Nigeria Should Pay More Attention to AgricultureBy H. E. John C.M Groffen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria in this interview with our West Africa Editor, Sunday Oyinloye. Photography by Adenike Adesina. Ambassador Groffen speaks on the economic relations between his county and Nigeria and other issues.How would you describe your experience in Nigeria compared to other countries you have served? Nigeria is a special country I must say. I have worked in several countries but Nigeria has a lot of potentials. Though, the challenges of security and unemployment are there, sky is the limit if Nigeria utilizes her full potentials. If the right policies are put in place, there will be no limit to what Nigeria will be able to achieve as a nation and the country will be the real giant of Africa.
From your perspective, what are those things that make Nigeria stands out from other African nations? That is difficult for me to say. This is because Nigeria is the only African country that I know. However, the population of Nigeria makes it a good place for Dutch investors. The country has a huge population, about 170miilion people which makes it a good market. Like I said earlier, Nigeria is the only country in Africa that I know very well.
H.E John C.M Groffen, Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria.What levels of economic relations exist between Nigeria and the Netherlands? We have good long standing economic relations. Our relations predate Nigeria’s independence. We have seen good and bad times together, there are many Dutch companies doing well in Nigeria, Shell, Phillips ,Friesland, Campina and a host of other Dutch companies. We are also encouraging Dutch investors in small and medium scale businesses especially in the area of agriculture through value chain. The former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Adesina did well in the area of value chain which we believe in. We are ready to partner with Nigeria in its bid to diversify its economy. Remember that the Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agricultural products in the world, so Nigeria has a lot to learn from our country.
Netherlands is one of the biggest trade partners of Nigeria, what is your country doing to sustain this? We are the most important trade partner of Nigeria in Europe. Export of crude oil to the Netherlands and refined products back to Nigeria constitute the bulk of these trade relations. Now, we want to pay more attention to Agriculture because it is a sector which can create employment opportunities for Nigerians. Nigeria spends billions of dollars on importation of wheat, rice and other food items yearly, but that can be improved upon if more attention is paid to agriculture. If you develop your agricultural sector, you can begin to talk about exportation. But let me say that we are in the process of signing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) so that Nigeria will have more access to the Netherlands market. Nigeria should drive agricultural transformation. We want to encourage Nigeria.
Nigeria rely too much on imported goods from Europe and Asia, China in particular, should Nigerians expect more Dutch manufacturing companies in the nearest future? We know that Nigeria is the largest market in Africa, but Nigeria is not seen in the outside world as an easy market where investors can grow their businesses. Before some major policies are made, investors in those areas ought to be informed well ahead for their own planning. A typical investor would want to put his money where there is a measure of predictability. Government has to create an environment that will make would-be investors to be able to plan. Let me give you some examples, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which is a good idea has been in the National Assembly for some years. International oil companies are not sure of what is going to happen to the bill. So if they are not sure of what is going to happen to the bill, they will probably not invest in the economy. Again, the Central Bank of Nigeria recently excluded 41 products from the list of items valid for forex in the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market without prior notice. It was a sudden measure by the Central Bank.
What is the Netherlands doing to assist Nigeria in combating her security challenges? Let me say that crime has to do with socio-economic circumstances. Sometimes people are forced to do those things because of unemployment. So, more jobs should be provided to bring down the crime rate. Nigeria has vast growing population; therefore, government has to work hard on the economy to provide jobs for the growing population. Nigeria’s economy must be made to stand out. On the issue of Boko Haram, government has to look at its root cause. The Netherlands is partnering with Nigeria to tackle the problem using the soft approach, for instance how to de-radicalise those who believe in the principle of Boko Hram and also in the area of education and other soft approaches.
Many Nigerians have criticized your country for closing its consular for those travelling to the Netherlands on short visits, now they have to go through Belgium Embassy in Abuja or France Embassy in Lagos. What informed that decision and should Nigerians expect a reversal of the system? The decision was taken before my arrival here. But let me say that the criteria for obtaining visa in most E U countries are the same. In principle, it should not make any difference where you apply from. The new system saves money. Then, as France and Belgium issue Schengen visas on our behalf in Nigeria, we also do same for them in other countries. However, I want to advice Nigerians to always apply for their visas on time.
For information:http://nigeria.nlembassy.org/
On the picture H. E. Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister of Pakistan.By Professor Waqas Halim.
The two South Asia arch-rivals India and Pakistan have seen contrasting trajectories in the last decade. India has gone from strength to strength economically as well as politically; whereas Pakistan is beset with a multitude of intricate problems.
It is grappling with the menaces of insurgency, terrorism and radical extremism, not to forget political instability and strained ties with India on the eastern flank. These conspicuous issues mar Pakistan from augmenting its elements of national power, which leaves it in a diplomatically weaker position.
However, Pakistan has a substantial power base to capitalize and build upon to become a major force to in the South Asian power calculus. Despite the evident chaotic scenario, there is a visible opportunity for Pakistan to unleash its power potential in the region. Foreign Policy and International linkages render immense significance in this regard for the country as the geostrategic location of Pakistan gives the country a natural source to elicit strength from.
Pakistan’s engagements with its strategic partners and neighbors must enable it to yield maximum benefits from the confluence of factors which are set to put Pakistan at the center stage.
There is a renewed sense of optimism among the policy-makers in the country that the country can now meet its energy needs through forging stronger ties with its neighbors. Three historic and rather game-changing events in the region bring to the fore opportunities for Pakistan to not only become a fulcrum of economic activity through the smooth supply of energy sources for its domestic consumption but also transit these resources to the regional power, China.
Those three developments entail Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project; the Iran- USA Nuclear Deal which has strong ramification on the trade with Iran and the much totted, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with a $46 Billion investment plan in Pakistan.
First, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project is one such colossal initiative, which will help mitigate Pakistan’s energy crisis. TAPI project is monumental for the region in more ways than one. Firstly, it has not only garnered wholehearted support from the 4 signatories, but the project has been espoused by the world community at large.
The 1,800-KM long pipeline will transport 33 billion cubic meters of gas from the Turkmen gas fields of South Yolotan and Usman to the restive Afghan provinces of Helmand, Heart and Kandahar. Thereafter, it will pass through Balochistan and South Punjab, and will in India’s city of Fazilka (as per the original plan).
Besides, giving Turkmenistan a viable and lucrative outlet to export vast deposits of natural gas, it will relieve pressure on foreign donors in sustaining Afghanistan as it helps generate jobs and transit fees. However, most importantly, the pipeline is set to enhance Pakistan’s strategic and diplomatic clout in the region. There are two reasons which underlie this assertion.
Pakistan is beleaguered in a severe energy crisis, which is expected to worsen in the future if cheap energy sources are not used efficiently. The TAPI agreement will give Pakistan a much-needed crutch in shape of a smooth supply of gas. This will help the country to significantly ameliorate its energy production landscape. This will generate economic activity and augment industrial production.
As of now the situation is bleak, for Pakistan’s industrial sector is fast-crippling in wake of the power crisis. Pakistan could be of great strategic importance to India. Pakistan’s arch nemesis does not share a direct border with Central Asian Republics. India’s desire to become a hegemonic regional and world power is dependent upon sustaining and strengthening its economic power. This can be realized if it has access to easy and cheap sources of energy. Pakistan thus becomes the only plausible conduit for India. It is therefore, imperative for both countries to tread on a different course since the potential advantages can be offset by ramping-up the ante.
The prospects of this pipeline realizing its aims hinge upon certain essential requisites. Peace and security in the Af-Pak is fundamental for the TAPI agreement to yield dividends. Efforts to obliterate the terrorist networks are well underway in Pakistan, with the launch of counter-terrorism military operations in the Tribal Areas of Pakistan and the insurgency-ridden province of Balochistan. In addition, Pakistan is mediating between the Taliban and the Afghan Government to bring the former in the mainstream political process. The security environment in Afghanistan and Pakistan needs to further improve for the project to actualize in its entirety. Another stumbling block is the simmering tensions between India and Pakistan. All in all, this project which is set to start soon will provide Pakistan to leverage its resources to propel the economic growth.
Second, Pakistan can benefit greatly from the thaw in acrimonious ties between USA and Iran after the momentous nuclear deal in Vienna earlier this year. Though, the optimism surrounding the deal is rather exacerbated as it is argued by several experts that it will escalate tensions in the Middle East. However, there is a silver-lining in this for Pakistan as it could revive the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline (IPI) project. Progress and materialization of the project would enable Pakistan to alleviate its power issues with a continuous supply of gas. Again, Pakistan would be at the forefront of being a pavement to transmit valuable sources of energy.
Besides, there are several other factors which impede the execution of the pipeline project. India, ostensibly, has lost the appetite to collaborate with the old rival on the western front. As an alternative plan, the government has sought support from the US to initiate a similar venture with the Tajik government which allows the Tajik pipeline to transmit gas through the Wakhan Border. Only time will tell which option is pursued by the decision makers. The experts argue that this may trigger a new tussle between the Arab countries and Iran. Alternatively, Pakistan can play an intermediary role to reconcile the differences between the two blocs.
Finally, the development which has added to Pakistan’s geo-economic value is the initiation of the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) which would link the Gwadar port with Kashgar in Xinjiang, China. Besides the fact that Pakistan would attain a multitude of economic advantages, China would be able to increase its sphere of influence in the region, much to the dismay of the USA and India. China, being an industrial and trading giant needs timely and hazard-free supply of energy resources to power its industries. Gwadar’s proximity to the Strait of Hormuz will help transport oil and other petroleum products from the Persian Gulf to China through Pakistan, saving costs and time. In other words, the Middle East would be connected to the landlocked regions of China.
Thus, despite the fact that Pakistan finds itself in a myriad of problems, it has the propensity to be a strategic pivot in the region; a hub of energy which could help regional integration and economic development. For this to materialize, peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan is of the essence, not to discard the need for normalization of ties with India. Pakistan can change the fate of its populace by availing these opportunities strategically and focus on good governance, which by and large, remains unaddressed.
Picture courtesy of Pakistan Times.
On the picture H. E. Eduardo Ibarrola Nicolin, Ambassador of Mexico and Chairperson of the 20th OPCW Conference of the States Parties.
The Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention concluded its Twentieth Session this morning at the World Forum in The Hague.
The Conference was Chaired by H.E. Ambassador Eduardo Ibarrola-Nicolin of Mexico. The Conference adopted a number of decisions, including its Programme and Budget for 2016 and also a Report with recommendations that will serve to guide the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) over the coming year.
The Director-General of the OPCW, H. E. Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü noted today that, “the successful conclusion of the Conference underscores the strong commitment of States Parties to strengthening the global norm against chemical weapons in a manner that is responsive to future challenges”, The Conference reviewed the status of the implementation of the CWC across all the programme areas covering disarmament and work relating to the non re emergence of chemical weapons, as well as assistance and protection and international cooperation.
The delegates were briefed on the progress made by possessor states in their destruction activities, including the completion of destruction activities at four facilities in the Russian Federation during the past year. The Conference noted progress in the elimination of the Syrian Arab Republic’s chemical weapons programme.
The universality of the Convention figured as an important point of discussion. In 2015, two States joined the CWC: Myanmar and Angola, increasing the number of States Parties to 192. The remaining States were called upon to expeditiously join the international ban on chemical weapons.
The Conference also established an Advisory Board on Education and Outreach. Its role will be to render specialised advice regarding the Organisation’s education and outreach activities, and those of States Parties with a view to making these more effective and sustainable. A number of Member States voiced their support towards a German-led initiative to advance ethical guidelines for chemistry professionals in relation to CWC obligations.
The OPCW’s continued engagement with chemical industry and the scientific community has been further endorsed by the Conference and, for the first time, included as an agenda item of the Session. The Conference designated 29 April each year—the date in 1997 on which the Convention entered into force—as the International Day for the Foundation of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (“OPCW Day”). The Conference adopted the Programme and Budget for 2016.
A special trust fund has been created to cover the OPCW activities in Syria, in order to account for the impact of this additional costs on the Organisation’s budget. The Conference was attended by representatives of 134 States Parties, five international organisations, specialised agencies and other international bodies, in addition to over eighty representatives of 52 non-governmental organisations from all over the world. During the week, a busy schedule of side events organised by civil society organisations as well as by the OPCW enabled discussions on a number of topical issues including developments in science and technology relevant to the Convention.
By Kathryne Bomberger, Director-General, the International Commission on Missing Persons
More than three quarters of a million refugees have set out for Europe by sea in 2015 and of this number almost 3,500 have perished. Many of the missing and dead have not been located; many have not been identified.
Those who disappear on the world’s migration routes are a tragic component of a global missing persons crisis that also encompasses conflict, crime, human rights violations and natural disasters. It has become clear that this global crisis requires a global response – and in order to be effective, that response must be coordinated, multi-disciplinary, and based on principles that are understood and accepted by all stakeholders.
The decision by the governments of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium and Luxembourg to sign an Agreement in December last year granting the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) the status of an intergovernmental organization with a mandate to tackle the missing persons issue around the world – the only international organization focused exclusively on this issue – reflects a new international consensus.
Signing of the Host State Agreement with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders on 5 October 2015.
The Agreement stipulates that ICMP’s new international headquarters will be in The Hague. Foreign Minister Bert Koenders and I signed a host nation agreement on 5 October, and the process of setting up an ICMP office here is now well advanced. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of The Hague for the proactive practical assistance they have given us in this exercise.
On 29 October at the Dutch Foreign Ministry the UK chaired the first Conference of ICMP State Parties – a body mandated by the 2014 Agreement. In addition to representatives of countries that have signed the Agreement, representatives of El Salvador, Germany, the US, Interpol and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) attended as observers.
The CSP discussed ICMP’s plan of work through 2018. Among key activities for the period, ICMP will host the first meeting in November of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on Missing Persons, whose initial focus will be on the issue of missing migrants and refugees. In 2016 ICMP will convene the first meeting of the Global Forum, which will bring together policymakers, legal experts, academics, civil society activists and others to advance an international discourse on missing persons.
A staff member of ICMP working in the DNA lab.
During the coming three-year period, ICMP will harness new scientific methods to enhance its standing capacity in DNA-based human identification and it will establish a Center of Excellence for Training in The Hague. In addition, ICMP will expand access to its Identification Data Management System (iDMS) so that it can be utilized online from anywhere in the world. And it will operate programs in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Also on 29 October at the Foreign Ministry, we briefed around 30 country representatives on ICMP’s activities, explaining among other things that through signing the Agreement, countries are able to contribute to the organization’s development and strategy, as well as further advance the process of addressing the global problem of missing persons. Countries do not assume any funding or other financial obligations by signing.
Originally established in 1996 at the initiative of US President Bill Clinton to help governments in the Western Balkans account for the 40,000 people missing as a result of the conflicts in former Yugoslavia, ICMP spearheaded an effort that made it possible to account for more than 70 percent of these people.
In 2001 ICMP pioneered a DNA-led process that resulted in an exponential rise in the number of identifications. ICMP was invited to work beyond the Western Balkans for the first time in 2005, following the Southeast Asian Tsunami and since then it has been asked by governments and organizations to work in countries throughout the world. With a standing capacity to process 10,000 DNA profiles per year, ICMP has been able to make around 20,000 DNA identifications worldwide.
ICMP employs a rule of law approach and helps states to develop public law institutions to investigate missing persons cases. In the course of two decades we have found that this is more effective than an ad hoc humanitarian approach. ICMP also works with families of the missing to help them lobby effectively for their rights.
Having our headquarters in The Hague will make it possible for ICMP to work more closely with diplomatic missions, international courts and other organizations that are based here. We look forward to developing constructive relations in the City of Peace and Justice with a community of people who are committed to delivering solutions to major global challenges.
For more information please visit www.icmp.int
On the picture H. E. Fernando Arias, Ambassador of Spain with Antonio Reyes and Diego del Morao’s team.By Anna Maria Mistretta.
The Ambassador of Spain, H. E. Fernando Arias, hosted a concert by singer Antonio Reyes and guitarist Diego del Morao: “Flamenco Dream Team”, Sinterklaas concert.
Antonio Reyes & Diego del Morao, the Flamenco Dream Team, held a concert on 2 December 2015 at Korzo theater, in The Hague.Cold hands on a scorching guitar. Diego Del Morao’s practiced hand, chilled from the elements, opened the scene. At first sight, I thought perhaps The Hague was not the right venue for this intense and passionate music.For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661827282631Antonio Reyes & Diego del Morao, the Flamenco Dream Team.But then Diego, with his sparkling warm eyes, immediately conquered the public, rendering each of us attentive; involved; and dreaming indeed.His musical touch raised a crystalline sound that stroked our hearts.H. E. Alvaro Moerzinger, Ambassador of Uruguay, H. E. José De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal, H. E. Karim Ben Bécher, Ambassador of Tunisia and his wife Rym.Antonio Reyes spoke from the heart directly to our soul: a clear moving message of love and death. No contrast could have been greater in a land of few emotions, yet Antonio, Diego, Juan and Tate made the miracle!Anna Maria Mistretta, Embassy of Italy.The music was a crescendo of sounds and emotion that warmed even the coldest heart. The last notes of the final song were rightly met with a standing ovation. Information:Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in The Hague http://www.exteriores.gob.es/embajadas/lahaya
Albanian famous sculptor Arben Bajo came to The Hague specially for the exhibition opening at the Albanian Embassy. H. E. Ambassador Adia Sakiqi organised a joint event together with the celebration of Albanian 103 Independence Anniversary inviting diplomats, officials, medias, artists, business people and members of the Albanian and Dutch society .
For additional pictures on Arben Bajo’s works, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157659649046884
She began her welcome remarks by observing that sculptures are among the best forms of art to reflect societal change. She shared with guests a comment made by Arben Bajo earlier in the day saying that: “When sculpture changes, societies change.” She added: “ These are not one-directional epics sculptures, or glorifying ones. These are sculptures with an enduring human trait and human warmth.”
H.E. Mr. Ole Emil Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark and H.E. Mr. Joe Tony Aidoo, Ambassador of Ghana with one of Arben Bajo’ sculptures during the opening at the Albanian Embassy in The Hague.Arben Bajo‘s sculpture starts its journey in the late 80s. Shaped within the ateliers of the Academy of Arts in Tirana, it ventured to be daringly different during those years when other Albanian art students too were questioning the stereotypical language of socialist realism.
Bajo opened his first exhibition right after his graduation and offered a strong embodiment of his new dynamic. Now, thirty years on, with a long list of personal and collective exhibitions, inside and outside of Albania, Bajo offers different work. Work that has not lost the plastic language in the academic ateliers. Like a personal iconostasis of creation, or even a small -scale museum, one finds in them nudes, portraits, laconic horses, or even sections of unfinished projects touched upon time and again.
In these series the artist takes and re-takes from himself, recycling the forms in a personal metamorphosis of gesture and sigh, maybe in search of a nostalgia and that seems to purposefully ever elude him.
The art exhibition gallery of the Embassy if open for the public for the next few weeks:
Wednesday and Friday from 10 -12 a.m
Tuesday and Thursday from 14 – 16 p.m.
You can also visit the gallery any time by appointments.
For information:http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/netherlands/en
On the picture H. E. Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi and his wife Mariam.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates H.E. Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi , celebrated his country’s National Day on 2 December 2015. This year the venue was World Hotel Bel Air.
Scores of friends, business relations and fellow Ambassadors came on this calm autumn afternoon to congratulate Ambassador Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi on this joyous occasion.
For additional Henry Arvidsson’s pictures please link to http://www.diplomatphoto.com/event-gallery/
Back home in the UAE, thousands of people celebrate the unique, 44-year success story that is the United Arab Emirates.
More than 50,000 were witness to a spectacular show that included troupes of performers, singers, and an amazing precision military parade.
For additional information: http://www.uae-embassy.ae/embassies/nl
The signature took place in the presence of the Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, Colombian head of mission to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, HE Ambassador José Rivera Salazar, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini. From left to right Colombian Foreign Minister, María Ángela Holguin, Luxembourgian Foreign Minister Jean Asserlborn, Minister for Immigration and Asylum, Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos.On 2 December 2015, the EU signed a short-stay visa waiver agreement with Colombia, at a ceremony that took place in Brussels.On behalf of the EU, the agreement was signed by Luxembourgian Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, Minister of Immigration and Asylum of Luxembourg and President of the Council, and by Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship on the EU side. On the Colombian side, Maria Angela Holguín, Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the agreement.
The signature took place in the presence of the Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, Colombian head of mission to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, HE Ambassador José Rivera Salazar and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.The new visa regime provides for visa-free travel for EU citizens when travelling to the territory of Colombia and for citizens of Colombia when travelling to the EU, for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period. For more information: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/12/02-visa-waiver-colombia/http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/event/eu-colombia/president-tusk-meets-president-of-ColombiaText and photograph by European Council
On the picture WMF Director Christopher Ohstrom, Sheikha Mai Al Khalifa, Queen Sofía of Spain and WMF President Bonnie Burnham – Picture by Agencia EFE.
21 October 2015, New York City: World Monuments Fund (WMF) honoured Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain, Princess of Greece, and Her Excellency Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, at the XXVIII annual Hadrian Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, USA.
Queen Sofía was hailed for her commitment in revitalising Ibero-American culture and identities in her role as Honorary Patron of Hispania Nostra as well as the “Premio Internacional Reina Sofía de Conservación y Restauración de Bienes Culturales”.
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa and Queen Sofía of Spain – Picture by BACA.
The Watch Award in recognition of the singular role played in the preservation and protection of world heritage, particularly traditional Bahraini culture and heritage went to Sheikha Mai Al Khalifa. She launched the nationwide ‘Invest in Culture’ initiative, building an unprecedented partnership between the private and public sectors for heritage preservation, leading to the establishment of the Bahrain Fort Site Museum and the Bahrain National Theatre (key cultural tourism attractions in the island kingdom).
Through her examples as historian, scholar, and activist, Her Excellency is also a symbol of empowerment for women. As noted in a congratulatory message sent by Bahrain’s First Lady, HRH Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa she is the first “Arab personality to win the award in recognition of her leading role in the preservation of humanitarian and cultural heritage”.
World Monuments Fund is a NGO founded in 1965 by persons preoccupied with the destruction of important artistic and heritage sites throughout the world.
By Baron Henri Estramant.Brussels, 2 December 2015: NATO has formally invited Montenegro to join the military alliance, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
The move is likely to displease Russia, which views NATO expansion as a threat to its security. Montenegro began on a path to join the alliance in 2009. The formal invitation marks the beginning of accession talks. Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Dr. Igor Lukšić said the NATO invitation was “a positive signal for all of the Western Balkans.”It can take up to 18 months for a country to formally join yet it is expected that accession talks will go quickly.Montenegro already supports NATO’s efforts in Afghanistan and has actively cooperated with the alliance in other ways.Ambassador Vladimir Radulović – Picture by mvpei.gov.me.NATO expects Montenegro to make progress on reforms “especially in the area of rule of law.” During the accession talks, NATO says it will engage Montenegro in alliance activities.
Membership to NATO is voluntary and open to European democracies willing and able to contribute to Western security. Aside from Montenegro, three further countries are partnering with NATO and are interested in becoming members, namely Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia. The latter two were, like Montenegro, once a part of former Yugoslavia.
In Brussels the newly arrived head of mission of Montenegro is Ambassador Vladimir Radulovićwho shall also be accredited to the three Benelux countries and the OPCW. Until then Minister Tatjana Raspopović continues to serve as chargée d’affairs.
Before his appointment to Brussels, Ambassador Radulović had been State Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration since 2012. He has served as ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark (2004-2006) and to the Federal Republic of Germany (2008-2012)For more information:Relations NATO-Montenegro:www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49736.htm
Nigeria rely too much on imported goods from Europe and Asia, China in particular, should Nigerians expect more Dutch manufacturing companies in the nearest future? We know that Nigeria is the largest market in Africa, but Nigeria is not seen in the outside world as an easy market where investors can grow their businesses. Before some major policies are made, investors in those areas ought to be informed well ahead for their own planning. A typical investor would want to put his money where there is a measure of predictability. Government has to create an environment that will make would-be investors to be able to plan. Let me give you some examples, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which is a good idea has been in the National Assembly for some years. International oil companies are not sure of what is going to happen to the bill. So if they are not sure of what is going to happen to the bill, they will probably not invest in the economy. Again, the Central Bank of Nigeria recently excluded 41 products from the list of items valid for forex in the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market without prior notice. It was a sudden measure by the Central Bank.
What is the Netherlands doing to assist Nigeria in combating her security challenges? Let me say that crime has to do with socio-economic circumstances. Sometimes people are forced to do those things because of unemployment. So, more jobs should be provided to bring down the crime rate. Nigeria has vast growing population; therefore, government has to work hard on the economy to provide jobs for the growing population. Nigeria’s economy must be made to stand out. On the issue of Boko Haram, government has to look at its root cause. The Netherlands is partnering with Nigeria to tackle the problem using the soft approach, for instance how to de-radicalise those who believe in the principle of Boko Hram and also in the area of education and other soft approaches.
Many Nigerians have criticized your country for closing its consular for those travelling to the Netherlands on short visits, now they have to go through Belgium Embassy in Abuja or France Embassy in Lagos. What informed that decision and should Nigerians expect a reversal of the system? The decision was taken before my arrival here. But let me say that the criteria for obtaining visa in most E U countries are the same. In principle, it should not make any difference where you apply from. The new system saves money. Then, as France and Belgium issue Schengen visas on our behalf in Nigeria, we also do same for them in other countries. However, I want to advice Nigerians to always apply for their visas on time.
For information: http://nigeria.nlembassy.org/ 
