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.
——————–
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
Déjeuner communautaraire hosted by the Slovak Embassy to Belgium – Picture by Embassy of Slovakia to Belgium and Luxembourg.Brussels, Tuesday, 5 July 2016: To mark the beginning of the rotating presidency of the European Council, HE Ambassador Stanislav Vallo, head of mission of Slovakia to Belgium and Luxembourg, hosted a traditional déjeuner communautaire for his bilateral colleagues heading the missions of EU member states. Belgian Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders, as well as Montenegro’s ambassador (EU candidate to membership) also joined in the lunch meant to discuss amongst heads of mission the latest issues concerning the EU. Moreover it served to officially present the priorities set forth by the Slovak presidency during its six months term which began on 1 July 2016. For more information:Embassy of Slovakia to Belgium and Luxembourg (HE Ambassador Stanislav Vallo): https://www.mzv.sk/web/brusel-en/about_usPermanent Representation of Slovakia to the EU (HE Ambassador Peter Javorčík): https://www.mzv.sk/web/szbrusel-enPriorities of the Slovak presidency of the European Council: https://www.mzv.sk/web/szbrusel-en/detail/-/asset_publisher/XptbLMYwZmJ6/content/priority-predsednictva-sr-v-rade-eu/10182?p_p_auth=vah5uR9d&_101_INSTANCE_XptbLMYwZmJ6_redirect=%2Fweb%2Fszbrusel-en
On the picture Alksandras Alesejevas and Ambassador Darius Semaska.
H.E. Darius Jonas Semaska, Ambassador of Lithuania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted an impressive art exhibit at his residence on Monday July 4th.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667894517163Alksandras Alesejevas was the guest artist, a UK-based Lithuanian painter and sculptor, who came from London to introduce his professional works in the presence of the diplomatic corps and distinguished citizens.
The vernissage was launched after a speech overview from Ambassador Semaska, welcoming his guests to enjoy a reception with typical canapés from Lithuanian’s finest cuisine. “Cultural diplomacy is essential to small countries like ours”, says ambassador Semaska.
Alksandras Alesejevas’ academic background:
PhD student at Prince`s School of Traditional Arts, London, UK since 2010
Course of Iconography at The Fellowship of St. Luke, London, UK, 2008
Member of British Association of Iconographers since 2008
Associate Member of The Royal British Society of Sculptors since 2004
Kaunas A. Martinaitis Art School (Lithuania), Diploma of Fine Arts in 1995
Riga Marine Academy (Latvia), Bachelor Marine Engineering in 1987
Marine School (Liepaja, Latvia), Diploma in Steam Machines and Boilers in 1983
Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Adia Sakiqi and the Ambassador of Kosovo, H.E. Vjosa Dobruna.
On the picture, former CCOE Director Colonel Roel Been handing over the CCOE flag.By Viviana Knorr.
After weeks of preparation once again a time-honored military tradition took place on Thursday 30 June at 11 o’clock in the morning: the Official Ceremony of the Change of Command happened at the Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence quarters in The Hague between Colonel Roel Been (NLD) and Colonel Wolfgang Paulik (GER).
In an emotively ceremony with live music, attendees were welcome to the first Change of Command Ceremony taking place in the premises of the CIMIC Center of Excellence.
Colonel Roel Been.“Dear CCOE colleagues, dear CCOE friends, yes, I am very proud of what all of you achieved last years. We have made great progress together in developing the branding and the position of the CCOE within and beyond the core stakeholder community”, were Colonel Roel Been opening words.“Dear Colonel Wolfgang Paulik, today I am proudly handing over to you an organization and its multinational staff which is up to speed and up to the CIMIC challenges of our times,” were Colonel Been closing words before the band played his favorite song: “That is not the Artillery song… I’m sorry for that,” with a touch of humor he remarked to later cite the immortal lyrics of the Dire Straits My Brothers in Arms song.Colonel Wolfgang Paulik.In response to his new mission, Colonel Wolfgang Paulik stressed his commitment to “continue to promote what I call ‘CIMIC in 360 grades’. CIMIC is integral part in every kind of operation, in Stabilization Operations, in Article 3, 4 and 5 Operations, in Hybrid Warfare, in Humanitarian Support Operations, may it be in the strategic direction to the north-east or to the south”.The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the 18th century when organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to each particular unit. When a change of command took place the flag was passed to the individual assuming the command. This gesture was accomplished in front of the unit so that all could see and witness their new leader assuming his dutiful position. He who held the flag also held the soldier’s allegiance. This symbolic tradition has survived throughout military history.In 2001 CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) Group North HQ (CGN HQ) was founded by establishing an operational CIMIC HQ between the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Poland for a dedicated capacity for Civil-Military Co-operation as a response to the events in the Balkans by NATOs request. Since then, the Group consisted of a deployable HQ with dedicated CIMIC units and functional specialists assigned from the nations. The Group was intended to function as a Theatre-Wide multinational CIMIC unit to be used primarily in international operations, including in NATO Collective Defence Operations.
In 2003 the Group was formally activated in this function with several transformations happening during time.
Although the CCOE is accredited as a NATO Centre of Excellence, its capacity and experience is also available to other international organizations like the European Union, Non Governmental Organizations and scientific institutions. The centre is financed and controlled by the Sponsoring Nations and is not part of the NATO command structure. It is the objective of the CCOE to have as many Sponsoring Nations participating as possible, because this will enlarge the knowledge and experience level of the CCOE, and will strengthen the position of the CCOE as a body for creating (future) doctrine of Civil – Military Interaction.
Colleagues, family and visitors gathered indoors for a farewell lunch.
Statement of the Prosecutor correcting assertions contained in article published by The TelegraphOn Saturday, 2 July 2016, the British daily, The Telegraph, published an article erroneously asserting that my Office has “already ruled out putting Tony Blair on trial for war crimes.” The article is being widely disseminated, aggravating the spread of inaccurate information concerning the ongoing preliminary examination carried out by my Office with respect to the Situation in Iraq. As such, I am compelled to correct the public record by providing the following clarification. First, I reiterate that all the activities of my Office, including all our preliminary examination work, are conducted with full independence and impartiality. These principles are non-negotiable in my Office. Second, it must be emphasised that my Office has not taken a position with respect to the Chilcot Report; the contents of which are yet to be released and are unknown to us at this stage. Third, my Office is currently conducting a preliminary examination with respect to the Situation in Iraq, not an investigation. A preliminary examination is aimed at determining whether there is a reasonable basis to open an investigation on the basis of all reliable information that we have independently assessed in accordance with the Rome Statute legal criteria. The Office will consider the Chilcot Report as part of its due diligence of assessing all relevant material that could provide further context to the allegations of war crimes by British troops in Iraq. Additional details of this work are available in our latest preliminary examination report. Fourth, while the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) currently has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, as explained to The Telegraph, the Court does not yet have jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. Therefore, the specific question of the legality of the decision to resort to the use of force in Iraq in 2003 – or elsewhere – does not fall within the legal mandate of the Court, and hence, is not within the scope of its preliminary examination.An important distinction must be borne in mind between war crimes, which fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC, and the crime of aggression, which, at the present stage, does not. These are two very distinct crimes with their own legal elements of criminality. Suggesting, therefore, that the ICC has ruled out investigating the former British Prime Minister for war crimes but may prosecute soldiers is a misrepresentation of the facts, drawn from unfamiliarity with the Court’s jurisdictional parameters. These parameters also require the Court to exercise jurisdiction only when a state is unable or unwilling to genuinely investigate and prosecute the perpetrators. Once a decision is made to open an investigation in any given situation, my Office may investigate and prosecute any individual suspected of committing crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. We do this work without fear or favour and irrespective of the official capacity of the perpetrator(s). In accordance with the scope of my Office’s policy, in fact, as a general rule, my Office will prosecute those most responsible for the commission of these serious crimes. The warrants of arrest issued to date by the Court have been line with this policy and principled approach. In short, the assertions about the ICC and my Office’s work contained in the said article published by The Telegraph are inaccurate.
FONDEMA hosted a roundtable discussion, late May, that sought to explore the state of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the contemporary Southern Mediterranean region, promoting discussion on the topic of cultural heritage today as it impacts significantly on the future stability of communities and societies. The discussion was held in the context of the on-going conflict in parts of the Middle East and the Levant, posing a further threat on the preservation of cultural heritage in the affected areas. The event was moderated by Ms. Antje Grebner (The Hague University), she moderated a multidisciplinary panel consisting of: Dr Claudio Cimino(Secretary General of WATCH), Ms Koosje Spitz (Netherlands Commission to UNESCO), Dr Marilena Vecco (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Dr Olivier Nieuwenhuijse (Leiden University/Centre for Global Heritage and Development) and Dr Simona Pinton (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice).Dr Marilena Vecco explained that although there is no rational justification in economic terms for arts/conservation financing, it creates positive externalities. She drew upon ‘Maybe it should be remembered that in any society Heritage is recognised by the fact that its loss is a sacrifice and its conservation entails sacrifices? This is the law of any sacredness’ (Castel)Ms Koosje Spitz (Netherlands Commission for UNESCO) Ms Spitz stated that the destruction of cultural heritage in times of conflict or as an instrument in warfare is of all times and of all regions, it is a matter that should concern all parts of the world as culture is the record of humanity. Dr Olivier Nieuwenhuijse talked about the strong dutch tradition of archaeological research in the region and the multiple threats to continued work. Dr Claudio Cimino emphasised how intangible and tangible cultural heritage are intrinsically linked and that preservation efforts of one without the other are futile. Dr Simona Pinton’s main point was that international law does have a role to play in preventing the destruction of tangible and intangible heritage and that the current legislation in place can be used as a suitable framework.Photography by FONDEMA.
Jewel of Our Interior, a beautiful way to look at our own characteristics!
By Henk Bruning, author and international expert on HRM
What Images of blown glass with steel stone and Polymer
Artist Angela Teunissen and Gerda Maas
Where Gallery Chris-Art, Noordeinde 160, The Hague
When June 5 – August 28, 2016
The exhibition is right in the international centre of The Hague. The subject is special because of its original combination of blown glass and a variety of other materials like stone, steel, nails, small bullets and pearls.
Sculptress Angela Teunissen (Netherlands/Spain) sculpts with her blown glass and composes the glass art and other materials with precision and perfection to unique and unexpected sculptures of different sizes and figures.
Interaction
Special is the theme of the experience ‘Jewel of Our Interior’. The sculptures convey an original meaning about the beautiful, but often hidden, characteristics of human beings. Angela got these characteristics from people who she asked to send her a quality which they are proud of.
Angela transformed those in art as counterweight against negativism. Negativism that rules our live in a world of unrest with obligates high standards and a competitive spirit.
The sculptures are dedicated to the splendour and spirit that we all possesses: The core from which the world can grow.
Our characteristics are worth to be seen!
The work of Angela Teunissen can be seen as an artsy social awareness that inspires the visitor and viewer and invites to reflect.
Universe
Gerda Maas (Netherlands) is inspired by her journeys; recently to Japan. Impressions swirl through her head and hands to be reflected in pieces of art of polymer. She models polymer covering with a skin of 23-karat gold leaf. Mesmerized by the universe with its nebulae and black holes Gerda uses materials like yarn, needles and wire to create gorgeous wall objects.
The combination of the work of Angela and Gerda makes the exhibition topical, special and worth to visit and to enjoy.
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 
Alksandras Alesejevas was the guest artist, a UK-based Lithuanian painter and sculptor, who came from London to introduce his professional works in the presence of the diplomatic corps and distinguished citizens.
The vernissage was launched after a speech overview from Ambassador Semaska, welcoming his guests to enjoy a reception with typical canapés from Lithuanian’s finest cuisine. “Cultural diplomacy is essential to small countries like ours”, says ambassador Semaska.
Alksandras Alesejevas’ academic background:
PhD student at 
In 2003 the Group was formally activated in this function with several transformations happening during time.
Although the CCOE is accredited as a NATO Centre of Excellence, its capacity and experience is also available to other international organizations like the European Union, Non Governmental Organizations and scientific institutions. The centre is financed and controlled by the Sponsoring Nations and is not part of the NATO command structure. It is the objective of the CCOE to have as many Sponsoring Nations participating as possible, because this will enlarge the knowledge and experience level of the CCOE, and will strengthen the position of the CCOE as a body for creating (future) doctrine of Civil – Military Interaction.
Colleagues, family and visitors gathered indoors for a farewell lunch.
Sculptress Angela Teunissen (Netherlands/Spain) sculpts with her blown glass and composes the glass art and other materials with precision and perfection to unique and unexpected sculptures of different sizes and figures.
Interaction
Special is the theme of the experience ‘Jewel of Our Interior’. The sculptures convey an original meaning about the beautiful, but often hidden, characteristics of human beings. Angela got these characteristics from people who she asked to send her a quality which they are proud of.
Angela transformed those in art as counterweight against negativism. Negativism that rules our live in a world of unrest with obligates high standards and a competitive spirit.
The sculptures are dedicated to the splendour and spirit that we all possesses: The core from which the world can grow.
Our characteristics are worth to be seen!
The work of Angela Teunissen can be seen as an artsy social awareness that inspires the visitor and viewer and invites to reflect.
Universe
Gerda Maas (Netherlands) is inspired by her journeys; recently to Japan. Impressions swirl through her head and hands to be reflected in pieces of art of polymer. She models polymer covering with a skin of 23-karat gold leaf. Mesmerized by the universe with its nebulae and black holes Gerda uses materials like yarn, needles and wire to create gorgeous wall objects.
The combination of the work of Angela and Gerda makes the exhibition topical, special and worth to visit and to enjoy.