On the picture the Hungarian chef Janos Klimaj.
On Saturday 21 May, Diplomat Magazine presented the first Diplomats International Gastronomic Festival at HANOS Den Haag-Delft.
Fifteen embassies sparked up their grills, woks, and hotplates to let ambassadors, diplomats and other invitees taste their countries’ specialities.
The event was opened by the mayor of Delft, representatives of Diplomat Magazine, HANOS General Manager Mr Frans Kieftenbeld and the Ambassadors of Thailand, Russia, Hungary, Pakistan, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Afghanistan, Sweden, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Turkey.
Hungary was represented by the Smaak van Hongarije, the Trade Office of the Embassy of Hungary and the Embassy’s chef Mr Janos Klimaj.During the festival, Embassy chef Mr Klimaj cooked catfish stew, quark pasta with dill and cracklings, and pork medallions with lecsó mousse and potato crisps, on several hot plates. He also prepared two types of deserts, a quark desert ‘Varga’ style, as well as poppy seed pudding with acacia honey. Visitors could observe his cooking demonstration and be invited to taste his dishes, together with different types of Hungarian wine.
The Smaak van Hongarije presented typical Hungarian food products such as Pick wintersalami, different types of Gyermelyi, ground paprika powder and ground caraway.
By Viviana Knorr.This year the Opening Ceremony of the 6th Ibero-American Week of International Justice once more was successfully staged at the Peace Palace, the seat of the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Wednesday, 1 June at 10 am.Engaging the audience the opening was preceded by a warm welcoming speech by Mr. Héctor Olasolo Alonso, IIH Chairman; Chair in International Law at El Rosario University from Colombia and Ad Hoc Professor at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Mr. Olasolo firstly expressed his deepest gratitude to H.E. Mr. Philippe Couvreur, the Registrar of the International Court of Justice “for his support given to this project in the Spanish language.” For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157669245256215H.E. Mr Philippe Couvreur, the Registrar of the International Court of Justice.Mr. Olasolo extended his thoughts to The Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands, the Mayor of The Hague, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the Embassy of Argentina in The Hague, the University Del Rosario in Colombia and lastly to all Ambassadors from Latin America and to all organisations involved. Mr. Olasolo words included his sincere recognition to all of them for allowing the event’s consolidation as for the participation of the juries and panelists of the Seminar of Ibero-American Thinking on International Justice.H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Piragibe Dos Santos Tarrago, Ambassador of Brazil and the Ambassador of Bolivia, H.E. Enrique Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze.Starting with 25 students in 2011 to today’s 250 participants, all activities planned for the 6th Ibero-American Week of International Justice keep showing the vibrant spirit with which the Institute and the Ibero-American Week of International Justice inaugurated the event then, as Mr. Olasolo remarked.Following Mr. Olasolo speech the discourses of H.E. Mr. Philippe Couvreur the Registrar of the International Court of Justice, H.E. Mr. Johan van der Werff, Ambassador of the Netherlands for International Organisations, H.E. Mr. Alvaro Moerzinger, Vicepresident of the Asambly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court and, H.E. Ms. Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, President, proceeded. H.E. Hector Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of Argentina and H.E. Philippe Couvreur, the Registrar of the International Criminal Court.“This monumental building has a strong value” stressed H.E. Mr. Couvreur about the Peace Palace in his imposing soulful historic reference, “it was erected about a century ago, following the vestige of the Conferences of Peace of The Hague of 1899 and 1907 as an attempt to materialize the efforts of the international society of the time, for the eradication of war and the establishment of a solid foundation of world peace.”H. E. Mr. Couvreur remarked the then outstanding progress of Latin America in the first two conferences where Mexico was the onlyparticipant in the first one, and 16 states of the 44, represented by Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, la República Dominicana, El Salvador y Uruguay, were in the second one.Under the same light H.E. Mr. Couvreur emphasised Spain and Portugal’s part as the cradle of international law.H.E. Mr. Van der Werff emotively expressed his participation highlighting the pride of the Netherlands for having the presence of today’s participants and older international institutions settled in The Hague since the Peace Palace was founded. H.E. Mr. Moerzinger extended a profound invitation to Latin American jurists stressing The Hague’s main message of peace. The respect and international development to combat “the everlasting fight of humankind with its own barbaric acts”.H.E. Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, the President of the International Criminal Court.Closing the welcoming speeches H.E. Ms. Fernández de Gurmendi warmly addressed the options this event offers to its participants this year for its (polifonica) panels including China. “The importance of the future of international laws lays in you” were her words addressing the young jurists in the audience.The immediate events highlighted following the occasion were the 4th Edition of the ICC Moot Court Competition in Spanish taking place on Thursday, 2 June at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University, The Hague Campus.Some special visits happening during the 6th Ibero-American Week of International Justice are those to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).A reception followed the opening ceremony. The 6th Ibero-American Week of International Justice is taking place from 30 May until 10 June in The Hague.
Pictured Javier Arias, MBA Senior Marketing, Nyenrode Universiteit, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh and Ghisline Crombag, Talent Recuiter International& MBA. By Viviana Knorr.Launching Event of the Diplomat Magazine Award by Nyenrode Business Universiteit: Everything you need to know from Diplomat Magazine master scholarship for diplomats and international students.Under an umbrella of blue skies Nyenrode University academic staff met at the Carlton Ambassador in The Hague on the 1st day of June to present Diplomat Magazine master scholarship for diplomats and international students. What’s it all about?For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157666681097513Mrs Armonia Chang de Belchieur, Minister Counsellor of Panama, H. E. Archibishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio and Mr Lucas Ottero, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Perou.Early this year Nyenrode Business Universiteit and Diplomat Magazine announced with great enthusiasm their new partnership to develop the Nyenrode – Diplomat Magazine Award. This award aims to officially regard the talents from the diplomat network in the Netherlands and worldwide with scholarships for their programs Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master (MSc) in Management, full-time International MBA and part-time Executive MBA. The award includes 1 scholarship for each of the Nyenrode programs mentioned above worth €10,000.Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine Publisher welcomed attendees from different embassies as H. E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh, the Apostolic Nuncio H.E. Aldo Cavali, H.E. Adam M. J. Sadiq, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Minister Counsellor of Panama Armonia Chang de Belchieur, Minister Counselor Mr. Matiku Kimenya from the Embassy of Tanzania, Mr. Edgar Eckholt, First Secretary of the Embassy of Chile, Mr. Ramez Ali Abu Safia, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Palestine, as the cultural attachés from the Embassies of Peru, Lucas Ottero and the United States.Dr Mayelinne De Lara and Javier Arias.“Every three months an exchange between businesses from The Netherlands and Bangladesh takes place where personnel from companies have an intensive training”, remarked H. E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh to The Netherlands, in reference to the program that improved the commercial lives of many small traders enrolled in the university’s exchanges. This as a result of the meticulous selection that allowed the businesspersons with the most potential, to be direct beneficiaries of the knowledge taught in the courses. “Therefore our strong desire to expand and persist with Nyenrode university programs remains”, concluded Mr. Belal.Mr. Robert E. Anderson, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Cultural Attaché of the USA Embassy and Mr. Ramez Ali Abu Safia, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Palestine.Mr. Javier Arias, MBA Senior Marketing Nyenrode Universiteit, proceeded with a presentation about the university’s business network, its location and accreditations, the universities involved in their programs, and with further details about Nyenrode programs that are both, taught in English and Dutch aiming to cater the international components of the diplomatic world that aims to address with Diplomat Magazine award scholarship.Presentation details:Date: 1st of June 2016
Time: 19h
Venue: Carlton Ambassador in The HagueMr Javier Arias, MBA Senior Marketing, Nyenrode Universiteit.About Nyenrode:
Nyenrode Business Universiteit is the only private university in the Netherlands, founded for and by business.Nyenrode pillars of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Stewardship are reflected in all of their programs which include undergraduate and graduate degrees in management, business, finance and accounting.
This summer the Cecilia International Choir of The Hague is organising a special Mozart concert to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The concert will take place on Friday 1 July at the Sint Agnes kerk on the Beeklaan in The Hague. Professional soloists and a baroque orchestra will accompany the choir in performances of the Coronation Mass, Vesperae Solennesde Confessore and ExultateJubilate.
The solo parts will be sung by American soprano Katharine Dain, French mezzo-soprano Marine Fribourg, Belgian tenor Adriaan de Koster and Dutch bass Kees Jan de Koning, all young singers with international experience. Orchestral accompaniment will be provided by Florilegium Musicum, an orchestra playing on baroque period instruments; the sound that would have been heard in Mozart’s own day. Overall direction of the soloists, choir and orchestra is in the hands of the choir’s enthusiastic Canadian conductor Drew Santini.
The Cecilia International Choir is a mixed voice group of approximately 75 singers. Starting in 1976 as the British Choir, it gradually attracted both local Dutch members and expatriates from many different cultures who wanted to enjoy singing in an English speaking environment which process led it to adopt its current name. For 40 years the choir has warmly welcomed singers from all over the world and is marking that achievement with this beautiful concert.
Tickets for the concert, which include an interval refreshment, cost 18.00 euros if purchased in advance or 20.00 euros if purchased at the door on the evening of the concert. For young people in full-time education, the price is only 10 euros.
For instructions on how to purchase tickets please visit the choir’s website or contact any member of the choir.
Concert date:
Friday 1 July
Sint Agnes Kerk, The Hague
Start time: 20:00 hrs
Ticket price: 20 euros (18 euros in advance)
Pictured Drs.Reinier Russell.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Chair of the Latin American Table at the Litteraire Scocietet de Witte in The Hague and Honorary Consul of El Salvador, Ms Sonia de Meijer, hosted a second lecture.
Mr. Agustin Vasquez, Minister Counsellor Embassy of El Salvador, Ms. Lucia Rodriguez Fetzer, First Secretary Embassy of Guatemala and Ms Alexandra Isabel Gonzalez , Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Costa Rica.
The lecture was delivered by Drs.Reinier Russell, chairman of the Honorary Consuls in The Netherlands, Secretary of Consular Corps, Honorary Consul of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Amsterdam and Managing Partner at Russell Advocaten.After welcoming Ambassadors, diplomats and guests Sonia de Meijer invited the speaker Drs. Russell to deliver his lecture.
Duke Michael of Mecklenbourg and Ms Maja Christina Steenwijk – Groot, Knight in The Order of Orange of Nassau.
Mr. Russell talked about the activities of the CCN, Corps Consulaie Nederland and passionately about his activities as Hon. Consul for the Republic of Brazil in Amsterdam.
Very impressive. Drs. Russell highlighted what the consular tasks are:
First line helps to nationals and Dutch
Opening doors
Solving problems and assisting Brazilians in the Netherlands
Strengthen ties between the two countries
Economy
Culture
Science
Representation
None political matters
Mr. Jorge Antonio Carvajal, Counsellor at the Embassy of Chile together with Mr Daniel Ricardo Escobar, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Colombia.
Russell elaborated on all these points providing vivid examples. Besides the predicament Brazilian nationals could find themselves in while in the Netherlands, Russell also mentioned the centuries long historical ties. Maurits van Nassau, after whom the Mauritshuis has been named. This part of the Dutch presence is very much alive in N.E.Brasil – Recife to date.
The 25 minute lecture in the Leeszaal of the Soc. De Witte, has been a revealing one. Cocktails and a dinner concluded this second session of the Latin American Table.
Pictured H.E. Ken Wu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Netherlands invited guests of various strata in the Netherlands to a welcome reception at the Chancellery for the newly accredit Ambassador, H.E. Ken Wu.
The reception took place on Monday 20 May 2016. Mr. Ribiao Chen, Minister Counselor cordially welcomed the guests and introduced H.E. Ken Wu, Ambassador. To the surprise of the audience, Ambassador Ken Wu started his address in Dutch before switching to Chinese. The discourse was simultaneously translated into English.
Colonel Hossien Nabizadeh, Defense Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with Mr Hai Wei Military Attaché of the Embassy of China.
Ambassador Ken Wu is a Civil servant. He has served his country in many positions. He was posted as diplomat to Austria and Switzerland. Ken Wu is fluent in Chinese, English and German. Ambassador Ken Wu mentioned his reason for being in the Netherlands and what his aspirations are.
A resume of address follows.
‘It is now perhaps the best season of the year in the Netherlands, and it is vibrant everywhere. It’s my great honor to work in this beautiful country. Upon arrival, I am deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and friendliness of the Dutch people, as well as their talent for languages.
A few days ago, when I presented the letter of credence to His Majesty King Willem Alexander, considering the fact that I can fluently communicate in German, His Majesty the King talked with me especially in German, which is a unique and unforgettable experience for me.
It reflects the King’s friendliness to the Chinese people and also urges me to speed up my Dutch language study. Today is my first try and I hope to communicate more with you in Dutch in the near future.
The exchanges between China and the Netherlands date back to 400 years ago, when the Maritime Silk Road stretching from Guangzhou of China to Rotterdam connected the two countries. Early in the 17th century, influenced by Chinese blue and white porcelain, the Dutch people made the Delft blue porcelain which enjoyed great popularity all over Europe.’
During his tenure in The Hague Ambassador Ken Wu aspires to achieve the following objectives.
‘Firstly, continue to work hard to add new ‘bricks’ to the ‘great mansion’ of our friendship Secondly, strengthen our cooperation. The high-level development of the Sino-Dutch relationship is deeply rooted in the practical cooperation in various fields. I would like to raise some evident figures.
Ambassador of Japan H.E. Hirishi Inomata, Ambassador of Austria H.E. Dr Johannes Werner Druml, H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola, Ambassador of Mexico, spouse of Ambassador of Japan and H.E. Alvaro Moerzinger, Ambassador of Uruguay.
Thirdly, to broadcast “The Voice of China. “The Voice of China” is the Chinese version of the Dutch famous entertainment show “The Voice of Holland”. It gains high audience rating since its introduction into China. In this age of globalization, in spite of the language and cultural differences, all countries are expecting to sing out their voices, The Netherlands is willing to hear the Chinese voice and learn its story.
As the Ambassador of China, it is my obligatory duty to sing out the Chinese voice and to articulate the Chinese story. I sincerely wish that, by my efforts, the Dutch people from all circles could have more comprehensive knowledge about the bright and long history and culture of China, as well as the great achievements of China’s modern development.
I wish that the Dutch people could feel the deep friendship from the Chinese people and see our firm determination on keeping peace, seeking cooperation and promoting development.
I myself and the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands would act as bridges and windows, and work hard together with you all to enhance mutual trust, reduce differences, eliminate barriers and promote cooperation
At last, I would like to express our thanks to everybody for your support and assistance to our Embassy’s work. I would try my best to perform my duties and push the Sino-Dutch relationship and the international cooperation to a higher level. I’m looking forward to having good cooperation with all of you in the future.’
On the picture Ms Maja Christina Steenwijk – Groot, Knight in The Order of Orange of Nassau.Photography by Jan van der Loos.
On 1 June 2016, Trial Chamber VIII of the International Criminal Court (ICC) scheduled the opening of the trial in the case The Prosecutor v. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi for 22 August 2016. This date was set to ensure that the parties have a reasonable opportunity to secure the testimony of their witnesses and to ensure the disclosure of outstanding materials. The Chamber also noted the parties’ submissions that the trial is only estimated to last a few days, due to the fact Mr Al Mahdi expressed his wish to plead guilty, and that the Chamber will aim to complete the trial in a single week. The trial is conducted by Trial Chamber VIII, composed of Judge Raul C. Pangalangan, Presiding Judge, Judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua, and Judge Bertram Schmitt.
Pictured by the Embassy of Pakistan, Mr Istiaque Ahmed.
Art show by award winning Bangladeshi artist, Khurshid Saleem drew sizable crowd on the first day of its opening. In a city known for its history of art and culture since Dutch golden age, Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague rolled out this first ever art exhibition showing diverse but highly creative art works of celebrated artist Mr. Khurshid Saleem. The Embassy organized exposition titled “Abstraction of Collage Painting” in the Embassy premises and hosted a reception on 19 May 2016. Total 19 pieces of art works of artist Khurshid Saleem were displayed at the show.
Bangladeshi artist, Khurshid Saleem and Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh,Artist Saleem mainly deals with majestic nature in an abstract way. He finds inspiration in the tiniest detail of nature drop of rain water, a falling autumn leaf or a stoke of white in a blue sky which were beautifully reflected in his works. He consciously depicts nature in the high-pitched colours to bring new tune , sing a new song , tell a new story. His art works primarily depicts humanism in all its shades and colours.Ambassadors of Croatia, India and Palestine to the Netherlands, EU Representative to the OPCW and IOM Representative etc were few dignitaries who visited show on the first day. To inaugurate this solo art exhibition, Embassy of Bangladesh hosted a reception on 19 May 2016 at the Embassy premises. The reception was attended by art lovers from diplomatic corps, local dignitaries, members of the press and media and the members of the Bangladesh community. Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal in his brief address introduced the rich heritage and culture of Bangladesh to the visitors. Terming “Bangladesh” as a melting pot of races, Ambassador Belal shared perspectives on how deep rooted heritage of Bangladesh was reflected in her architecture, literature, dance, drama, music and painting. “Like a colourful montage, the cultural tradition of Bangladesh is a happy blending of many variants, unique in diversity but in essence greatly symmetrical” Ambassador elaborated.Artist Khurshid Saleem in this address thanked the Embassy for the initiative. He briefly walked through the evolution of the Bangladeshi arts to the modern era. “Art for me – like nature itself – is a source of hope and inspiration. By bringing this internalized experience out on the canvas, I invite my viewers to imbue themselves with the same exhilaration and promise.”- artist Saleem added.Khurshid Alam Saleem, affectionately referred to as the bimurto shilpi, is not only a recognized free-lance painter based in USA, his creative works also landed him in the land of forbidden city in 2008. Mr. Saleem represented both Bangladesh and America in the Beijing Olympic Art Exhibition 2008, which nominated 300 artists from 80 countries across the world as “Excellent Artists of the World.” Each artist was given an Olympic gold medal, a representation of an Olympic torch and a certificate. Mr. Saleem’s painting, “Forbidden City Colour and Olympics” made it to the final selection. Building on Bangladesh’s last year’s participation in the Embassy Art Exhibition by the Diplomatic Magazine, the Embassy for the first time organised a solo art exhibition in the Embassy premises. The exhibition will continue till 23 May 2016 where admission is free.Looking at the quality of the art works, may visitors requested the Embassy to partner with leading galleries in the Netherlands for arranging similar exhibition in other parts of the country in the future. The Embassy shall continue its effort to offer glimpses of Bangladesh art sanctuary in the future.
Brussels, 1 June 2016The European Commission has today adopted an Opinion concerning the rule of law in Poland.Following the intensive dialogue that has been ongoing with the Polish authorities since 13 January, the Commission has deemed it necessary to formalise its assessment of the current situation in this Opinion. As foreseen in the Rule of Law Framework, this is the first step taken by the Commission in this process. The Opinion sets out the concerns of the Commission and serves to focus the ongoing dialogue with the Polish authorities towards finding a solution.First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said today: “The rule of law is one of the foundations of the European Union. There have been constructive talks which should now be translated into concrete steps to resolve the systemic risk to the rule of law in Poland. The Opinion adopted today presents our assessment of the issues at stake, building on the dialogue which started in January. On this basis we stand ready to continue the dialogue with the Polish authorities. “The rule of law is one of the common values upon which the European Union is founded. It is enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. The European Commission, together with the European Parliament and the Council, is responsible under the Treaties for guaranteeing the respect of the rule of law as a fundamental value of our Union and making sure that EU law, values and principles are respected.Recent events in Poland concerning in particular the Constitutional Court have led the European Commission to open a dialogue with the Polish Government in order to ensure the full respect of the rule of law. The Commission considers it necessary that Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal is able to fully ensure an effective constitutional review of legislative acts.The current concerns of the European Commission relate to the following issues:the appointment of judges to the Constitutional Tribunal and the implementation of the judgments of the Constitutional Tribunal of 3 and 9 December 2015 relating to these matters;the Law of 22 December 2015 amending the Law on the Constitutional Tribunal, the judgment of the Constitutional Tribunal of 9 March 2016 relating to this law, and the respect of the judgments rendered by the Constitutional Tribunal since 9 March 2016;the effectiveness of the Constitutional review of new legislation which has been adopted and enacted in 2016.Next StepsThe Polish authorities are now invited to submit their observations on the Opinion. On the basis of these observations, the Commission would continue to pursue the constructive dialogue with the Polish government with a view to finding solutions to the concerns set out. If the concerns have not been satisfactorily resolved within a reasonable time, the Commission may decide to issue a Rule of Law Recommendation. This would mean entering the second phase of the Rule of Law Framework.
Eurojust coordinates cross-border action against money laundering networkThe Hague, 31 May 2016Today, a coordination centre at Eurojust supported an action day against a criminal network involved in international money laundering, criminal acts relating to organised bankruptcy and aggravated fraud. Starting in the early hours of the morning, approximately 50 simultaneous searches of homes and premises, more than 150 seizures of bank accounts related to the suspects and linked companies, as well as witness hearings, were carried out in Italy, Portugal and Slovenia. Operations are also ongoing in other countries.The operation, code-named ‘Barqueiro’, was coordinated in Italy by the Prosecutor’s Office of Modena, after one year of intense investigation by the Guardia di Finanza, and led to the arrest of all six key targets (including one fugitive in Albania) and a seizure order equivalent to approximately EUR 11 million. The money represented the illicit profits of the criminal organisation, which specialised in laundering money from a variety of crimes, including organised bankruptcy, tax evasion and VAT fraud.Eurojust was contacted in December 2015 by the Prosecutor’s Office of Modena to request judicial assistance from Portugal and Slovenia in mapping the activities of the criminal group abroad and agreeing on a common strategy. On 15 March, a coordination meeting was held at Eurojust to exchange information with the involved judicial authorities, as well as to prepare and coordinate investigative measures. Participants agreed that a joint action day would take place at the end of May 2016.Today’s operation shows that the joint efforts of the national police and judicial authorities involved, if coordinated efficiently, can make a difference in the fight against economic crime and money laundering, which represent a threat to a healthy economy, divert the flow of legal resources and operate without borders.Following this operation, Mr Pietro Suchan, Magistrate-Assistant to the National Member for Italy at Eurojust, said:This coordination centre was set up by the Italian National Desk at Eurojust in close cooperation with the Portuguese and Slovenian Desks and national authorities to facilitate real-time information exchange and decide on operational initiatives as the action day evolved. Once again, the prompt and valuable assistance of our colleagues at Eurojust and abroad allowed issues to be resolved swiftly, which may arise even in such a well-planned operation. Eurojust’s efforts were appreciated by the competent Italian authorities.
During the festival, Embassy chef Mr Klimaj cooked catfish stew, quark pasta with dill and cracklings, and pork medallions with lecsó mousse and potato crisps, on several hot plates. He also prepared two types of deserts, a quark desert ‘Varga’ style, as well as poppy seed pudding with acacia honey. Visitors could observe his cooking demonstration and be invited to taste his dishes, together with different types of Hungarian wine.
The Smaak van Hongarije presented typical Hungarian food products such as Pick wintersalami, different types of Gyermelyi, ground paprika powder and ground caraway. 
H.E. Mr. Van der Werff emotively expressed his participation highlighting the pride of the Netherlands for having the presence of today’s participants and older international institutions settled in The Hague since the Peace Palace was founded.
H.E. Mr. Moerzinger extended a profound invitation to Latin American jurists stressing The Hague’s main message of peace. The respect and international development to combat “the everlasting fight of humankind with its own barbaric acts”.
Some special visits happening during the 6th Ibero-American Week of International Justice are those to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
A reception followed the opening ceremony. The 6th Ibero-American Week of International Justice is taking place from 30 May until 10 June in The Hague.
The exchanges between China and the Netherlands date back to 400 years ago, when the Maritime Silk Road stretching from Guangzhou of China to Rotterdam connected the two countries. Early in the 17th century, influenced by Chinese blue and white porcelain, the Dutch people made the Delft blue porcelain which enjoyed great popularity all over Europe.’
During his tenure in The Hague Ambassador Ken Wu aspires to achieve the following objectives.
‘Firstly, continue to work hard to add new ‘bricks’ to the ‘great mansion’ of our friendship Secondly, strengthen our cooperation. The high-level development of the Sino-Dutch relationship is deeply rooted in the practical cooperation in various fields. I would like to raise some evident figures.
I wish that the Dutch people could feel the deep friendship from the Chinese people and see our firm determination on keeping peace, seeking cooperation and promoting development.
I myself and the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands would act as bridges and windows, and work hard together with you all to enhance mutual trust, reduce differences, eliminate barriers and promote cooperation
At last, I would like to express our thanks to everybody for your support and assistance to our Embassy’s work. I would try my best to perform my duties and push the Sino-Dutch relationship and the international cooperation to a higher level. I’m looking forward to having good cooperation with all of you in the future.’
Ambassadors of Croatia, India and Palestine to the Netherlands, EU Representative to the OPCW and IOM Representative etc were few dignitaries who visited show on the first day. To inaugurate this solo art exhibition, Embassy of Bangladesh hosted a reception on 19 May 2016 at the Embassy premises. The reception was attended by art lovers from diplomatic corps, local dignitaries, members of the press and media and the members of the Bangladesh community.
Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal in his brief address introduced the rich heritage and culture of Bangladesh to the visitors. Terming “Bangladesh” as a melting pot of races, Ambassador Belal shared perspectives on how deep rooted heritage of Bangladesh was reflected in her architecture, literature, dance, drama, music and painting. “Like a colourful montage, the cultural tradition of Bangladesh is a happy blending of many variants, unique in diversity but in essence greatly symmetrical” Ambassador elaborated.
Artist Khurshid Saleem in this address thanked the Embassy for the initiative. He briefly walked through the evolution of the Bangladeshi arts to the modern era. “Art for me – like nature itself – is a source of hope and inspiration. By bringing this internalized experience out on the canvas, I invite my viewers to imbue themselves with the same exhilaration and promise.”- artist Saleem added.
Khurshid Alam Saleem, affectionately referred to as the bimurto shilpi, is not only a recognized free-lance painter based in USA, his creative works also landed him in the land of forbidden city in 2008. Mr. Saleem represented both Bangladesh and America in the Beijing Olympic Art Exhibition 2008, which nominated 300 artists from 80 countries across the world as “Excellent Artists of the World.” Each artist was given an Olympic gold medal, a representation of an Olympic torch and a certificate. Mr. Saleem’s painting, “Forbidden City Colour and Olympics” made it to the final selection.
Building on Bangladesh’s last year’s participation in the Embassy Art Exhibition by the Diplomatic Magazine, the Embassy for the first time organised a solo art exhibition in the Embassy premises. The exhibition will continue till 23 May 2016 where admission is free.
Looking at the quality of the art works, may visitors requested the Embassy to partner with leading galleries in the Netherlands for arranging similar exhibition in other parts of the country in the future. The Embassy shall continue its effort to offer glimpses of Bangladesh art sanctuary in the future.
