On the picture Jordan’s Queen Rania talks to Belgium’s Prime Minister.ByBaron Henri Estramant.After visiting Downing Street and Britain’s Premier David Cameron on Friday, 8 January 2016, to discuss the Syrian refugee crisis, Queen Rania of Jordan continued her whirlwind tour of Europe touching down in Brussels on Tuesday, 12 January 2016. The Jordanian royal (45), first met with the country’s Prime Minister Charles Michel before heading to the Royal Palace for an audience with Queen Mathilde of the Belgians. In the afternoon, Rania made her way to EU meetings at the European Commission headquarters. There she met with Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC as well as Commissioner Johannes Hahn, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. Queen Rania of Jordan and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians – Picture by Akamai Technologies.After Brussels, Queen Rania al-Abdullah travelled to Oslo wherein she was received by the Royal Couple as well as the Crown Princely Couple of Norway and the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Queen Rania and Prime Minister Erna Solberg – Picture by Terje Bendiksby, Scanpix.Background for all visits and meetings in the three countries is the upcoming Syria Donor’s Conference, which shall take place on 4 February in London, and is being financially and logistically organised by the UK, Norway, Germany and Kuwait. Queen Rania hopes to receive strong economic aid for Jordan which has welcomed about a million refugees from Syria, Iraq, Palestine and even Afghanistan notwithstanding the limited resources of the Hashemite Kingdom which are being forced to the limit.
Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the EU and NATO, Embassy to Belgium, Luxembourg and Norway, HE Ambassador Dr.Yousef Bataineh: www.jordanembassy.be
Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to The Netherlands, Mission to the OPCW, HE Ambassador Ahmad Mufleh: http://www.jordanembassy.nl
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras. First Cyprus-Israel-Greece tripartite meeting in Nicosia On 28 January 2016.
President Nicos Anastasiades, the Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras and the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu presided over the first Cyprus-Greece-Israel Trilateral Summit in Nicosia.
A joint declaration was adopted forming the foundation of the cooperation between the three countries, including, inter alia, in the fields of energy, tourism, research and technology, the environment, water management, terrorism and migration.
Within the framework of the summit a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in the field of Water Resources Management among the three countries was signed by the three respective ministers of Agriculture.
In remarks to the press after the trilateral meeting, President Anastasiades highlighted that “the objective of the trilateral cooperation is the promotion of peace, stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, through the substantive and practical strengthening of our joint ventures in all the fields of cooperation and therefore it was not and it is not possible for this cooperation of ours to be directed against any other country.”The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, in a tête-à-tête meeting with the Prime Ministers of Greece, Mr Alexis Tsipras, and Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu.
Characterizing the Joint Declaration that was adopted by the three countries a really historic document, the President also remarked that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Water Resources Management, is a tangible and practical example and step of the cooperation between the three countries.
On his part the Israeli Prime Minister pointed out, inter alia, that during the Trilateral Meeting the leaders discussed the issue of natural gas “and we decided to explore this in a very audacious way, to form a trilateral Committee between Greece, Cyprus and Israel to plan the possibility of a pipeline that would take our common resources of gas and export it to Europe via Greece. A pipeline from Israel, Cyprus through Greece to Europe. This goes along side our other plans vis-à-vis the exploitation of the energy recourses. The second thing that we are embarking on is creating an interconnecting underwater cable to connect the electricity grids of Israel, Cyprus and later on Greece.”
Mr Netanyahu concluded that “We can pledge that our trilateral cooperation will help bring the blessings of progress not only to the citizens of our three democracies but also perhaps to the wider region by helping stability, security, prosperity and peace.”
In his own remarks, the Greek Prime Minister said that “we had today a very substantive discussion: we agreed on the opportunities and the possibilities for a close cooperation; we identified fields of common interest where we can implement joint programs in order to have immediate, practical results; we agreed on the formation of a tripartite joint working and coordinating group with regard to the critical field of energy; we agreed to press on with energy networks that will strengthen the energy security of our countries, but also that of the broader region.”Photography by the Press and Information Office – Republic of Cyprus.
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.
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
