On the picture Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
There has never been in modern history a system of coercive, unilateral measures from one country against another that has lasted as long as the one imposed by the government of the United States of America against Cuba since the early 1960s.
At that time, the U.S. government could not accept that a group of Cuban men and women led a radical revolution that ended their neocolonial domination that violated the sovereignty and independence of a country that was proud of its origins.
The United States started to use all kinds of strategies to overthrow the triumphant Revolution: the economic, commercial and financial war was one of them. It created a complex situation for the Cuban economy, which has had to face all kind of difficulties and looks for the most innovative ways to move forward.
In all these years, the Cuban people have suffered the impact of the U.S. blockade and have suffered immeasurable human and material losses. The blockade, in one way or another, affects multiple aspects of the life of Cuban citizens.
It has been proved that the blockade is the main hurdle in Cuba’s development and the economic damage caused during almost six decades of implementation amounts to USD$ 753,688 billion, if we consider the devaluation of the dollar against the gold.
Even though Cuba and the United States reestablished diplomatic relations in the summer of 2015 and despite all the modifications introduced in the implementation of the blockade by the government of President Barack Obama and his calling on the Congress to lift it, there are several key elements of this policy that remain in force, thus hindering the advances towards the normalization of the relations between the two countries.
Contradictorily to what has been done, the prosecution to the international financial transactions to Cuba has increased under Obama’s administration and the retaliations against sovereign States and companies worldwide that maintain trade relations with Cuba have also escalated significantly.
Recently, the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, presented to the international press the report on the Resolution 70/5 of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA), in which he offered up-to-date information on the losses caused to Cuba by the unilateral siege established by Washington. It is expected that, as every year, this report will be voted in the multilateral forum, at the end of October.
The U.S. blockade against Cuba violated the International Law and it is a massive, blatant and systematic violation of the human rights of the people in the Caribbean country that must end immediately, without conditions or pressure of any kind.
In 2015, 191 member States voted against that policy that seeks to exterminate an entire people. The blockade was only supported by two countries: the United States and Israel.
The U.S. “no” vote is shown with the results of the vote on the annual draft resolution calling for an end to the U.S.-led five-decade embargo against the Caribbean nation, in the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. The resolution condemning the U.S. embargo against Cuba has won overwhelming approval, with only the United States and Israel voting against it. Tuesday’s vote had the highest ever number of countries voting to condemn the embargo 191. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Cuba and its people trust they will continue to count on the support of the international community and their rightful demand to end the economic, financial and commercial blockade that has been unfairly and unilaterally imposed by the government of the United States of America.
From 13 October 2016 to 5 March 2017, The Hague
The Beelden aan Zee Museum in The Hague will present this fall “Picasso aan Zee, ceramics and sculpture”. The exhibition will provide an exciting image of the time he spent on the French Riviera, a vital period of his rich oeuvre in which he rediscovered ceramics, creating more than 4.000 works of different materials.
Beelden aan Zee will exhibit some unique pieces in ceramics and sculptures from the best Picasso collections in Europe, some of which will be on show for the first time.
More information can be found at the website of the Beelden aan Zee Museum.
On Monday Sept 26, Foreign Minister Bert Koenders witnessed the official signing of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. The ceremony took place in the port city of Cartagena and was attended by several heads of state, heads of government and other dignitaries.
The peace agreement is meant to end more than 50 years of armed conflict, which has cost more than 220,000 lives and displaced over 6 million people. During the traumatic conflict around 360,000 Colombians fled their country, a neighbour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Colombian government had invited Mr Koenders to attend the signing ceremony. At the beginning of the ceremony he said, ‘It’s very important for me to be here. This agreement is a crucial step towards peace in Colombia and stability in the region. It is an historic milestone. It has demanded great effort, courage, patience and trust from all sides: the Colombian government, the FARC and international parties involved. I have deep respect for all these parties and the outcome they have achieved together.’‘I also want to express my support to all the Colombians who have suffered from this conflict,’ Mr Koenders continued. ‘Through it all, the Netherlands has always believed in a good ending and has backed the Colombian government’s efforts from the start.’
Today Sunday October 2, Colombians will vote on the peace deal in a referendum. ‘This will be a key moment, because the conflict has caused great hardship and mistrust,’ the minister said. ‘Everyone must have a chance to cast their vote. That’s why observers of the Organization for American States will be monitoring the referendum. And why the Netherlands is supporting the observation mission financially.’
The Netherlands has also pledged €3 million to a 5-year EU fund on implementing the peace agreement, primarily through rural development in regions where FARC rebels have been active. Because there are many landmines in these areas, the Netherlands is also providing €1.3 million to a mine clearance project and is investigating opportunities for contributing to land registration and transitional justice.
‘A new era is dawning for Colombia, but the future also holds challenges,’ Mr Koenders observed. ‘One of these is the negotiation process with the National Liberation Army – the ELN – the other guerrilla movement in Colombia. Peace talks with the ELN were officially announced on 30 March this year, but the first round has yet to begin.’
On the picture H.E. Emilian Brenici, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova.
His Excellency Mr. Emilian Brenici, Ambassador of Moldova invited fellow Ambassadors, officials and other honorable guests to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova. The reception took place at Kasteel De Wittenburg in Wassenaar on 22 September 2016.
In his welcome remarks Ambassador Brenici touched on the investment opportunities Moldova has to offer. A brief quotation of the Ambassador’s address follows.
”Twenty-five years ago, the Republic of Moldova declared its independence from the Soviet Union. That day my country made one of its most significant historic choices: it became an independent country, a fully fledged member of the international community.I am glad that Moldova has managed to make some crucial steps towards its goal of integration into the European Union by achieving a visa-free regime for its citizen travelling to EU, by signing and implementation of the Association Agreement, including establishment of free trade area, with the European Union.Moldova is a European country, a convenient and safe place to travel to and to invest. I hope that those of you, who have never had the chance to visit my country, will use today’s opportunity to know it better.”In his speech, Ambassador Brenici noted that the Kingdom of Netherlands is one of the top trading and investment partners with the Republic of Moldova and expressed gratitude for its valuable assistance offered for Moldova’s integration into the European Union.
On the picture the Moldovan Embassy’s staff with guests.
The attending guests were offered a rich program consisting of a reception with incredible traditional meal and wines, accompanied by a concert given by the renowned pan-flute virtuoso Mr. Constantin Moscovici who played Moldovan legendary melodies.
Furthermore, an exhibition of paintings made from red wine, signed by Mr. Vasile Botnaru, was inaugurated as well.
By H.E. Mr Selim Yenel, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the European Union.
I have been in Brussels since December 2011, as Turkey’s Permanent Delegate to the EU. When I first came I saw my job as to prevent the relationship from sliding any further backwards. This was the case until summer of 2015. However the last year was totally different as the migration crisis was an opportunity for improving relations.
Accession to the EU is still considered as the central pillar of Turkey-EU relations. To date, only 16 Chapters out of the 35 are opened. The process is politically stalled, mainly because of the Cyprus issue. I remain optimistic that a resolution to this long standing conflict is in sight.
Without diminishing its significance, I have to underline that Turkey-EU relations encompass more than accession. Turkey and the EU are vital partners in political and economic spheres. We have established High Level Political, Economic and Energy Dialogues. Work is underway to start upgrading the Customs Union next year. EU remains Turkey’s primary trade partner, constituting around 50% of our foreign trade volume. The Netherlands is among the top foreign investors in Turkey.
Regarding recent events the migration crisis instigated the unprecedented three Turkey-EU Summits in just 4 months. Despite many skeptical voices, the Agreement curbed the irregular flow of migrants (mainly from Syria) to the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. The numbers prove it. Whereas in October 2015 average daily crossings were 7.000, after the 18 March Agreement it drastically reduced to an average of 50 per day. Even in the aftermath of the 15 July coup attempt in Turkey, which was a shocking and unprecedented event with potential catastrophic consequences for Turkish democracy, the Turkish Coast Guard did not falter in its operations and saved more than 2.000 lives at sea. Most importantly the death toll decreased.
Turkey has lived up to its end of the deal. It is only fair that EU also delivers on its commitments, including visa liberalization for Turkish citizens. Among the remaining benchmarks for visa liberalization, the most contentious one is changing the anti-terror law. Given Turkey’s ongoing fight against terror groups such as PKK, DAESH and FETÖ, any change which would weaken Turkey’s fighting capacity is not possible. However, Turkey has not closed the door on the issue and we are willing to work together for a mutually agreeable solution.
The European Union has been hard hit with crisis after crisis. It still has not fully recovered from the Euro crisis. Brexit is looming. Schengen is in danger. All its past successes, such as the enlargement, are being tested. The EU cannot continue business as usual. Considering the many challenges in our immediate neighborhood and beyond, we need a strong EU. And the EU needs a strong and ever-closer Turkey.
We will be celebrating the 93rd anniversary of our Republic on 29 October. I sincerely hope that before our 100th Anniversary, we’ll witness a much more deepened Turkey-EU partnership, whichever form it takes.
By H.E. Ms Marvelyne Wiels, Minister Plenipotentiary of Curacao, Government of Curaçao, Ministry of General Affairs.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands has one of the most dynamic state structures of the 21st century. While sometimes explained as ‘One Kingdom, Four Countries’, its structure is far more complex than what initially meets the eye. The Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was amended in 2010, with the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, and the establishment of Curaçao and St. Maarten, which, along with Aruba, are now semi-autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Under this new statute, foreign affairs, defense, and nationality remain Kingdom affairs, while domestic policies are determined on individual country-level.
Each of the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom enhanced Aruba House, Curaçao House and St. Maarten House, their permanent representation in The Hague. Along with catering to the needs of the large diasporas, the ‘Houses’ also became home to the new Cabinets of the Ministers Plenipotentiary.
The Minister Plenipotentiary has a unique status; while not considered a minister within the Cabinet, the Minister Plenipotentiary can be considered an extension of the Cabinet, falling under the purview of the Prime Minister.
The Minister Plenipotentiary is primarily tasked with representing his or her respective country in the Kingdom Council of Ministers, based on instructions received from the capital. The Kingdom Council of Ministers is an enlarged variant of the Dutch Council of Ministers, including the three Ministers Plenipotentiary, that meets regularly to discuss Kingdom affairs.
The current Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, Ms. Marvelyne Wiels, is therefore an extension of Curaçao’s sitting Cabinet, and falls under the current Prime Minister of Curaçao, Dr. Bernard Whiteman of Pueblo Soberano or the Sovereign People’s Party.
Despite the Statute adopted in 2010, several grey areas remain. In large part, the new relationship is a balancing act – not just between the 16.8 million people who reside in the Netherlands and the 250,000 that live in the Caribbean countries, but because each country, as expected, has its own set of interests and challenges. Curaçao, for example, has a multi-sectoral economy that is primarily based on building relations in the region.
Although each of the countries within the Kingdom is allowed to enter into certain agreements on a country-level, in various fora, the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains the recognized partner, with King Willem Alexander as Head of State. “This complex structure has its advantages, namely the fact that we are able to build bridges and relationships in different ways, be it bilaterally, or multilaterally, as four countries or as a Kingdom.” (Minister Plenipotentiary Wiels, 2016)
Foreign policy development therefore requires intra-Kingdom cooperation on a policy-level, ensuring coherence and understanding for deviating interests and concerns.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands officially made its ‘One Kingdom, Four Countries’ debut in 2014, as the lobby for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council intensified. Together, the Kingdom built a multi-faceted lobby titled: ‘Your Partner for Peace, Justice and Development.’
The lobby highlighted so many different aspects of foreign policy, some that had a larger impact on the Netherlands like ‘Enhancing Security and Stability,’ and others, like ‘Advancing Inclusive Sustainable Growth’ that directly linked to the interests of Curaçao.
And the other Caribbean countries.
“…I kindly ask that you take a moment and think of the unique position of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with influence and ties to two very distinct regions: Europe and the Caribbean…Think about the potential that we possess to represent a truly international point of view, with two very different historical perspectives and diverging priorities.” (Prime Minister Whiteman, November 2015)
Since today most pressing issues transcend political boundaries, it is clear that within the Kingdom, all of our sails need to point in the same direction, especially when the tides continuously turn. The search for common ground must go on.
As we continue to prepare for a seat in the UN Security Council, and as the dynamic world of international relations continues to transform, the truth remains that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is stronger because of the joint lobby for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Reflecting on the lobby, it is clear that developing foreign policy priorities based on common ground will allow the Kingdom of the Netherlands to be a truly dynamic and relatable partner.
Despite the complexities of the Kingdom, the whole proved, once and for all, to be far greater than the sum of its parts.
As the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we remain, your partner for peace, justice and development.
——-
Photography by Paco Nunez.
By Dr.Obaidullah Obaid, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Following the Warsaw NATO Summit which was held in July and which was related to the security of Afghanistan, on 5th October the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan together with the European Union will host the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan.
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, High Representative Federica Mogherini and Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for Development Cooperation, will represent the European Union. President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah will represent Afghanistan.
This event will provide a platform for the Government of Afghanistan to set out its vision and track record on reform in the so called Transformation Decade. In this ten-year period (2015-2024) the country aims to build well-functioning institutions with a sustainable economy, while becoming less reliant on aid. For the international community it will be the opportunity to signal sustained political and financial support to peace, state-building and development and to reaffirm its commitment to its future peace, stability and prosperity by keeping support at or near current levels.
It will be the civilian counterpart to the Warsaw Summit, dedicated to the support of the progress in the country by securing commitments until 2020, and will be attended by representatives from 70 countries and 30 international organizations and agencies. There will also be bilateral meetings on the sideline of the Conference, as well as two special side events on 4th October that will focus on the topics of Gender and Regional Economic Cooperation respectively.
Since 2001, Afghanistan and its partners have made significant investments and booked lots of achievements, but there are still a lot more that needs to be done. There are significant political, security and economic challenges. Strong partnerships are required to make sure that the current reforms take hold and that Afghanistan will reach its goal of achieving self-reliance in the Transformation Decade. Strong commitments from our international partners are needed to ensure that we root out terrorism and violent extremism; and that we build strong institutions that are able to deliver quality basic services to all citizens.
The achievements of the Warsaw NATO Summit of last July will become complete with an equally strong expression of support in Brussels: security and development go hand in hand – one cannot exist without the other.
——-
Photography MH Siddiqi .
By Dr. Qu Xing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, to the Kingdom of Belgium.This year’s G20 Summit held in Hangzhou, China from 4 to 5 September has carried high expectations for effective prescriptions to global economy from all parties. Being carried out under complex circumstances as the world economy is undergoing deep adjustment and sluggish recovery with increasing unstable and uncertain factors, the summit has achieved great success with adoptions of the G20 Leaders’ Communiqué of the Hangzhou Summit and 28 specific outcome documents. The following outcomes of this summit will certainly have long-term and strategic significance to the strong recovery and sustainable growth of world economy. Firstly, the summit has focused on the agenda of innovative growth and jointly formulated the G20 Blueprint on Innovative Growth as well as three action plans for innovation, new industrial revolution and digital economy, aiming at breaking a new path for global economic growth.Secondly, the summit has formulated documents on structural reform to push forward the quota and governance reform of international financial institution, and build an equitable and efficient global economic and financial governance, so as to enhance the resilience of the world economy. Thirdly, for the first time, G20 summit gives priority to development in global macro policy framework. With development becoming a banner to guide the summit, the G20 Hangzhou Summit has the widest participation of developing countries in its history.Fourthly, the summit is committed to revitalizing international trade and investment as key engines of growth, and approved the G20 Guiding Principles for Global Investment Policymaking, which is the first multilateral framework for investment principles in the world. It pledges to curb protectionist and isolationist trade policies, promote trade and investment facilitation and liberalization, and achieve the optimal allocation of global resources.Fifthly, the summit has reached a consensus to tackle climate change with strong and effective support and action. China and the United States jointly deposited their instruments of approval to the Paris Agreement to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the eve of the summit, demonstrating their leadership in promoting global green development. The G20 was born at a time of crisis and grows up amidst difficulties. We hope and believe that its Hangzhou Summit will become a fresh starting point for it to transform from a crisis-responding mechanism to one focusing on long-term governance, so as to build an innovative, invigorated, interconnected and inclusive world economy.
——–
Photography by Zhou Zijun, Embassy of China in Brussels.
By H.E. Jaroslav Kurfürst, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Czechia will celebrate another national independence day on 28 October as a self-confident country with broad network of friendly relations on a global level.
As an open economy focused on export of competitive goods, we are keen to build our partnerships around the globe. As a welcoming touristic destination, we are pleased to offer the beauties of our central European cultural and architectural heritage of Prague and other cities but also our picturesque countryside. As an international actor, we try to make the world a better place and build on Václav Havel’s ideas of responsibility for its future. As a knowledge-based society we keep the doors of our universities and scientific institutions open for foreign students and establishing international partnerships. As a country of rich cultural heritage, we want to fill in the “unbearable lightness of being” with ideas, creativity, fun and originality.
In all these areas and opportunities the countries of Benelux play an important role. As the Czech ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, I can witness remarkable dynamics between these two countries of similar population, strong historical affinities, similar mentality and sense of humor resulting in the wide network of personal, business as well as cultural connections.
Belgians were among the first and most successful investors coming to Czechia after the collapse of communism. They stayed and have prospered ever since. I believe there is a wide space for more cooperation especially in the innovative sector of the economy and research.
H.E. Jaroslav Kurfürst, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium. Photography by Dagmar Kneřová.
After joining the EU we have dedicated an important share of our investment funding to the research infrastructures and capabilities which now start to function and deliver. This means that a new chapter is opening which brings new opportunities for Belgian and every other international partner. Czechia can offer unique industrial tradition, growing economic environment and favorable geography in the Heart of Europe.
Our historical odyssey generated a couple of dates which are taught in the international relations studies and not all of them have as positive connotations as the celebrated independence of 28 October 1918. Our common European history with many turmoils is just one of many reasons why we should cherish the cooperative spirit in Europe, our union of European democracies and the Atlantic alliance.
Czechia is engaged in a dialogue about the EU future – through the EU network, bilaterally with Belgium and other EU members, but also as a V4 – Benelux which lastly met at the level of foreign ministers in Prague during the Czech V4 presidency this June. Europe is our fortunate destiny and we should ensure its sustainability.
Protect it from populists who tend to caricature the project but, at the same time, bring it closer to its people. All the existing problems have solutions within our reach – through credible politics and realistic ambitions, smart cooperative diplomacy and daily work for citizens.
This was also the method of the founder of the independent Czechoslovakia Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk who stressed, that “the world stands on the little daily work”. It was valid for the recreation of our independence; it is valid for diplomacy in general
——–
Photography by Dagmar Kneřová, Public Relations Officer at the Czech Republic Embassy in Brussels.
By H.E. Pierre-Louis Lorenz, Ambassador of Luxembourg to The Netherlands.
Over the course of the last three decades, Luxembourg has been able to build a financial industry which is uniquely specialized in cross-border activities. This is a common feature throughout the entire range of services provided in Luxembourg, whether in investment funds, wealth management, capital market operations or advisory services. Enabling investors to connect with different markets is today the centre’s hallmark.
The country has developed cross-border products and services in a variety of sectors including banking, investment funds, wealth management, insurance and capital markets, offering a high degree of complementarity to other financial centres that predominantly serve domestic markets. Its multijurisdictional expertise, the diversity of its financial services ecosystem and its high degree of stability have helped the Luxembourg financial centre flourish, while delivering benefits to households, companies and governments across Europe and beyond.
Luxembourg Ambassador, H.E. Pierre-Louis Lorenz.
The success of the Luxembourg financial industry has not only been a national asset, but benefited Europe more generally. Luxembourg’s leading position in the investment fund area is foremost a success story of a European investment product, the UCITS. The assets raised in the fund industry through Luxembourg are assets that benefit companies all over Europe as they are being reinvested in various countries and help finance economic activity.
Luxembourg has grown economically with the completion of the Single Market of the European Union where goods, people, services and capital can move freely. This Single Market has encouraged trade and thus ensured growth. It is therefore imperative not only to preserve it but also to continue to work for its completion.
The economic and financial crisis and lately Brexit, as well as the growing awareness of former practices in international financial engineering as revealed by successive international campaigns like Bahamas’ Leaks, LuxLeaks, SwissLeaks, Panama Papers and others have been contributing to a change in attitudes and the need to adapt the world of financial services, notably in the regulatory sphere and in matters of tax transparency. Luxembourg is unequivocally committed to tax transparency and has embraced this evolution. The government has abolished banking secrecy in tax matters and supported or even, during Luxembourg’s recent EU Presidency in 2015, pushed for automatic exchange of information.
Today transparency is welcomed as an opportunity for Luxembourg. Its financial industry, notably in the investment fund area, capital markets and many other activities, grew to a global role without being covered by banking secrecy. Its wealth management industry has risen to prominence for its unique expertise and lately even came to suffer from the undeserved stigma of tax secrecy.
The attractiveness of Luxembourg as a hub in the EU has been recognized by many leading international financial institutions over the last years. It is the ideal location from where to operate, whether in the Eurozone or more generally in the EU as a whole. Going forward, Luxembourg will spare no effort in enhancing its overall competitiveness.
Like other financial centres, Luxembourg’s aim is to remain competitive, and to do so it must contend with two major forces: globalisation and technology.
With this in mind, Luxembourg set out a vision for the financial centre, called LuxFin 2020, built around three principal objectives:
Consolidate and develop Luxembourg’s expertise in cross-border financial services. Luxembourg will continue to serve corporate and private clients, whether EU or non-EU, in need of specialist high quality international financial services and compliant cross-border investment solutions. Luxembourg will enlarge its geographical scope beyond the European Union’s borders in serving international clients around the world.
Expand Luxembourg’s role as the European location of choice for global financial services providers. Asset managers, private equity firms, banks, insurance companies, payment institutions and many other financial services professionals have chosen Luxembourg to set up their pan-European operations and to have a strong foothold in the Eurozone. To encourage this development, Luxembourg, which is firmly rooted within and strongly committed to the European Union, will enhance its attractiveness as the EU onshore location of choice for international investors and financial institutions.
Foster innovation and become a leader in digital financial services. By seizing the opportunities of digitalisation and leveraging technological enablers, the financial services industry in Luxembourg is committed to stay at the vanguard of innovation. This process is accelerating very rapidly and it could very well be the start of a new era in financial services. The FinTech revolution brings about immense opportunities and Luxembourg very firmly aims to position itself as a 21st century financial center. It is already solidly established in this space with global e-payments institutions as well as new, disruptive players such as virtual currency operators having chosen Luxembourg as their hub in Europe.
Luxembourg has the capacity and motivation, once more, to turn challenges into opportunities and to reinvent the way to approach and offer financial services. This makes me confident about the future of our flagship service industry.
Each of the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom enhanced Aruba House, Curaçao House and St. Maarten House, their permanent representation in The Hague. Along with catering to the needs of the large diasporas, the ‘Houses’ also became home to the new Cabinets of the Ministers Plenipotentiary.
The Minister Plenipotentiary has a unique status; while not considered a minister within the Cabinet, the Minister Plenipotentiary can be considered an extension of the Cabinet, falling under the purview of the Prime Minister.
The Minister Plenipotentiary is primarily tasked with representing his or her respective country in the Kingdom Council of Ministers, based on instructions received from the capital. The Kingdom Council of Ministers is an enlarged variant of the Dutch Council of Ministers, including the three Ministers Plenipotentiary, that meets regularly to discuss Kingdom affairs.
The current Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, Ms. Marvelyne Wiels, is therefore an extension of Curaçao’s sitting Cabinet, and falls under the current Prime Minister of Curaçao, Dr. Bernard Whiteman of Pueblo Soberano or the Sovereign People’s Party.
Despite the Statute adopted in 2010, several grey areas remain. In large part, the new relationship is a balancing act – not just between the 16.8 million people who reside in the Netherlands and the 250,000 that live in the Caribbean countries, but because each country, as expected, has its own set of interests and challenges. Curaçao, for example, has a multi-sectoral economy that is primarily based on building relations in the region.
Although each of the countries within the Kingdom is allowed to enter into certain agreements on a country-level, in various fora, the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains the recognized partner, with King Willem Alexander as Head of State. “This complex structure has its advantages, namely the fact that we are able to build bridges and relationships in different ways, be it bilaterally, or multilaterally, as four countries or as a Kingdom.” (Minister Plenipotentiary Wiels, 2016)
Foreign policy development therefore requires intra-Kingdom cooperation on a policy-level, ensuring coherence and understanding for deviating interests and concerns.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands officially made its ‘One Kingdom, Four Countries’ debut in 2014, as the lobby for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council intensified. Together, the Kingdom built a multi-faceted lobby titled: ‘Your Partner for Peace, Justice and Development.’
The lobby highlighted so many different aspects of foreign policy, some that had a larger impact on the Netherlands like ‘Enhancing Security and Stability,’ and others, like ‘Advancing Inclusive Sustainable Growth’ that directly linked to the interests of Curaçao.
And the other Caribbean countries.
“…I kindly ask that you take a moment and think of the unique position of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with influence and ties to two very distinct regions: Europe and the Caribbean…Think about the potential that we possess to represent a truly international point of view, with two very different historical perspectives and diverging priorities.” (Prime Minister Whiteman, November 2015)
Since today most pressing issues transcend political boundaries, it is clear that within the Kingdom, all of our sails need to point in the same direction, especially when the tides continuously turn. The search for common ground must go on.
As we continue to prepare for a seat in the UN Security Council, and as the dynamic world of international relations continues to transform, the truth remains that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is stronger because of the joint lobby for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Reflecting on the lobby, it is clear that developing foreign policy priorities based on common ground will allow the Kingdom of the Netherlands to be a truly dynamic and relatable partner.
Despite the complexities of the Kingdom, the whole proved, once and for all, to be far greater than the sum of its parts.
As the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we remain, your partner for peace, justice and development.
——-
Photography by Paco Nunez.
It will be the civilian counterpart to the Warsaw Summit, dedicated to the support of the progress in the country by securing commitments until 2020, and will be attended by representatives from 70 countries and 30 international organizations and agencies. There will also be bilateral meetings on the sideline of the Conference, as well as two special side events on 4th October that will focus on the topics of Gender and Regional Economic Cooperation respectively.
Since 2001, Afghanistan and its partners have made significant investments and booked lots of achievements, but there are still a lot more that needs to be done. There are significant political, security and economic challenges. Strong partnerships are required to make sure that the current reforms take hold and that Afghanistan will reach its goal of achieving self-reliance in the Transformation Decade. Strong commitments from our international partners are needed to ensure that we root out terrorism and violent extremism; and that we build strong institutions that are able to deliver quality basic services to all citizens.
The achievements of the Warsaw NATO Summit of last July will become complete with an equally strong expression of support in Brussels: security and development go hand in hand – one cannot exist without the other.
——-
Photography MH Siddiqi .
