constitute a threat to the peace and security not only in the Middle East, but globally. We have to work together to appropriately address this issue.” He also emphasised the importance of universality, encouraging all states not yet party to the CWC to accede to it. Dr Zarif then stated, “Iran supports the creation of a Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone, in particular Chemical Weapons.” The Foreign Minister, accompanied by the Director-General, also visited the monuments to the victims of chemical attacks in Sardasht, Iran and Halabja, Iraq located on the OPCW grounds. The Director-General expressed, “On this solemn anniversary, we re-dedicate ourselves to the task of eliminating the scourge of chemical weapons to ensure that such tragedies never again blight our humanity.” Foreign Minister Zarif extended his invitation for the Director-General to visit Iran to strengthen cooperation between the OPCW and Iran.    

More than 50 Bangladeshi students from different universities in the Netherlands gathered at Bangladesh House in The Hague for a seminar on 04 June 2016 organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in collaboration with EP-Nuffic, the organisation responsible for internationalising Dutch education. The objective of the seminar was to provide the students a platform to exchange their problems/ideas/thoughts with the Embassy/EP-Nuffic. Besides students from ISS, UNESCO-IHE, Wageningen UR, TU-Delft, TU-Eindhoven, TU-Twente, Hague University, Leiden University and other Universities, professors, alumni, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands and the officials from EP-Nuffic attended the seminar.

While welcoming students, academics, executives at the Bangladesh House, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal stated that ‘‘today we are here to give you a platform with Bangladesh in heart’’. He urged the students to work as bridge between Bangladesh and Netherlands for innovation and creativity. Ambassador Belal urged students to work hard to convert their “know how“, gained in the Netherlands, into productive knowledge. Ambassador stated “modern societies can amass large amounts of productive knowledge because they distribute bits and pieces of it among its many members. But to make use of it, this knowledge has to be put back together through organizations and markets. Thus, individual specialization begets diversity at the national and global level.” He added that “our most prosperous modern societies are wiser, not because their citizens are individually brilliant, but because these societies hold a diversity of knowhow and because they are able to recombine it to create a larger variety of smarter and better products.” Ambassador Belal outlined initiatives how Embassy of Bangladesh wishes to partner with different academic institutions and businesses to open up opportunities for students of Bangladesh in the Netherlands. Thanking the government of the Netherlands, in general and EP-Nuffic, in particular Ambassador Belal hoped that they will also continue their support to steer this partnership to a new high with innovative initiatives. The representative of the Foreign Ministry Ms. Louise Huijbens, in her intervention, assured the support of the government of the Netherlands. Dutch representative also elaborated on how the visit of Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands and Her Majesty Queen Maxima of Netherlands to Bangladesh in 2015 brought plethora of initiatives in the sphere of Bangladesh-the Netherlands relations.

The EP-Nuffic executives, congratulating Embassy of Bangladesh for taking the initiative, which is first of its kind among all embassies in the Netherlands, shared their ongoing and potential programs in Bangladesh through scholarship, fellowship, internship, and research on sectors relevant to Bangladesh. Ms. Anneke Zijlstra, Team Coordinator of the NFP and Ms. Ute Jansen, Head of the Department Capacity Development (the NICHE programme) elaborated on hosts of capacity building initiatives the Dutch government is carrying forward and would like to chalk out in the future. Highlighting Alumni initiatives, Mr. Cooper Doo urged students to share their ideas and suggestion to make it a platform for discussion of future initiatives. Ms. Nancy Alexaki, Senior Policy Officer of EP Nuffic exchanged with the students as she answered to their queries and concerns. Students and academics in their interventions expressed their happiness in the administration of EP-Nuffic but urged to consider more publicity in Bangladesh for recruitment of students in the Netherlands. Students also sought assistance for adequate job coaching, career planning assistance and internship opportunities in the Netherlands. Professor Moors from Wageningen University shared his experience working with Bangladesh in climate resilience preparedness, Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, Water management, agriculture etc. Elaborating on their studies and researches, Bangladeshi students shared their perspectives on how they can implement their learning on Dutch innovations and creativity in Bangladesh. Ambassador Belal wrapped up the session highlighting Honble Prime Minister’s personal initiatives in the field of water, agriculture, innovations and requested the students to remain engaged with the Embassy to build a ‘‘Better Bangladesh’’. Ambassador assured that the Embassy will follow up on the suggestions made by the students and requested all to continue their feedback stream with the Embassy. Ms. Jakia Akter of UNESCO-IHE and Mr.Siraj Kabir of Royal Dutch Shell moderated the event. The Seminar was followed by dinner and a brief cultural program arranged to commemorate the birth anniversaries of two literary legends of Bangla literature Rabindranath Tagore and Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Quoting from their works, Ambassador Belal shared glimpses of rich literary history and heritage of Bangladesh. It may be noted that this year Embassy arranged this program exclusively for local people of the Netherlands and students of Bangladesh availing the opportunity of this seminar.

 H.E. Andrea Gustovic Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The celebrations started with the rendition of the Croatian and Dutch national anthem followed by the welcome remarks of H.E. Andrea Gustovic Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With dignity and splendor Andrea Gustovic Ercegovac, welcomed her many guests on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Croatia. The venue chosen for the reception was the Marriott Hotel The Hague, date 17 June 2016. Indeed, a festive atmosphere reigned at the Marriott and a multitude of diplomats, business people, members of Croatian diaspora and government officials among others attended. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667408467533

Independence Day or Statehood Day is a public holiday in Croatia. On this day, the people of Croatia celebrate their liberation from Communist Yugoslavia which took effect on June 25, 1991. Croatian Statehood Day is also referred to as Croatian National Day. Ambassador Gustovic said: “In celebrating this beautiful anniversary of Croatian statehood, permit me to turn with pride to Croats who are here with us today. These 25 years have been like a wind that was carrying us and encouraged us on the way forward. Let me congratulate everyone in Croatia and wish a long and prosperous life in a strong Europe.”

The Ambassador continued her welcome remarks by stating: “Today we share a pride of being an EU and NATO member, freedom and democracy have been part of the Croatian heritage since the Republic of Dubrovnik and we invested a lot of effort in order to reach our destination in joining the European family. Netherlands was and is a great friend of Croatia and we are grateful for that. Proof of close a relationship is almost 400,000 Dutch visitors to our country.” His majesty king Willem-Alexander gave a speech last month in the European Parliament on the importance of the EU and eloquently expressed that the European bouquet is not complete without the Spanish carnations, Croatian irises, Dutch tulips and English roses. H.E. Andrea Gustovic Ercegovac subsequently introduced the guest speaker; the Director General of Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mr. Robert de Groot; Ambassador De Groot applauded the good and the cordial relationship existing between the two sovereign states: the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Croatia. As a conclusion, a light lunch was served.

Prof. Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul, Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong and Mrs Suteera Boonpracong.

By Roy Lie A Tjam.

Thailand’s master Chef is Prof. Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul, holder of a Ph.D. in Home Economics and Assistant Prof and Dean of the Faculty of Education at Kasetsart University.

First and foremost, Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul is a Chef. He has been cooking since the age of 8, His parents owned a grocery store and little Surachai was fascinated by the spices.

For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667384844464

For Prof. Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul, Thai cuisine consists of two parts: Thai Royal Cuisine and Folk Cuisine. A significant difference is that Royal cuisine does not use raw food, and presentation is of paramount importance. Portions are small, and the flavor is mild.

The Royal Thai cuisine is the most authentic cuisine style of the land and remains the preference of the Royal Thai family. Royal Thai cuisine calls for creativeness, he adds. It was invented by Thai noble women and the elegant art of preparing dishes, cooking and serving is what makes it unique.

Folk dishes, on the other hand, contain raw food and also include meat and fish. There are five regions and five different ways of cooking. Portions are large and the food is spicy. In his cooking, Prof. Dr. Jewcharoensakul makes use of his scientific knowledge of the ingredients. This helps him come up with fabulous combinations and blends.

Thai cuisine makes very little use of cooking oil, coconut milk is often used instead. Asked what his secret was, Jewcharoensakul responded: “There are no secrets to Thai cuisine – that’s why I can only tell you the right ‘techniques’ to pursue”.

The scientific blending of spices, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, and vegetables is remarkable. Thai food is healthy food, he explains, and it includes bitter food items such as bitter melon.

Thai cuisine is considered a proud heritage of the Thai people handed down through generations. They rightly believe it is second to none.

The Thai Culinary Diplomacy program

The aim of the Thai Culinary Diplomacy program was to build scores of Thai restaurants worldwide. According to the Thai government, 5,500 restaurants had been established by the year 2002, rising to more than 10,000 by 2013.

Of particular note is the role Prof. Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul played in the Thai government project named Thai food to the world. As the name suggest, the objective was to promote Thai food beyond the country’s borders. Chef Surachai Jewcharoensakul has trained several Thai cooks who became like envoys of the Thai Culinary Diplomacy project in various parts of the world.

Surachai Jewcharoensakul the man

Surachai Jewcharoensakul has held many positions in his diverse career. Besides teaching Home Economics for 40 years, he also worked for 2.5 years in a camp for Khmer refugees. He has worked as a gem broker in Australia and as a chef at Saudi Catering at an airport in Saudi Arabia. Surachai Jewcharoensakul once owned a restaurant by the name of Kim Kim at a place called Aranyapatse, near the Cambodian border. He even cooked in a temple in India, serving Thai food to Thai pilgrims.

Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul has thoroughly researched ancient Thai food and he is the author of five books on Thai cuisine. The last one was published three years ago titled Science and Art of Thai cuisine. He is considering publishing his future work in English.

On 16 August 2015 during the Royal festivities in Thailand, Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul cooked for over ten thousand people. He recounts how he started preparing two days in advance.

A highlight in Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul’s career came in February 2011 when the American Nobel Prize winner Prof. Dr. William Edward Easterling approached him in order to be initiated into Thai cooking. In 2006, he was awarded the iron chef (Thai Cuisine) title at Texas Culinary Academy in the USA.

Prof. Dr. Surachai Jewcharoensakul is in the Netherlands for his second consecutive cooking demonstration in Wassenaar. Last year he flew in for the Embassy festival and cooking demo in Germany and the Netherland. This time around he is back in town for the first Embassy Food Festival co organized by Diplomat Magazine and HANOS whole sales. Subsequent to the Embassy Food festival, a cooking demonstration was held at the residence of the Royal Thai Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong in Wassenaar

On the picture H. E. Mr. Chris Hoornaert Ambassador of Belgium and H.E. Mr. John Neary Ambassador of Ireland. By Roy Lie A Tjam. H. E. Mr. Chris Hoornaert Ambassador of Belgium in the Netherlands, invited fellow Ambassadors including H.E. Mr. John Neary of Ireland, friends, Irish nationals, the Belgian diaspora and more, to watch the European championship football match between Belgium – Ireland, displayed on a large screen at his Residence on Saturday, June 18, 2016. For additional Kim Vermaat’s picture from the event and the photography exhibition at the Belgian residence, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667317964633

The residence was decorated in the Belgian tricolor and of course, there was a variety of Belgian beer. The ambience was excellent, and all enjoyed the game very well. Belgium Red Devils beat Ireland in a dazzling Euro 2016 group E soccer match at the Nouveau Stade in Bordeaux, France, on Saturday, June 18, 2016. Romelu Lukaku scored twice to help Belgium bounce back from its opening defeat at the European Championships, with a 3-0 resounding victory against Ireland.

However, the man of the match, the one at the heart of the Belgian team playing a major role in the counter-attacks that led to Belgium’s goals was Kevin De Bruyne.The third goal came from Axel Witsel when he jumped above Ireland midfielder James Mc Carthy to head in Thomas Meunier’s cross for his first international goal in nearly two years. Both sides Belgium and Ireland have a chance to progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2016.