On the picture Crowne Plaza Team.Second Annual Diplomat New Year Reception at Crowne Plaza
The second Diplomat Magazine New Year’s event was again an outstanding success. With relaxing life jazz tunes, tasty appetizers and an intimate atmosphere, the many attendees were able to meet, network, and catch up with one another.
Guests included the Ambassadors of Brazil, Kosovo, Vatican, Malaysia, Lebanon, Mexico, Thailand, Tunisia and Ukraine along with many other diplomats from Russia, El Salvador, Palestine,Georgia, Indonesia, Slovenia, Sudan, Cuba, Colombia, Italy,Morocco, USA, as well as judges from the International Criminal Court ICC and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia ICTY.Video by Diplomat Video Productions.
For additional Henry Arvidsson pictures, please open the following link: http://www.diplomatphoto.com/event-gallery/Roy Lie, Menno de la Vienne, Willem Post and Mark Verheul. Diplomat Magazine New Years party 2016. Crowne Plaza hotel, The hague, Netherlands.Boudewijn Martens, Crowne Plaza’s General Manager, praised the great cooperation between Crowne Plaza Den Haag Promenade and Diplomat Magazine. He wished everyone a happy new year, and thanked Reli Felix from Jaguar,Marloes Mos from Hanos and Manolis Arvanitis and Ellen Heijligers from Diplomatic Card for their sponsorship.
Ms. Abir Ali, Chargé d’affairs Embassy of Lebanon and Ms Sonia Getas, ICC. Diplomat Magazine New Years party 2016. Crowne Plaza hotel, The Hague, Netherlands.
The evening was a successful beginning to an exciting new year and the start of an important annual event on the social calendar.
On the picture HE Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri with Russian Head of Mission to the EU, Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov.To fête the final adoption of India’s republican and democratic constitutional system on 26 January 1950, the Head of Mission of India to the EU, HE Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Ambassador to Belgium and non-resident to Luxembourg, and his consort Mrs Namrita Puri hosted a reception in the premises of the Indian mission in Brussels. Bhutanese Chargé d’affaires, Minister-Counsellor Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and Mrs Puri.In New Delhi, Republic Day is celebrated with a large military parade hosted by the Indian President at Rajpath (King’s Way). This year President Pranab Kumar Mukherjee received French president François Hollande as “Chief Guest”, that is, the annual main foreign dignitary invited who is always a foreign head of state or government. Montenegrin Ambassador (Benelux countries, non-resident head of mission to India and Thailand), Vladimir Radulović.For more information:Mission of India to the EU, Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg : www.indembassy.be——————-Pictures by Mission of India to the EU, Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Ambassador Yang Yanyi welcoming MEP István Ujhelyi.
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Mission of the PRC to the EU hosted the dance performance “The Silk Road on the Sea” on January 26 at Brussels National Theatre.
HE Ambassador Yang Yangyi welcomed high-level guests from the European Commission as well as the European Parliament who attended to celebrate the revival of the Silk Road.
For a photo album on “The Silk Road on the Sea” performance:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/129701717@N05/sets/72157661715632534
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani – Picture by Aljazeera.
His Highness The Amir of the State of Qatar issued a decree on January 27, appointing HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as new foreign minister. Incumbent Khalid Al Attiyah, the outgoing foreign minister, will become state minister for defence affairs though the actual ministry is controlled by the Amir.
H.E. Mr. J. S. Mukul, Ambassador of India and wife.
India celebrates 67th Republic Day in The Hague.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
26 January 2016 was a memorable day for H.E. Mr. J. S. Mukul, Ambassador of India, his staff, and the Indian Diaspora in the Netherlands. It was the day on which the Republic of India celebrated its 67th Republic Day.
In The Hague, the day started with a flag ceremony at the Gandhi Centre. Later at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ambassador Mukulat hosted a soirée consisting of a reception, dance by a Kathakali dance group from India led by Mr. Nandakumaran Nair, and dinner-buffet. The buffet was prepared by two renowned master chefs, Mr. Shailendra Kumar and Mr. Suresh Kumar, both of whom were in town for the Indian Food Festival hosted at Hotel Crowne Plaza in collaboration with India Tourism Office Amsterdam.
For a Marian van Noort photo album, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157663434456219The host couple with the Ambassador of China, H.E. Mr. Chen Xu.
Republic Day of India is not to be confused with Independence Day. Republic Day is the celebration of the adoption of the constitution and the values of justice, liberty, equality, pluralism, and secularism enshrined within it.
At the reception, Ambassador Mukul warmly welcomed his two hundred-plus guests, comprising dignitaries, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Dutch community and the Indian Diaspora.
Here follows a brief summary of Ambassador Mukul’s welcome remarks:
“It is my proud privilege and pleasure to welcome you all on the happy occasion of the 67th Republic Day of India. I extend my greetings and felicitations to one and all on this occasion. I would like to extend a special welcome to our guest of the evening Mr. André Haspels who is representing H.E. the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands. We are delighted to have you, Sir.“India is clearly on the move, with a high growth trajectory. Science tells us that when the Indian elephant gathers speed – characteristic of the Indian tiger or lion – it has momentum. However, at the same time, we are indeed mindful of the numerous challenges that lie ahead of us.“At the bilateral level, 2015 has been particularly good for Indo-Dutch relations. We have had major business delegations led by the Mayors of Amsterdam and Amstelveen and an unprecedented two delegations from The Hague Municipality, of which one is presently in India as I speak. But the peak of our bilateral relations in the past year has clearly been Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s landmark visit to India in June 2015 with a mega business delegation. This was further reinforced by the valued presence of the Prime Minister at the recent launch of India’s initiative called ‘International Solar Alliance’ on the sidelines of COP-21 in Paris.”“Going forward, India remains a shining example among the emerging economies, with economic growth of 7.5%, expected to rise to 8.9%. India has many flagship programmes underway, including Made-in-India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart India, Smart Cities, Clean India, Start-up-India, and Stand-up-India. These and others provide ample complementarities and opportunities for Indo-Dutch cooperation in future.”“Turning from the bilateral to the multilateral, during 2015 India pursued its proactive engagement and constructive role in the multilateral and legal organizations based in The Hague – the city of peace and justice. The forthcoming year, 2016, promises to be even more active and interesting across the spectrum.“Excellencies, we seek to work in close cooperation with all concerned in different fora.”
The Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Andre Haspels also addressed the gathering.
Among other things, Mr. Haspels made reference to the four centuries-old relationship between the Netherlands and India. He also noted Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s recent visit to India.
In New Delhi, Republic Day is celebrated in with a grand military parade. The Prime Minister of India lays a floral wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti to honour the unknown soldiers. The President’s bodyguards on horseback escort the President of India to Rajpath where he joins the other dignitaries for the hoisting of the National Flag.
The host couple and H.E. Mr. Taher Farahat and wife Nadine Rushdy.
This year, the President of France, Francois Hollande, will be attending the event as Chief Guest. It will be the first time since 1950 that a foreign army will participate; the French 35th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Armoured Brigade will march down the Rajpath. In 2015, it was the President of the United States, Barack Obama, who attended India’s annual Republic Day parade as guest of honor. The stunning, hours-long spectacle showcases the best of India’s culture, military, states and federal programs.
The 2016 celebration of India’s Republic day celebrations should be classified as a tremendous success.
“The Hague Masquerade” is organizing a fabulous Gala for Diplomat’s, Expatriates, Internationals and Dutch businesspeople. The Brazilian Carnival Gala event (Black-tie or Costume), has the support of the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague.
Hostesses dressed in Carnival costumes will brighten the evening while Juliana Braga’s dance “Study Group” from Amsterdam will perform typical Brazilian dances like Forró, Samba and Gafieira, follow by a fashion Show from the well known Dutch designer, Angelle Chang (JOW Fashion), with Brazilian models.
Stands to purchase articles displayed in the Fashion Show like the handbags made by Amal Ledrhem (Superfab) also a stand with Brazilian handmade masks, in case you did not bring one will be open in the venue. A Brazilian DJ will play his fantastic Brazilian music accompanied by a percussionist. Several bars will be open all night long also a special Caipirinha’s bar.
‘All together it will be an unforgettable night. It is the first time in 20 years that there will be a Brazilian Carnival Gala in The Hague again and we are very much looking forward to making it a huge success which can be repeated every year.’ said one of the organisers.
Date: February 5, 2016, from 09:30 pm till 03.00 am,
Venue: The Parliament building, “International Press Centre Nieuwspoort”, Lange Poten 10, 2511 CL The Hague.
Visit the Facebook site: Brazilian Carnival Gala or The Hague Masquerade or Use this link to order your tickets for the event.https://link2ticket.nl/OrderMain.aspx?elink=A1hXcUMFfFtKVQ&channelid=A1hXcUMFfl5BUAPrices: Early bird tickets; Euro 20 pp, as long as it lasts. Thereafter; Euro 25 pp. Tickets at the door; Euro 30. VIP arrangements and VIP tables can be provided. Please contact us for details.
For information: jsvandeven@casema.nl / 0628268629
The Embassy of Costa Rica in the Netherlands and the Hispanic Society of The Hague, organised a guitar quartet concert ‘Caribbean Night’ by the Guitar Quartet of Costa Rica.
The evening took place in Koningkerk, The Hague in presence of members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Hispanic Society of The Hague. His Excellency Sergio Ugalde, Ambassador of Costa Rica, welcomed the audience and the highly skilled artists.
The Guitar Quartet of Costa Rica. ” The Hague was the first destination of a series of concert to take place in Bruxelles and continuing to Luxembourg, Paris, London and Cambridge.”, said Mrs. Edith Bergansus, Chair of the Hispanic Society.
The programme featured Costarican culture and rhythm. Music is an important educational asset for the government in San Jose. Musicians are alumni from the Music School of the University of Costa Rica.
Ms. Bergansus and guests after the concert.
Spanish lyrical recital at literary society De Witte, by soprano Laura Sabatel and pianist Óscar Lobete. February 19 at literary society De Witte
The Embassy of Spain in The Hague and the Cervantes Institute will organize a Spanish lyrical recital performed by soprano Laura Sabatel and pianist Óscar Lobete. The artists, both graduated cum-laude, have been collaborating with well-known conductors such as Christian Zacharias, Phillip Pickett, Vladimir Spivakov and Lionel Bringuier.
The musical performance will take place on February 19 at literary society De Witte. This prestigious institution plays an important role in the cultural life of The Hague since the beginning of the 19th century. De Witte has a Spanish cultural table in charge of organizing activities related to Spanish culture.
More information can be found at the Websites of the Cervantes Institute and literary society De Witte.
« Clôture de l’amour », written and directed by Pascal Rambert, March 8, 2016 at 8:15pm. The Dutch premier of this play, in French, atTheater aan het Spui in The Hague. An evening in partnership with the Alliance française. Pascal Rambert.“They believed it, they believed in it. That crazy love, absolute and final… But it’s all over. Stan and Audrey face each other, to finally put an end to it. Clôture de l’amour, the epitome of a break-up dialogue. Two artists, in a rehearsal room illuminated with crude neon lights, fire and receive words like bullets,” wrote Pascal Rambert who scrutinizes and dissects the feelings associated with the rupture of love through the medium of two forceful monologues. Author, director, producer and choreographer, Rambert has been the director of the Théâtre de Gennevilliers since 2007.Pascal Rambert
Created at the Festival of Avignon in 2011, “Clôture de l’amour ” had an immediate success with audiences and critics alike. The play toured in Italy, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Croatia, Japan, Russia, and New York. It was presented as part of last season’s programming by Johanna ter Steege and Reinout Bussemaker in Dutch, here in the Netherlands. Initially, the roles are written and specially tailored for the actors Audrey Bonnet and Stanislas Nordey. However for this representation in The Hague, Pascal Rambert himself will play the male role.
” Clôture de l’amour ” March 8, 2016, in French (no subtitles), 2 hours long, Theater aan het Spui 8:15 p.m.. Address: Spui 187, The Hague. Reservations: 070-346 52 72; price: 20 euros. A tasting of French wines, accompanied by some appetizers, is possible on site from 6:30pm (reservations only please; the price for the wine tasting and the show combined: 30 euros). A meeting with Pascal Rambert, hosted by journalist Ariejan Korteweg, is scheduled at the end of the performance.The show has been scheduled in observation of the International Women’s Day and will kick off the Francophone month here in the Netherlands. The programming of “Clôture de l’amour ” was possible thanks to the ongoing collaboration between Theater aan het Spui and the Alliance française de La Haye.
Press coverage
“Clôture de l’amour transforms a domestic scene into a performance which is as cruel as it is mind blowing.” Fabienne Arvers and Patrick Sourd, Inrocks.
“A heated face-to-face interaction where, without ever touching each other, the actors confronts the audience with a discussion about their dying love. A very intense operation,” ML Paris, the three shots.
“A strikingly unstoppable struggle, void of any gratitude” Brigitte Salino, Le Monde
“We loved the idea to love but who do we really love? “Savannah Mace, The Huffington Post.
“The woman has the best role because she is the more generous character, able to forgive her husband, to love again, and to continue to give of her life unconditionally. He (the male figure) displayed an irresponsible sense of narcissism. But the playwright and director Pascal Rambert goes above and beyond any form of evident psychology. Here, it does not matter who wins and who loses. “Fabienne Pascaud, Télérama.
Here follows a brief summary of Ambassador Mukul’s welcome remarks:
“It is my proud privilege and pleasure to welcome you all on the happy occasion of the 67th Republic Day of India. I extend my greetings and felicitations to one and all on this occasion. I would like to extend a special welcome to our guest of the evening Mr. André Haspels who is representing H.E. the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands. We are delighted to have you, Sir.
“India is clearly on the move, with a high growth trajectory. Science tells us that when the Indian elephant gathers speed – characteristic of the Indian tiger or lion – it has momentum. However, at the same time, we are indeed mindful of the numerous challenges that lie ahead of us.
“At the bilateral level, 2015 has been particularly good for Indo-Dutch relations. We have had major business delegations led by the Mayors of Amsterdam and Amstelveen and an unprecedented two delegations from The Hague Municipality, of which one is presently in India as I speak. But the peak of our bilateral relations in the past year has clearly been Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s landmark visit to India in June 2015 with a mega business delegation. This was further reinforced by the valued presence of the Prime Minister at the recent launch of India’s initiative called ‘International Solar Alliance’ on the sidelines of COP-21 in Paris.”
“Going forward, India remains a shining example among the emerging economies, with economic growth of 7.5%, expected to rise to 8.9%. India has many flagship programmes underway, including Made-in-India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart India, Smart Cities, Clean India, Start-up-India, and Stand-up-India. These and others provide ample complementarities and opportunities for Indo-Dutch cooperation in future.”
“Turning from the bilateral to the multilateral, during 2015 India pursued its proactive engagement and constructive role in the multilateral and legal organizations based in The Hague – the city of peace and justice. The forthcoming year, 2016, promises to be even more active and interesting across the spectrum.
“Excellencies, we seek to work in close cooperation with all concerned in different fora.”
The Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Andre Haspels also addressed the gathering.
Among other things, Mr. Haspels made reference to the four centuries-old relationship between the Netherlands and India. He also noted Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s recent visit to India.
In New Delhi, Republic Day is celebrated in with a grand military parade. The Prime Minister of India lays a floral wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti to honour the unknown soldiers. The President’s bodyguards on horseback escort the President of India to Rajpath where he joins the other dignitaries for the hoisting of the National Flag.
‘All together it will be an unforgettable night. It is the first time in 20 years that there will be a Brazilian Carnival Gala in The Hague again and we are very much looking forward to making it a huge success which can be repeated every year.’ said one of the organisers.
Date: February 5, 2016, from 09:30 pm till 03.00 am,
Venue: The Parliament building, “International Press Centre Nieuwspoort”, Lange Poten 10, 2511 CL The Hague.
Visit the Facebook site: Brazilian Carnival Gala or The Hague Masquerade or Use this link to order your tickets for the event.https://link2ticket.nl/OrderMain.aspx?elink=A1hXcUMFfFtKVQ&channelid=A1hXcUMFfl5BUA
Prices: Early bird tickets; Euro 20 pp, as long as it lasts. Thereafter; Euro 25 pp. Tickets at the door; Euro 30. VIP arrangements and VIP tables can be provided. Please contact us for details.
For information: jsvandeven@casema.nl / 0628268629
