H.E. Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar of Pakistan organized a book talk at Pakistan House in The Hague, featuring H.E. Ambassador Zamir Akram, Pakistan’s former Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva from 2008 to 2015.
A graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Ambassador Zamir Akram joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1978.
Mr Jamal Nasir, First Secretary was the MC.
The book talk centred on Akram’s book, “The Security Imperative – Pakistan’s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy.” The event served as an opportunity to explore the book’s themes and engage in insightful discourse on the topic. It was a noteworthy occasion that brought together esteemed individuals to delve into the critical subject of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence and diplomacy.
Pakistan Book talk H.E. Zamir Akram delivering his talks
Mr Zamir Akram elaborated on the genesis of his book, revealing that he conducted a thorough search to gather all relevant information. Rather than using digital tools, he used pen and paper to compile the data.
I have wanted to write a book about Pakistan’s nuclear capability from a Pakistani perspective, he said. Why? Because Pakistan is sandwiched between India and Afghanistan, and security is paramount.
Nuclear deterrence is a military strategy where a country threatens to retaliate with nuclear weapons if attacked, discouraging enemies from attacking.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists warns that the nuclear risk in 2023 is unprecedented and sets the Doomsday Clock to 90 seconds to midnight.
The nuclear-savvy diplomat, Mr Zamir Akram, effectively addressed questions regarding the irreversible consequences of nuclear war.
By Roy Lie Atjam
Pakistan Book Talks – a part of the audience
The Pakistan Embassy issued the release hereunder.
“The Embassy of Pakistan, The Hague, organized a “Book-talk” event on the book titled “The Security Imperative – Pakistan`s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy” authored by Ambassador Zamir Akram – a seasoned Pakistani diplomat. The event was attended by senior diplomats, academics, experts and researchers based in The Hague.
In his remarks, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, Suljuk Mustansar Tarrar highlighted Ambassador Zamir Akram for his valuable contributions for Pakistan, and to the field of diplomacy throughout his diplomatic career spanning over four decades. He apprised the audience about the different aspects of Pakistan’s arms control and disarmament related diplomatic endeavours in maintaining regional and global security. He underlined that the book is a useful illustration of the contributions of Pakistan’s diplomats and offers a distinctive perspective on this important subject.
Pakistan Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar and Mr Zamir Akram
In his remarks about the book, Ambassador Zamir Akram highlighted the rationale behind authoring a book on such an important theme. He stressed that Pakistan had repeatedly made clear that the development of its nuclear programme was a ‘security imperative’. Later on, the audience had an engaging discussion with Ambassador Zamir Akram on the book.
This event was part of Embassy’s efforts to engage local academia, and think tanks to share Pakistan’s perspective on important issues.“
Friday, 29 September 2023, Flemish Region, Kingdom of Belgium: Thanks to the efforts of Flanders Chancellery & Foreign Office, Turkmen Ambassador H.E. Mr. Sapar Palvanov along with other ambassadors visited the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a significant trade hub in Europe. During the visit, the Ambassadors were thoroughly briefed on the port’s operations.
Ambassador also met with authorities of the port. Special attention was given to discussions regarding the prospects of collaboration between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Turkmenistan’s largest sea port Türkmenbaşy, situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Both sides expressed interest in establishing close ties and cooperation in the field of maritime trade and logistics.
Additionally, Ambassador Palvanov discussed with the leadership of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges the opportunities for Turkmen specialists to participate in educational programs related to port management. This will provide valuable experience and knowledge to Turkmen experts in modern port management, contributing to the development of maritime transportation and logistics in Turkmenistan.
Patrick Van Cauwenberghe, International Trade Networks Manager at Port of Antwerp & Bruges & Ambassador Palvanov
This visit underscored the mutual desire of both parties to foster long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of maritime transportation and port infrastructure and was organized by the Government of Flanders, one of the three constituent regions of Belgium.
During the visit, Ambassador Palvanov also had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Antwerp, Mr. Bart De Wever. During their meeting the two discussed the possibility of establishing a sister city relations between Antwerp and Türkmenbaşy. This proposal is based on the similarities between these two cities, both of which have ports, a thriving oil and gas industry, and serve as integral industrial hubs in their respective countries. Both parties approached this proposal with keen interest.
The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, Europol, has become a participant in the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine. The Prosecutors General of the seven countries involved and Ms Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, signed the agreement today during the 17th Meeting of the Consultative Forum of Prosecutors General at Eurojust.
The JIT was set up on 25 March 2022 by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine with Eurojust’s support. On 31 May 2022, Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia became members, followed by Romania on 13 October 2022. On 3 March 2023, the JIT’s seven national authorities signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Department of Justice. Europol joins Eurojust and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as participants in the JIT.
In line with its mandate, Europol will provide analytical and forensic support to the members of the JIT. In addition, Europol will support the collection and analysis of data legally obtained from open sources such as social media, broadcast television and radio, known collectively as open-source intelligence (OSINT).
Europol will also make available its expertise and experience in the field of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other international crimes via the Analysis Project on Core International Crimes (AP CIC).
Eurojust provides legal, logistical, financial and analytical support to the JIT. Since March 2022, the Agency has hosted 19 coordination meetings of the JIT and other national authorities that are investigating alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine.
For more information on the various actions taken by Eurojust since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, please consult our dedicated webpage, which includes a Q&A with answers to the most common questions and recordings of press conferences and other related events.
The Foundation for Critical Choices for India (FCCI) hosted a one-day International Conference last May, in Wassenaar, The Hague Netherlands, where 19 experts on UN affairs, including several ambassadors, diplomats, international law experts, participants from the financial world came together to discuss necessary changes required for United Nations (UN) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms in the changing world order.
Mr. Jasbir Singh, President of FCCI, delivered the opening welcome address during the conference. Mr. Singh explained the rationale why FCCI has picked up this timely topic of vital importance. This was then followed by a welcoming speech from Mr. Ritske Bloemendaal, the Deputy Mayor of Wassenaar, the Netherlands. The conference proceeded with presentations on the themes “United Nations reforms for the changing world order” by Mr. Ram Lakhina, President Emeritus of FCCI and former Chairman of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International), and FCCI’s vision on “UN reforms – with special focus on United Nations Security Council” by Dr. Pramod Agrawal, Vice President Programs of FCCI. The inaugural address was delivered by H. E. Mrs. Reenat Sandhu, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands as a representative of G20 chair.
The event was the result of a systematic study conducted by FCCI through several brainstorming sessions and a legitimate literature survey, which came up with several innovative ideas and suggestions for empowering the UN through its ‘One World’ approach of collective governance, with a special focus on reforms to the UNSC. On this occasion, FCCI has released a comprehensive white paper that outlines its proposed framework for the necessary reforms of the UN.This is very special since there is no text or formula-based approach yet surfaced towards realisation of UN/UNSC reforms.
The aim of this international conference was to present FCCI’s findings, exchange views, and openly discuss much-needed UN reforms with representatives from veto-holding nations, G-4, G-20, C-10 nations, the EU, and other stakeholders. The discussions focused primarily on the UNSC and its role in maintaining global peace and security through peacekeeping and peace-building. FCCI presented a set of innovative inclusive guidelines to make the UNSC more equitable in its representation and impart democratic principles in decision-making with an innovative concept of qualified Veto (Q-veto).
Additionally, a mechanism has been proposed for making the UN financially independent for its effective global governance.
Numerous distinguished guests including H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Paulo Roberto Caminha de Castilhos França, Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Jamal Al Musharakh, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Rajendre Khargi, Ambassador of the Republic Suriname to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Gamaliel Nkuruziza, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Ron Keller, International expert on Geopolitics, Finance, Trade, and Investment. Ex Ambassador of the Netherlands to China, Russia, Ukraine, & Turkey, Mr. Grigory Orlov, Minister-Counsellor, and charge d’affaires of the Russian Embassy, Mrs. Edith Nordmann, Attorney-at-Law, member of B20 (official G20 dialogue forum), and the Chairman of NICCT, the Netherlands, and Mr. Sudip Lahiri, Executive Vice President & Head – Europe, Financial Services at HCL Technologies among others, shared their view during the event.
Panelists at the International Conference ‘UN Reforms for Changing World Order with Focus on UNSC’
Panelists shared their views on the composition of permanent and non-permanent members, the implications of the P5’s veto power, the need to expand the number of members, collective governance, efficiency, financial resources, non-equitable representation, the balance of power, and discrepancies in composition. Several experts from the international law and finance spheres graced the event with their presence.
Around 100 individuals hailing from various countries registered and participated in this global conference.
The event was an important step towards pushing further UN reforms without any biased approach and building consensus amongst the UN member states. The discussions were fascinating and thought-provoking, sparking an important conversation on the future of the UN and the role of the UNSC in a rapidly changing world.
To obtain additional details about FCCI or the white paper on UN reforms, kindly visit their website www.fcci.nl. You may also view the recorded session of the conference via this YouTube link www.tiny.cc/FCCI-UN
Friday, 29 September 2023, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany: The Ambassador of Ireland in Germany, Dr Nicholas O’Brien (right) paid a call on the State Diet of Baden-Württemberg. Ambassador Dr O’Brien was received by the Diet’s Deputy Speaker Daniel Born for a conversation in his office. The Irish Ambassador was accompanied by the Irish Honorary Consul General in Stuttgart, Dr. Wolfgang Häfele.
Dr Nicholas O’Brien took up his post as Irish Ambassador to Germany in August 2019. Previously, he worked in various ministries as well as in the diplomatic service of his home country. Dr. Wolfgang Häfele has served as Honorary Consul General of Ireland since 2010. His official district covers the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. He is also active in various business enterprises, e.g. as Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Coffee connoisseurs gathered on July 5th, 2023, at the Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague for a special tasting event that unveiled the rich and diverse flavors of Ecuadorian coffee. Organized by the Embassy of Ecuador, Pro Ecuador, and Engrano Koffiebranders, this event offered attendees a unique opportunity to savor the distinctive coffee from various regions of Ecuador, shedding light on the country’s long history of coffee cultivation.
Guadalupe Sierra, the founder of Engrano Koffiebranders, a dedicated Ecuadorian living in the Netherlands, led the tasting session. Her deep-rooted family connection to coffee in Ecuador, dating back generations, made her the perfect guide for this exploration of Ecuador’s coffee heritage. Guadalupe’s great-grandfather was credited with introducing coffee to the Galapagos Islands, and today, she is committed to importing, roasting, and marketing Ecuadorian coffee in the Netherlands.
H.E. Andrés Terán Parral – Ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands, with guests.
The event welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including key figures from the coffee industry, restaurant owners, baristas, and even diplomatic representatives. Among the attendees were H.E. Andrés Terán Parral – Ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands, Guadalupe Sierra – Founder at Engrano Koffiebranders, Juan Carlos Yépez – Commercial Counsellor at Embassy of Ecuador / Pro Ecuador and representatives from Illimani Coffee, LOB’s Restaurant, Coffee Works, Tuscany Coffee Beans, Sherlock Holmes Pub, European Climate Foundation and Mayelinne De Lara – Founder of the Diplomat Magazine.
The event commenced with an informative presentation about Ecuador’s history of coffee cultivation. Guadalupe then introduced the five distinct coffees that would be tasted, each representing a unique region of Ecuador: Zamora Chinchipe (Amazon), Chimborazo (Andes), Loja (Andes), Manabí (Coast), and the Galapagos Islands.
Testing Ecuadorian coffee.
Juan Carlos Yépez, the Commercial Counsellor and Head of the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Ecuador, as well as the Director of Pro Ecuador in the Netherlands, emphasized the significance of this tasting event. He stated, “This is the first Ecuadorian coffee tasting that takes place in The Hague, Netherlands and at the Embassy of Ecuador. Not many Dutch people know that Ecuador produces specialty coffee. The purpose of this event is to create a concept of Ecuadorian coffee among baristas and Dutch restaurants.”
The presence of H.E. Andrés Terán Parral, the Ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands, added a diplomatic touch to the event. The Ambassador engaged with attendees, discussing and exchanging thoughts and opinions with the baristas and restaurants represented.
Guadalupe Sierra guiding the coffee testing at the Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague.
Statistical Insights:
– In 2022, Ecuador’s coffee exports reached a total value of 120 million dollars, with 25 million dollars corresponding to green and roasted coffee, while the remainder consisted of coffee extract used for soluble coffee.
– Ecuador successfully exported coffee worth 1.6 million dollars to the Netherlands in 2022.
Group picture awith Ambassador Teran Parral t the Ecudaorian coffee testing.
Diverse Coffee Production:
Ecuador’s unique coffee production capabilities are worth highlighting. It is one of the few countries globally that cultivates both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties. The country’s diverse ecosystems enable the cultivation of coffee across various altitudes and even in the extraordinary setting of the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador’s coffee industry has certainly made a statement with this tasting event, showcasing its potential to offer a wide range of flavors and profiles to coffee enthusiasts around the world. As the aroma of Ecuadorian coffee lingers in the halls of the Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague, it is evident that the journey of discovering Ecuadorian coffee has only just begun.
A week dedicated to honoring Ecuador, organized by His Excellency Andres Teran Parral and celebrated in The Hague, reached its grand finale with the Ecuador Food Festival. This extraordinary event, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, was a vibrant celebration of Ecuadorian cuisine.
H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral, Ambassador of Ecuador
On September 22nd and 23rd, H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral, Ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands, inaugurated the festival, welcoming a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
Among the distinguished guests were ambassadors from countries such as Cyprus, Panama, Serbia, Netherlands, Cameroon, Greece, Nigeria, Tanzania, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ukraine, and Georgia, along with diplomats representing many countries international organizations, the arts, and the business community. Many Ecuadorians and friends of Ecuador also graced the event with their presence.
Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, H.E. Ms. Caroline Chipeta, Ambassador of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador off Nigeria, Ambassador Teran Parral from Ecuador, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador off Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and H.E. Ms Elizabeth War Neiman, Ambassador of Panama during the inauguration of the Ecuadorian Food Festival at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.
Ambassador Teran Parral set the tone for the evening, saying, “I would like to give you a warm welcome to the fourth edition of the Ecuadorian Food Festival, co-hosted by the Embassy of Ecuador, Diplomat Magazine, and the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.” He went on to describe Ecuador’s unique culinary landscape, emphasizing the diversity of ingredients, flavors, and cooking styles that define Ecuadorian cuisine, influenced by the country’s four distinctive regions and the multitude of cultures that coexist within them.
The Ecuadorian Food Festival was a reflection of this diversity, offering a wide array of gastronomic experiences that were not only deeply enjoyable but also novel and enlightening. Ambassador Teran Parral also highlighted the presence of award-winning Ecuadorian wines from the Dos Hemisferios Vineyard and exquisite single-origin coffee from the Ecuadorian Andes, provided by Illimani Coffee.
The key to the festival’s allure was the presence of renowned Chef David Reyes, originally from Quito but currently based in London, United Kingdom. Chef Reyes crafted a special tasting menu that blended traditional Ecuadorian recipes from his childhood home with modern culinary techniques he has mastered while working in London.
The evening’s musical entertainment was provided by ‘Duo Pudica’ featuring the talented Ecuadorian-Palestinian acoustic bass musician Yussif Barakat and violinist Yumina Ishii from Japan.
‘Duo Pudica’ by Ecuadorian-Palestinian acoustic bass musician Yussif Barakat and violinist Yumina Ishii from Japan.
The four-course dinner, prepared by Chef Reyes and Chef Sido de Brabande from the Leonardo Royal Hotel, featured a mouth-watering selection of dishes. The appetizers included Corn with coriander sauce, Chifles (fried plantain chips) with avocado sauce, and Pork croquet with dried roasted corn sauce.
Chifles, fried plantain chips of Ecuador
These were followed by three types of ceviche as starters: Palm hart and mango ceviche, Prawn ceviche, and Hominy ceviche. The main courses included Encocado (Fish with coconut sauce and basmati rice), Hornado (Slow-cooked pork with potato cakes, mote, and salsa), and Seco (Lamb stew with cassava and pickled red onion).
The culinary journey concluded with three exquisite desserts: Ecuadorian guava meringue with blackberry sorbet, Chocolate mousse with praline of toasted corn, and Pumpkin compote with cheese, all accompanied by Ecuadorian wines from Dos Hemisferios vineyard, including Armonia Rosé and Armonia Red. The dinner culminated with a sip of Ecuadorian-origin coffee by Illimani Coffee.
Main course – Ecuadorian Food Festival.
The highlight of the evening was the raffle, offering two tickets for a trip from Amsterdam to Quito via Air Europa, which stops over in Madrid. Other prizes included wine from Dos Hemisferios vineyard and an Ecuadorian handmade toquilla straw hat.
The winners were overjoyed, also all those who had the privilege of experiencing the flavors of Ecuador over the course of these three days—a taste of happiness, a taste of Ecuador.
Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara and H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral. the Ambassador of Ecuador.
The Charge d’ affaires of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara, has recently left the Netherlands after serving for 10 years to return to his Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Caracas. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Diaz Lara demonstrated unwavering loyalty and dedication to his duties, even during challenging times. Despite facing adversity, he remained steadfast and resolute in his representation of his beloved country, Venezuela.
Diplomat Magazine held a private farewell ceremony dedicated tohim at the Leonardo Royal Hotel on September 22, 2023 and awarded Diaz Lara a Certificate of Merit for his outstanding achievements and remarkable efforts strengthening friendship and diplomatic bilateral ties with the Netherlands for nearly a decade.
H.E. Antonio Polosa, IOM Chief of Mission during his speech.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassadors, colleagues, friends, the diaspora, and other well-wishers. The sequence of the Merit Ceremony involved introducing the Certificate of Merit.
“Over the course of his 10 years of dedicated service, Mr. Diaz Lara has played a key role in promoting strategic diplomatic engagement and fostering a strong, enduring friendship between these two nations. He has also worked tirelessly to support international organizations and the Venezuelan community. We express our gratitude for his invaluable support to the Diplomatic Corps and the media.”
Wilhen Diaz Lara and Ambassador Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinian Mission. Wilhen Diaz welcoming Kassandra E. Gomez Pineda, First Secretary Consul, Embassy of Nicaragua.
The national anthems of Venezuela and the Netherlands were played before inviting Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara to stand near the Venezuelan flag. H.E. Mr. Antonio Polosa, the Chief of Mission for IOM, delivered a speech thanking Wilhem. A quote from his speech is provided below.
“ I am honored to speak to you today about our friend and colleague, Wilhen Nehomar Diaz Lara, who has been awarded a Certificate of Merit for his exceptional and lengthy service in various areas. His professionalism and dedication have greatly improved the relationship between Venezuela and the Netherlands.
H.E. Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador of Nigeria, H.E. Ms Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Wilhen Diaz and H.E. Dr Caroline Chipeta, Ambassador of Tanzania.
Wilhen never neglected to promote strategic diplomatic engagements and strengthen friendly relations with many diplomatic representatives in the Netherlands.
As for International Organizations, he contributed consistently by interacting with most of those institutions, including mine (IOM), with a high level of professional support and a distinctly human touch!
Worth mentioning, Wilhen also acted for a long period of time as an Alternate Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the OPCW and more recently as an Alternate Representative Assembly States Party of the Permanent Mission for Multilateral Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the International Criminal Court.
Ambassadors and countries representatives attending the Ceremony of Merit.
I have known Wilhen since my arrival here in The Hague to assume my duties as Chief of Mission (COM) of the International Organization for Migration – IOM Mission in The Netherlands 5 years ago. In fact, he was one of the first fellow diplomats I met in late 2018. What started as a regular professional interaction soon developed into a friendship, as often happens in our hectic and convulsive diplomatic life of “professional migrants”.
In my capacity as Chief of Mission of IOM in the Netherlands, we deal with irregular migrants in difficult, vulnerable situations on a weekly basis. On some occasions, it happened that there were also Venezuelan nationals in such a situation, and I can only express my utmost admiration for the competent professionalism and caring humanity showed by Wilhen, seeking the best possible option for the migrant safe and dignified return, sometimes including family members.
H.E. Ambassador Mr. Calixto Ortega Rios.
It is no wonder Wilhen is so much valued and appreciated among the Venezuelan community in the Netherlands. You leave many friends behind, but rest assured many will continue to be your friends, and so will I!
While saddened by his departure, allow me to conclude these humble remarks by wishing our dear friend Wilhen all the best in life and a successful career continuation in any capacity assigned to him”
The next speaker at the ceremony was H.E. Ambassador Mr. Calixto Ortega Rios, the Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the OPCW. He praised and thanked Wilhen for his ten-year service, he also took the opportunity to talk about Venezuela to the audience.
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine, presented Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara with a Certificate of Merit and a colourful bouquet of flowers.
Wilhen Diaz and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
Mr. Wilhelm expressed his words of thanks. His complete speech now follows.
“ Allow me a few words of gratitude to all those present who during these almost 10 years of exercising my diplomatic career in this destination, I will always keep the pleasant memories.
Always thanks to the Director of Diplomat Magazine, Mayelinne de Lara and to your team as well.
Dear Antonio, thank you for your noble and appreciated words and for all the professional support you have given us to resolve situations and also for your friendship.
I have had the honour of representing my country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, from which I have had good and pleasant moments. Our bilateral relations, which are more than 100 years old, characterize a high level of importance, with the Kingdom being our European neighbor just a few kilometers from the islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, whose strategic importance of cooperation is indispensable.
Our Peace Diplomacy has been, and I am sure it will continue to be, our cornerstone of our daily work.
H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, Ambassador of El Salvador.
During my (long) stay in the Embassy of Venezuela in The Hague we have always maintained the exercise of our functions in accordance with our great pillar of operation, respect for International Law in its breadth, emphasizing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
With great pride I can mention that we have managed to optimize our Consular function for the attention of our citizens, which is the greatest wealth of my country.
Our current Office, which moved in 2014, has also been in operation for almost 10 years. The natural closeness with our population has increased to levels that had not previously been seen, providing facilities that allow Venezuelans to feel at home when they visit us.
Today we continue to focus on strengthening relationships by offering energy and environmentally friendly solutions through the development of cooperation and the promotion of gas projects and environmentally friendly raw materials.
Venezuela has considerably increased its exports of hydrobiological products, cocoa and rum, among other items to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is an important partner and we are very happy to have contributed to these relationships.
Wilhen Diaz Lara, Charge d’affaires of Venezuela.
I want to say, dear friends,
Next Monday, I will conclude a professional stage of experiences and knowledge as part of the long road that remains to be traveled. Thank you very much for your splendid and I would love to maintain contacts with many of you and meet in the future in this small diplomatic world.”
The solemn yet vivacious Ceremony of Merit for Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara concluded with a photo session and reception, including the cutting of a cake with Venezuelan colours.
Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara has departed the Netherlands, he has nevertheless left indelible footprints!
To mark the 59th anniversary of Malta’s Independence, Ambassador Mark Anthony Pace of Malta hosted a splendid reception. The event saw the presence of high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats representing various nations, members of the business community, heads of international organizations, individuals from the cultural sphere, Maltese and esteemed friends of Malta.
Adding a harmonious touch to the celebration, cellist Daniel Xuereb and violinist Kurt Falzon, both talented young musicians from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, graced the occasion with their musical interpretations performing both the national anthems of Malta and the Netherlands. Their music selection included classical melodies and traditional Maltese folk songs, enriching the cultural experience.
Cellist Daniel Xuereb and violinist Kurt Falzon.
Ambassador Pace, in his address, began by expressing his unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and paying tribute to those who have lost their lives during the war of aggression, which is now entering its second year. He acknowledged the courage and sacrifices made by the people of Ukraine and affirmed Malta’s solidarity as an elected member of the UNSC.
During his speech Ambassador Pace extended his respectful salutations to the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Piotr Hofmanski.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Pace noted that next year would mark a significant milestone for Malta – the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union. He highlighted the economic benefits Malta has reaped from EU membership and underscored the shared values of peace, security, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights that unite EU member states.
In this context, Ambassador Pace paid tribute to the Netherlands for its longstanding commitment to the international rules-based order, hosting key institutions and international tribunals. He expressed gratitude to the representatives of these institutions present at the reception and assured them of Malta’s steadfast support for their tireless work in upholding international peace and justice.
The historic embassy of Malta represented more than ever the spirit of a remarkable and storied nation. The room was alive with the gentle murmur of conversations, the uplifting music, and the clinking of glasses, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all in attendance.
On 5 July 2022, an amended version of the “Work Where You Want” Act was adopted by the Lower House. Employers will have more room to reject a request than was included in the original legislative proposal. They no longer need to demonstrate that there are substantial business interests. Instead, they may reject a request if they feel that their interests outweigh those of the employee. To make such a weighing possible, employees will have to substantiate properly their requests, just as employers will have to do when rejecting a request.
These adjustments were not sufficient for the Senate. On 26 September 2023, the legislative proposal was rejected. The parliamentary groups mainly questioned the need for the law. After all, employees can already request a change of workplace under the Flexible Work Act. The employer then needs to consider the request for a change in workplace and consult with the employee if the request is rejected. Moreover, social partners and employers can agree on this in a collective agreement.
Therefore, to include in the law that the employer must be able to indicate that their interests outweigh the interests of the employee did not seem to add much to some parliamentary groups. They felt that such an addition would create more regulatory burden for employers. According to parties in the Senate, employers and employees can simply agree on workplace adjustments themselves. No new legislation is needed for that.
What is the situation now?
Under the Flexible Work Act, employees can request the employer in writing for a change of working hours, working time and place of work. The condition is that the employee has been employed for at least six months by an employer with 10 employees or more. With regard to a request for adjustment of working hours and working time, the employer may only reject a request for adjustment of working hours and working time if compelling business or service interests oppose this. This condition does not apply with regard to a request for a change in place of work.
Is it possible to deviate from the Flexible Work Act?
The Flexible Work Act does not apply to employers with fewer than 10 employees. It is possible to deviate from this Act if a collective agreement is applicable to the employment contract. In addition, employees may agree in writing with the works council – or in its absence with employee representatives – to deviate from the law for a maximum period of 5 years.
Points for attention
Working from home has become quite common. It is therefore expected for employers to continue to receive homeworking requests. Therefore, it is useful for employers to make clear arrangements with employees in advance about such requests for different work locations. So it is good to lay down arrangements on working from home in employment regulations or staff handbook, for example.
Even if employees are working from home, you as an employer must still fulfill your duty of care and hence ensure a safe and healthy workplace. This applies, regardless of whether the legislative proposal has been rejected by the Dutch Senate.
Employment lawyer
Do you have any questions about working from home or any other questions concerning employment law? Please contact us! priscilla.deleede@russell.nl
