By Robert Kayinamura, First Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda.
The 26th World Economic Forum on Africa will be held in Kigali, Rwanda from May 11 to13. The summit gathers policy makers, economists, scholars, leaders and private sector investors from across the globe to discuss solutions to some of the most pressing needs and challenges facing African economies.
Rwanda has become an incredible place to do business and the government has been implementing a strategy to improve the business environment for all entrepreneurs and has brought tangible results.
Under the theme Connecting Africa’s Resources through Digital Transformation, the World Economic Forum on Africa will convene regional and global leaders from business, government and civil society to discuss catalysts that can drive radical structural transformation, strengthen public-private collaboration on key global challenges and explore big ideas that can deliver shared prosperity in the region.
This year’s WEF edition will attract an estimated participation of more than 1,500 delegates, including heads of state. Beyond planned sessions, the forum will bring together business leaders with some informal sessions turning into regional enterprises.
For Africans who will attend the WEF, Rwanda has made it easier through RwandAir which currently flies to 18 destinations in Africa making it easy to connect from almost any part of the continent to come to Kigali, this in addition to other airlines that land in the country. Also Rwanda has made it possible for all Passport-holding Africans to receive visas on arrival in Kigali while others can apply for an entry permit online which they can receive within three days.
As Rwanda’s Minister of Finance stated, “participants from countries with winter seasons, needn’t to carry winter clothes as Rwanda has no winter seasons but cautioned them against carrying plastic bags as they’re prohibited under Rwanda law”.
For Business people who will attend the WEF summit, don’t forget to visit Rwanda development Board(RDB). Rwanda Development Board is a government institution charged with promoting investment and facilitating market entry for investors in Rwanda. RDB offers a range of services to potential investors including assistance in acquiring the licenses, certificates, approvals, authorizations and permits required by law to set up and operate a business enterprise in Rwanda.
By any measure, the WEF 2016 is not the conclusion of Rwanda’s story of being an economic and industrial hub, but an affirmation that Rwanda has been identified by the World Bank as one of the world’s fastest growing economies!
Artist / photographer Stephan Vanfleteren and H.E. Ambassador Chris Hoornaert. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
For the fourth consecutive year the residence of the Belgium Ambassador in The Hague served as a venue for the showcasing of Belgian artists. The initiative for this annual event was taken by the previous Ambassador, with the aim of providing an opportunity for all ten Belgian provinces to promote their art in the Netherlands. This time around it was the turn of the province of West-Vlaanderen.
The theme chosen was “Het Verbeelde Westen” (The Imaginary West). A large delegation visited The Hague for the vernissage, which was attended not only by the Flemish community in the Netherlands but also by many invitees such as heads of diplomatic missions, dignitaries and other friends of Belgium.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157668008881611The son of the Iraqi Ambassador, H.E. Saywan bin Sabir bin Mustafa Barzani Ambassador of Iraq, H. E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and the Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Belgium, Ms Emmanuelle De Foy.
In his welcome address, H.E. Ambassador Chris Hoornaert referred to the good neighbour relationship between Belgium and the Netherlands. There are plenty of striking similarities between the two countries, he observed. Ambassador Hoornaert praised the ten participating artists for the outstanding contribution they have made to West-Vlaanderen.
H.E. Mr. Carlos Andrés Miguel Herrera Rodríguez and spouse Mrs. Veronique Miclea.
The exhibition includes works from the provincial collection, the collection Mu.ZEE and from the artists themselves: Charif Benhelima, Ronny Delrue, Wim Delvoye, Robert Devriendt, Lili Dujourie, Nick Ervinck, Stéphanie Leblon, Johan Tahon, Stephan Vanfleteren and Johan van Geluwe.
Ambassador Hoornaert was followed by the Governor of the Province of West-Vlaanderen, Mr. Carl Decluwe, and then by Mr. Jan Denolf, Provincial Cultural Director. Both expressed their admiration for the exposition and praised the close cooperation between Belgium and the Netherlands.
Ambassador of the Philippines H. E. Jaime Victor Ledda and the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mr. Joe Tony Aidoo.
The Province of Vlaanderen successfully gained the support of a number of sponsors for the exhibition, including beer brewers and producers of gin, chocolate, cheese and Belgian delicacies.
Many argue that the best beer in the world comes from Belgium, and in particular from the Province of West-Vlaanderen which is today in the limelight. The Ambassador himself hails from West-Vlaanderen.
Aside from the art exhibition, there was also a token of Belgian hospitality: a constant flow of savoury snacks, beer and other beverages. Visitors were offered a specially designed catalogue in which photographer Frederik Vercruysse, renowned at home and abroad for his architectural and interior photos, gives one an impression of the building where the exhibition is now taking place – an impressive mansion built in 1925.
The exhibition will run until the end of 2016.
Today, 9 May 2016, the International Criminal Court (ICC) launched a new website at www.icc-cpi.int, featuring revamped content, a refreshed visual identity, and a mobile-friendly, accessible approach. Most features are available within one click of the homepage.Structured around a powerful new search engine, the site allows you to use strategic filter options to find the Court records and documents you need. In-depth information is now available on the Court’s preliminary examinations and situations under investigation, as well as ICC cases, including interactive case timelines. New introductory texts also explain the Assembly of States Parties and Trust Fund for Victims at a glance. Researchers can explore the Resource library, while information specifically designed for those taking part in proceedings – including legal professionals, experts and investigators – is pooled under Get involved. Here, many other key users – from diplomats to civil society, university and high school students, media and vendors – can also find ways to engage with the Court as well as content that caters to their specific information needs. Those new to the ICC can take advantage of features such as the ICC in 3 minutes and basic facts about the ICC, or opt to take action and explore our stories. These stories are about the people who work to make justice happen and the people for whom justice matters most: victims and communities affected by crimes. Special features on victims and witnesses explain their separate roles In the Courtroom, along with the Judges, Prosecution, Defence and Registry, while also revealing how ICC staff Interact with communities in the field, bringing them closer to the justice process. Other features include a new AV gallery, with videos, photographs and audio files, shortcuts to Court Records and the Legal Tools project, resources to share on social media, as well as links to search jobs, visit or contact the Court. The website is available in the Court’s working languages, English and French.
In cooperation with Province Noord-Brabant and participation of the State of Minas Gerais, the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague organized the 10th Brazil Network Day (BND) on March 29th in the Chassé Theater in Breda. BND Breda was supported by Rabobank, Baker McKenzie Amsterdam, EY, Neogrid Netherlands and Air Europa.
BND program started with a Plenary & Debate Session: “Brazil & Netherlands, on the road to sustainable growth”, which were divided in two consecutive panel sessions. The first panel (14h30 hrs), dealt with issues related to business, investments and cooperation between Minas Gerais/Brazil and Noord-Brabant/The Netherlands in the areas of biomass and renewable energies.
The second panel (16h30), opened by former Prime-Minister Jan-Peter Balkenend, covered points related to sustainability and related business and investments opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands. Living Lab Biobased Brazil was indicated as example of triple-helix initiative between Noord-Brabant and Minas Gerais.
Aiming to strengthen the bilateral cooperation, Province of Noord-Brabant and State of Minas Gerais signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Breda to further expand cooperation in the fields of water management, sustainable and environment technologies. In cooperation with Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Nuffic-Neso Brazil, Institute of Integrated Development of Minas Gerais (INDI) and Secretariat for Technologies and High Education of the State of Minas Gerais (SECTES), BND also had the participation of a Brazilian delegation of government, companies and high-education representatives of the State of Minas Gerais.
The delegation also carried out an agenda of meetings and technical visits in the Netherlands from March 29th to April 1st.
The BND Business Cocktail (18h00 – 21h00) was opened by Ambassador of Brazil, Mr. Piragibe S. Tarragô, and by the King’s Commissioner for Noord-Brabant, Mr. Wim van de Donk. Among other talking points, both addressed the importance of continuing bilateral efforts to prospect further business, investments and cooperation opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands.
Photo from left to right: Mr. Bert Pauli (Noord-Brabant Vice-Governor for Economic and International Affairs), Mr. Wim van de Donk (King’s Commissioner for Noord-Brabant) and Mr. Piragibe S. Tarragô, Ambassador of Brazil. By gathering more than 350 guests, BND Breda offered a relax setting for professional networking among entrepreneurs (doing or considering doing) business or investing in the Brazil-Netherlands corridor.
Following the BND tradition, during the business cocktail 4 return-tickets to Brazil were raffled among the BND participants. BND congratulate the winners: Mr. Kees Verdoorn (MME Group), Mr. Jochem Porte (Ministry of Economic Affairs), Mr. Harrie de Leijer (STC-Nestra) and Mr. Vincent Panhuysen (Kaan Architecten).
Click here to view more photos of BND Breda.
Further, as Brazil will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2016 and EY is also among of the official sponsors, I would like to recall your attention to the following: NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Committee) is organizing the Olympic Experience, a master class due to take place on August 16th in Scheveningen.
Once EY will be taking 35 invitees to this initiative and there are still few places available, if you are interested click here for more information.
By thanking Province Noord-Brabant and all the sponsors and guests of BND Breda, the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague has resumed talks concerning the organization of the next edition of BND. At the moment there are 4 Dutch counterparts interested in co-hosting the second edition of 2016.
Knesset delegation visiting NATO headquarters in Brussels on 17 Feb. 2016. Picture by NATOThe North Atlantic Council on Wednesday, 4 May 2016, agreed to allow the State of Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait to establish diplomatic missions before the NATO headquarters as noted by a statement issued on behalf of the 28-member alliance.As a matter of procedure ambassadors and attachés shall enjoy upgraded access to exercises, events and alliance-related procurement programmes. The decision is the result of invitations first extended in 2011 to allow the seven members of the so-called “Mediterranean Dialogue” (which includes Israel and Jordan) and the “Istanbul Initiative” comprised of Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and UAE to open liaison offices to NATO.Thus far only the UAE have opened a separate mission to NATO in Brussels. Israel’s Defence Attaché at the Embassy to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Colonel Ron Wisel, has and is still in charge of dealing with relations to NATO, albeit based in The Hague.For more information:Israeli Military Attaché, Colonel Ron Wisel: http://embassies.gov.il/hague-en/Departments/Pages/defense-affairs.aspxEmirati-NATO relations: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_128753.htm
Pictured H.E. Bruce Koloane Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Freedom Day (27th April) is a national public holiday in South Africa that serves to celebrate the country’s first democratic post-Apartheid elections, held in 1994. In fact, it celebrates South Africa’s unique constitution and democratic freedom, guaranteeing all those within the South African border freedom from the hatred and oppression that ruled the past.
Freedom, it is precisely for this reason that H.E. Bruce Koloane Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa in the Netherlands invited fellow Ambassadors, dignitaries and many others to the Marriott Hotel in The Hague on the 29th April 2016, to celebrate Freedom Day.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157665662277944Carel Reisch and artist Ira van der Merwe.
The turnout was huge and Ambassador Koloane particularly highlighted the presence of the MFA Director of Protocol and ICC prosecutor.
Moreover, he thanked the Netherlands for standing by South-Africa during the challenging years of the apartheid and the positive relationship between South-Africa and the Netherlands. This is demonstrated by Dutch investments in South Africa.
Patrice van Dorst owner of the Gallery.
From a political viewpoint, Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s visit to South-Africa in November 2015 and the visit of South-Africa’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands also in 2015. A MOU has been signed which resulted in visits at Ministerial level.
The evening’s program featured: live music by Modern Jazz Association, dance by choreographer Kirvan Fortuin and poetry by Dianna Ferrus, a South African writer, poet and storyteller. In conclusion, an excellent South-African buffet followed which enriched the celebrations.
Inauguration of a South African Art Exhibition
On the heels of the Freedom Day celebrations, the South Africa Embassy and Gallery Patries van Dorst jointly organized a three weeks long art exhibition to exhibit South African Art.The inauguration of the exhibition was held at Gallery Patries van Dorst Landgoed De Wittenburg, on a bright Sunday afternoon on May the 1st 2016 by H.E. Bruce Koloane Ambassador of South-Africa.
Artist Sara-J, H. E. Bruce Koloane and Namhla Neliswa Gigaba, Deputy Ambassador at the South Africa Embassy.
The Ambassador bid a special welcome to the South-African ICJ Justice Bakone Moloto and Madam Pauline Burmann of Thani Mnyle Foundation of Amsterdam which promotes the exchange of art and culture between Africa and the Netherlands. The foundation offers three scholarships per annum to individuals from South Africa and other African countries.
Ambassador Koloane spoke about how he first met Mr. Carel Reisch of Gallery Patries van Dorst. He also reflected upon the outstanding cooperation between the Netherlands and South-Africa. The Netherlands has been one of the most vigorous anti-apartheid movements in the world. Next speaker was Madam Patries van Dorst (proprietor of the gallery) she thanked all those who attended.
The signing of an agreement between the Netherlands and South Africa on science and art will lead to several exchanges between the two countries in the coming years.
An impressive list of established and young emerging South African artists are exhibiting: Adriaan de Villiers, Esther Mahlangu, Fortune Dlamini, Francois du Plessis, Gavin Rain, Heidi Sincuba, Ira van der Merwe, Jon Eiselin, Lehlogonolo Mashaba, Marlene Dumas, Mbongeni Buthelezi, Mia Chaplin, Mongezi Ncaphayi, Ruan Hoffmann, Samson Mnisi, Sara-J and Thema Khumalo.
South-African ICJ Justice Bakone Moloto and Jhr Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland, Justice in the Court of Appeal.
The staff of the Embassy of South-Africa, Ms.Namhla Neliswa Gigaba, Mr Lindsay Louis and others should not be forgotten as their tremendous efforts resulted in the fantastic art exhibition. Admission to the art show is by appointment. The exhibition will close on May 20th, 2016.
Fundación Argentino-Holandesa de Solidaridad is organising an Argentine Film Evening.
Comedy Film: Apariencias (Appearances) / May 27th Bisschopstraat 5, The Hague,
The Program:
19:30hs – Doors open: Welcoming & Buffet
20:45hs – Film starts
22:45hs – Raffle & Prizes
23:00hs – After Party
The film will be played in Spanish with English subtitles.
The entrance is FREE and a contribution is kindly requested. The money collected during the event, after paying expenses, is totally wired to Argentina, supporting specific, short term and small projects.
We support only recognized institutions (not individuals), and control the good use of the money.
Please keep in mind to bring cash with you since we do not have PIN at the location.
We hope to see you soon!
www.fundacion.com
On the picture Herman van Rompuy.Herman van Rompuy receives Comenius Prize in presence of V4 Ambassadors
April 6, 2016 10:38 AM
On Saturday 2 April, the V4 countries – Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland – commemorated the birthday of the Czech philospher Jan Amos Comenius (1592-1670) in Naarden.
Together with representatives of the municipality of Gooise Meren, the Ambassadors of Visegrad countries laid a wreath at the statue before the Great Church (Grote Kerk). Comenius, who is buried in Naarden, lived on the territory of all V4 countries and marks a cultural heritage the four countries share.
Violinist Etiene Revesz jr.The memory of Comenius was further honoured in the Great Church, where musicians from the V4 countries played music pieces from Comenius’ time. Hungary was represented by the Revesz Trio. The young Etiene Revesz jr. (violin) Margit-Marees Revesz (cello) and Esther Revesz (piano) played the piece ‘Lakoldalmas’ by Leo Weiner.
The Comenius Prize 2016 was awarded to Herman Achille, Count Van Rompuy. The former President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium received the award from Ms Albertine van Vliet-Kuiper, Mayor of Gooise Meren.
Dr. Zoltan Leko, Hungarian Deputy Head of Mission,The Comenius Prize has been awarded since 2011, to pay a tribute to a person or organization dedicated to training, education, science and culture in a society that is becoming increasingly international. Geert Mak (2015), Louise Fresco (2014), Paul Schnabel (2013) and Robbert Dijkgraaf (2012) previously received the Comenius Prize.
Jury Chairman Mr Gottfried Leibbrandt praised Van Rompuy for his conviction that the world’s problems can only be solved with a global approach and a key role for Europe. “In your work and life, you consistently emphasized values and respect. This saturates your vision on Europe, a continent of values, wherein, in your opinion, common values supersede our important economic interests.”
The ceremony in the Great Church was concluded with a reception, where the 600 guests were served wine and traditional pastries from the four Central European Countries.
Photos by Embassy of Hungary, Lindblom Public Relations and Lidia Lewczuk
On 23 April the Embassy of Hungary joined the “Children for peace in the world” initiative supporting children from Ukraine.
In the framework of the program started by Hungary’s honorary consul in Ivano-Frankivsk, pupils from Ivano-Frankivsk and Transcarpathia visited Strasbourg, Brussels and The Hague in April 2016. The Embassy of Hungary in The Hague hosted a modest reception for the children, who also prepared a surprise song.
The excursion of the children continued at Madurodam.
On May 4th in Brussels at a ceremony at the European Commission, Ms Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust, and H.E. Mr Zoran Pažin, Minister of Justice of Montenegro, signed an Agreement on Cooperation in the presence of Ms Věra Jourová, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, followed by a press conference attended by the signatories and the Commissioner.Accompanying Minister Pažin were Ambassador Ivan Leković, Chief of the Mission of Montenegro to the EU, Ms Mirjana Vlahović, Chief of the Cabinet of the Minister, Mr Nikola Šaranović, Director General for International Cooperation and European Integration in the Ministry of Justice, and Mr Alen Nikezić, First Secretary at the Mission of Montenegro to the EU.Entering into a cooperation agreement with a third State often leads to a greater number of cases between the third State and Eurojust. With the inclusion of Montenegro, Eurojust has signed eight such cooperation agreements. Cooperation with third States is a crucial step in combating serious crime, particularly organised crime and terrorism.The process leading to today’s signing was relatively swift. Formal negotiations commenced in April 2015, and the draft agreement was approved in June 2015. The Justice and Home Affairs Council adopted the draft agreement in April 2016.As an EU candidate country currently undergoing accession negotiations, Montenegro’s formal cooperation with Eurojust is a necessary precondition for closure of Chapter 24 on Justice, Freedom and Security. Cooperation agreements offer the possibility to exchange operational data, including personal data, in accordance with EU data protection regulations. They also provide for the possible secondment of a Liaison Prosecutor from Montenegro to Eurojust, and a Eurojust Liaison Magistrate to Montenegro. Eurojust currently has two contact points appointed by Montenegro.Minister Pažin said: ‘I am delighted to be here today to sign this Cooperation Agreement with Eurojust and to affirm the commitment of Montenegro to assist the European Union in fighting cross-border crime, especially organised crime. This Agreement is a vital step, bringing us closer to EU membership and even greater participation in true democracy and the rule of law.’President Coninsx said: ‘Cooperation with third States is essential. Only one year after commencement of negotiations, we are now able to take the next step and add Montenegro as an essential member of our growing network of third States with which we have cooperation agreements in place. We look forward to enhanced cooperation with Montenegro.’
The second panel (16h30), opened by former Prime-Minister Jan-Peter Balkenend, covered points related to sustainability and related business and investments opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands. Living Lab Biobased Brazil was indicated as example of triple-helix initiative between Noord-Brabant and Minas Gerais.
Aiming to strengthen the bilateral cooperation, Province of Noord-Brabant and State of Minas Gerais signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Breda to further expand cooperation in the fields of water management, sustainable and environment technologies. In cooperation with Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Nuffic-Neso Brazil, Institute of Integrated Development of Minas Gerais (INDI) and Secretariat for Technologies and High Education of the State of Minas Gerais (SECTES), BND also had the participation of a Brazilian delegation of government, companies and high-education representatives of the State of Minas Gerais.
The delegation also carried out an agenda of meetings and technical visits in the Netherlands from March 29th to April 1st.
The BND Business Cocktail (18h00 – 21h00) was opened by Ambassador of Brazil, Mr. Piragibe S. Tarragô, and by the King’s Commissioner for Noord-Brabant, Mr. Wim van de Donk. Among other talking points, both addressed the importance of continuing bilateral efforts to prospect further business, investments and cooperation opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands.
Photo from left to right: Mr. Bert Pauli (Noord-Brabant Vice-Governor for Economic and International Affairs), Mr. Wim van de Donk (King’s Commissioner for Noord-Brabant) and Mr. Piragibe S. Tarragô, Ambassador of Brazil. By gathering more than 350 guests, BND Breda offered a relax setting for professional networking among entrepreneurs (doing or considering doing) business or investing in the Brazil-Netherlands corridor.
Following the BND tradition, during the business cocktail 4 return-tickets to Brazil were raffled among the BND participants. BND congratulate the winners: Mr. Kees Verdoorn (MME Group), Mr. Jochem Porte (Ministry of Economic Affairs), Mr. Harrie de Leijer (STC-Nestra) and Mr. Vincent Panhuysen (Kaan Architecten).
Click here to view more photos of BND Breda.
Further, as Brazil will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2016 and EY is also among of the official sponsors, I would like to recall your attention to the following: NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Committee) is organizing the Olympic Experience, a master class due to take place on August 16th in Scheveningen.
Once EY will be taking 35 invitees to this initiative and there are still few places available, if you are interested click here for more information.
By thanking Province Noord-Brabant and all the sponsors and guests of BND Breda, the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague has resumed talks concerning the organization of the next edition of BND. At the moment there are 4 Dutch counterparts interested in co-hosting the second edition of 2016. 
The entrance is FREE and a contribution is kindly requested. The money collected during the event, after paying expenses, is totally wired to Argentina, supporting specific, short term and small projects.
We support only recognized institutions (not individuals), and control the good use of the money.
Please keep in mind to bring cash with you since we do not have PIN at the location.
We hope to see you soon!
www.fundacion.com 
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