The China Cultural Center in Brussels in cooperation with the Mission of China to the EU hosted on October 21, in Brussels: a “Chinese Fashion Night” in the framework of celebrations for the 40th jubilee of Sino-EU diplomatic relations.
The two featured designers were Grace Chen and Tiffany Pattinson.
Tiffany Pattinson
Grace Chen brand marries western glamour with oriental authenticity. Indeed she was awarded “Best Female Entrepreneur of the Year” by the China Textile Association in 2014 and dresses prominent people such as Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Stone and PRC Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying.
Ms Tiffany Pattinson is a designer from Hong Kong pioneering “sustainable” fashion. Her brand matches sustainable fashion with futuristic elegance.
The China Cultural Center (Centre Culturel Chinois Ă Bruxelles) was officially opened on 16 September 2015 by the PRC Vice-Premier Ms Liu Yandong and the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders in the company of HE Ambassador Yang Yangyi, Head of Mission of the PRC to the EU and the centre’s director, Mr Yan Zhenquan. The PRC has 22 cultural centres globally.
HM King Philippus of the Belgians paid a state visit to the PRC in June 2015, the first one of his reign after an earlier visit of President XI Jinping to Brussels.
HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on his part just wrapped up a state visit to the PRC which took place from 25-29 October 2015.
For more information:
Chinese Fashion Night: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129701717@N05/sets/72157660207857502/with/21792844093/
Centre Culturel Chinois Ă Bruxelles (Director Mr YAN Zehnquan): www.cccbrussels.com/
Embassy of China to Belgium: http://be.china-embassy.org/fra/
Mission of China to the EU: www.chinamission.be/eng/
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Pictures to Mission of the PRC to the EU
On the picture Prince Mohamed Bolkiah former FM of Brunei.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of the State of Brunei Darussalam has reshuffled His Government thereby relieving his younger brother HRH Pengiran Muda (Prince) Mohamed Bolkiah from the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and assuming the latter himself with effect of 22 October 2015, and for a period of five years.
HRH Pengiran Muda Mohamed Bolkiah served as FM since Brunei’s independence in 1984. He remains Perdana Wazir (Chief Vizier), that is, head of the traditional Bruneian wazirs, the “eyes and ears” of the ruler at the Royal Court
HE Odette Melono, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Pictures by Gualtiero Buonamassa.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Odette Melono Ambassador for the Republic of Cameroon to the Netherlands has been appointed Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, a group of nineteen in total. She is taking over from Dr. Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi, former Ambassador of Nigeria. The Africa Group of Ambassadors looks after matters regarding the continent of Africa and the African diaspora. The Dean works alongside H.E. Ambassador Vusi Bruce Koloane of South-Africa who is the Coordinator of the group at the OPCW and H.E. Karim Ben Becher Ambassador of Tunisia, Coordinator of the group at the ICC.The group convenes on an ad hoc basis.
During her stint as Dean, Odette Melono envisages to maintain the cohesion of the Group, which is among other activities, working to change the perception of the continent which is plagued by a distorted image, often sustained by global media outlets. Africa is also tackling present-day challenges such as terrorism, combating transnational wildlife crime, human trafficking and environmental governance.
We wish to congratulate Dean Odette Melono on her appointment to this esteem office. We have great confidence she will be a great dean.
On the picture HE Norma Goicochea.By Baron Henri Estramant.
Cuba to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Norma Goicochea Estenoz, previously head of mission to the permanent representation of Cuba to the UN in New York City. Presented credentials to HM The King of the Belgians on 2 February 2015, on 3 June 2015 to HRH Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and to EC President Tusk on 10 April 2015.
Ambassador Ray Azzopardi (Malta to Belgium and NATO) and Ambassador Eleftheria Galathianaki – Picture by Embassy of Malta to Belgium and NATO.
Greece to Belgium: HE Ambassador Eleftheria Galathianaki. Presented credentials to King Philippus of the Belgians on 15 September 2015. Previously she was Director of the Department for the Promotion of Human Rights at her Foreign Ministry. http://www.mfa.gr/brussels/en/the-embassy/head-of-mission/curriculum-vitae.html HE David Taylor with Donald Tusk. Picture by EU.
New Zealand to the EU and Sweden: HE Ambassador David Taylor, previously head of mission to Indonesia and ASEAN. Accredited to EC President Donald Tusk on 17 July 2015. On 5 June 2015 he also become accredited to Sweden. In Sweden the country has an Honorary Consul, Anna Belfrage. http://blogs.mfat.govt.nz/david-taylor/H. E. Sabine Nölke Ambassador of Canada.
Canada to The Netherlands and the OPCW: HE Ambassador Sabine Nölke, previously worked at the Legal Affairs Bureau of the Canadian Foreign Ministry. Presented her credentials to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on 9 September 2015. http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/netherlands-pays_bas/offices-bureaux/ambassador-ambassadeur.aspx?lang=enHE Ilze RĆ«se with Latvian president – Picture by Latvian MOFA.
Latvia to The Netherlands and the OPCW: HE Ambassador Dr. Ilze RĆ«se who had been the Director of the European Department at the Foreign Ministry since February 2013. http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/latest-news/47033-the-president-of-latvia-presents-credentials-to-the-ambassador-designate-of-latvia-to-the-netherlands-ilze-ruse HE Stanislav Vallo and Ray Azzopardi – Picture by Embassy of Malta to Belgium and NATO.
Slovakia to Belgium and Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Stanislav Vallo, presented credentials in Belgium on 3 December 2014, to Luxembourg on 25 February 2015. Before Belgium he was ambassador to Malta for the Slovak Republic.
By Barend ter Haar.
On 2 and 3 November 2015 an international conference will be held at the Peace Palace on âPlanetary Security: Peace and Cooperation in Times of Climate Change and Global Environmental Challengesâ.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to make this conference an annual event as part of its Planetary Security Initiative to enhance knowledge sharing and international cooperation.
The good news is that there is little reason to fear the end of our planet in the next thousand years. The bad news is that it is difficult to say the same about mankind. Will even our grandchildren and their children enjoy the same level of prosperity and welfare that the Dutch and a growing number of other people in the world are currently enjoying? It is very likely that this will to a large extent depend on the decisions that we will take in this and the coming years.
Every scientist will tell you that it is impossible to predict the future with 100% certainty. However, it is very unlikely that it is completely by chance that 19 of the 20 warmest years on record all occurred in the past two decades. It would be very unwise, to say the least, to ignore the likelihood that the current more intense storms, more severe heat waves, rise of the sea-level, ocean acidification and biodiversity losses are caused by climate change .
In short: we know more or less what risks we are confronted with and we know what we should do to reduce those risks, but so far most governments have not shown the willingness, or capacity, to take these risks serious and to do what is necessary to confront them.
The organisers of the conference rightly state that dealing effectively with the impacts of climate change requires âa âwhole of governmentâ approach involving the foreign and defence communities alongside those working on climate, environment and development issues and othersâ . In that light it is regrettable to notice that several relevant Dutch ministries such as the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture are conspicuously absent. The future of public health in the Netherlands is highly dependent on how global challenges such as climate change will be handled and education and science are essential instruments for dealing with such global challenges.
Hopefully these ministries will join the next conference.
On the picture President Paul Kagame from Rwanda during his speech in Amsterdam.President Kagame concludes two days official working visit to the Netherlands.By Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
On 5 and 6 October 2015 President Paul Kagame concluded a two-day official working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
After addressing over four thousand Rwandans and friends of Rwanda during Rwanda Day in Amsterdam on Saturday 3 October, President Kagame commenced his official working visit to the Netherlands by meeting His Majesty King Willem-Alexander in The Hague before holding discussions with Queen MĂĄxima that mainly dwelt on financial inclusion.
For a photo album on Rwanda Day in Amsterdam featuring President Paul Kagame visit, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulkagame/page3President Paul Kagame and the King of the Netherlands.
As one of Rwandaâs earliest development partners after the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the Netherlands continues to be a key supporter of Rwandaâs justice sector and Food Security .
President Kagame also held discussions with President of the Senate Ankie Broekers-Knol and Speaker of the House of Representatives Anouchka van Miltenburg as well as Mr Bert Koenders, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mrs Liliane Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
During the meeting with the President of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives, President Kagame highlighted the strength of Rwandaâs bilateral relations with the Netherlands: âThe country was rebuilt from scratch, thanks to the resilience of the people of Rwanda and support of partners such as the Netherlands. Rwanda has been developing over the last two decades against many challenges in different areas.â
Commenting on Rwandaâs success on the MDGs, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives expressed commitment to continued and strengthened bilateral relations.
Speaking during a business roundtable dinner hosted by Sharon Dijksma on Monday 5 October, President Kagame encouraged business leaders to join Rwandaâs journey:â âInvestments in Rwanda not only have returns for investors but it also has impact in transforming lives.â
President Kagame ended the working visit after meeting with Bert Koenders, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is leading among European nations in holding genocide fugitives accountable and remains a key partner to Rwanda in the justice sector as well as water management and food security.
Tweeting at the end of the visit, Minister Mushikiwabo pointed to progress made on investment from the Netherlands, including Heineken which is doing good business and KLM, a Dutch airline that has daily flights to Kigali, not to mention investments in energy and agribusiness among others. She pointed out that the visit was two days of productive discussions on business, politics and global issues.
H. E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Investing in Rwanda
Rwanda is a resilient, forward looking country with a clear vision to elevate to a middle income, service and knowledge based economy by 2020.
Key Achievements include;
the 2014 World Bank report : Rwanda among the fastest growing economies of the world
Growing the economy at an average GDP of 8% p.a. and we aim at achieving 11.5% from 2015 – 2020
Growth of the GDP per capita in 2013 $693 from $644 in 2012, a 3 fold increase from 2000. Our GDP target is $1,240 by 2017
Rwandaâs strong performance is largely driven by the expansion of the service sector. The sector contributes about 48% of GDP compared to 33% and 15% contributed by agriculture and industrial sectors respectively
Inflation in Rwanda has been kept at a single digit since 2008
Fitch Ratings Ltd, sets Rwandaâs Credit rating at B+ with a positive outlook, citing strong economic growth over the past years and prospects for stronger growth.
Rwanda is the safest country to live in Africa. (Gallup Report 2012)
Clean and green city, with the lowest crime of any capital city in the region , Kigali declared winner of UN Habitat Award (2008)- highest award for an urban area
2nd Safest city in the world for women to walk alone (Gallup report 2013)
3rd easiest place to do business in Africa
4th easiest globally for a business to get credit
8th easiest globally to acquire and register a property
Top global reformer 150th to 46th in 6 years ( by IFC and World Bank )
Most competitive place to do business in East Africa and 2nd in Africa, after Mauritiusv( by World economic Forum )
7th best destination for investments. 2nd in Africa after Botswana. (BPI Index 2014)
6 hours to register a business
Mrs Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda . An investor-friendly attitude
The Government of Rwanda is acutely aware that achieving the objectives of its Vision 2020 requires a substantial contribution by foreign investors, who need to be welcomed and assisted on the ground.
This awareness is reflected in several ways in the investment regime. Starting a business is much easier and faster in Rwanda, according to the World Bank, than it is in any of its neighbours. So is registering property. There are no sectors that are barred to foreign investors and no restrictions on the percentage of equity they might hold. The Constitution of 2003 also guarantees investors against expropriation, except in the public interest and with fair and prior compensation, which may be repatriated.
Varied opportunities
Rwanda offers investment opportunities in just about every field, many focused on the local market and some on markets abroad. There are opportunities in manufacturing, for each type of investors targeting the local market, and the regional one, to which Rwandaâs strategic location provides good access.
There are opportunities in agriculture: in the processing and export of coffee and tea, as well as in the virtually unexploited potential in horticulture and herbal products, where the terrain and climate are strong advantages.
Then there is tourism, where the great asset is the mountain gorillas in Virunga but there is also a great diversity of fauna and flora and Lake Kivu in the west. In order to accelerate this growth, a new strategy for the sector focusing on the area of Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences and Events (MICE) has been developed and is being implemented . Finally, the Government has made information and communication technology (ICT) a high priority and is in the process of developing a TechnoPark near Kigali to facilitate investment in this area.
President Paul Kagame with Mrs Ankie” Broekers-Knol , Speaker of The Senate ( on the right of President P. Kagame) and Mrs Anouchka van Miltenburg , Speaker of Parliament , lower Chamber ( his left ) and Mrs Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda ( black suit ).Soft assets
There are some very special features of Rwanda that are little known abroad, where the overriding association of the country is with the genocide of 1994. For one thing, it offers a safe and peaceful environment, with very low levels of crime (not something that can be said of many countries ).
For another, there is very little corruption in the country, another distinct advantage among developing countries generally. For a third, it has a strongly development oriented Government, with a coherent vision of the future and a serious commitment to sustained reform. Lastly, Rwanda is an exceptionally beautiful country with a temperate climate (on account of its elevation), which would be very appealing to most foreign investors as a place to live in.
 Rwanda’s investment opportunities – Projects ENERGY :
Power generation needs to grow to 563MW from the current 119MW by 2017- a projected growth of nearly 400%, and by 2020 to over 1000 MW. Connectivity rate must also increase from current 20% to 70%.
Hydropower Generation
78 micro hydropower sites have been identified. of these, 28 sites have feasibility studies already concluded. Total estimated capacity of all the 78 sites is about 25MW
Methane power Generation
20 year concession for 25MW tender to be launched soon. 150MW concession already been given to 2 companies
Peat to Power Generation
We have an investor developing 100MW
Geothermal exploration
Rwandaâs geographical formation holds potential for geothermal energy sources
Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda in the Netherlands with President Paul Kagame in Amsterdam.
TRANSPORT : MOMBASA â KAMPALA â KIGALI RAILWAY
Kigali to Mombasa -1,900km, 100 km inside Rwanda, 250 km to Bujumbura
Status: Feasibility and designs currently under way, to be completed by Dec 2015
Financing model: PPP
Project cost. Est. $3.5billion, with each country contributing to this cost
An alternative route to the Kigali-Isaka-Dar es Salaam line
Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali oil pipeline Project
Project description: EAC flagship project to ease the transportation of oil and petroleum products from Kenya to Kigali through Kampala.
Financing model: PPP
Project cost. Est. $402 Million
Status: KampalaâKigali feasibility study underway, with findings expected Dec. 2015
Rwanda Day 2015 in Amsterdam.KIGALI LOGISTICS PLATFORM PROJECT
The Integrated trade logistics facilities project, Kigali Logistics Platform– To transform Rwanda into a logistics hub in the region
Functions:
Projected to handle 600,000T by 2026.
50ha set aside- management Tender over a 20 year concession to be given this year.
IRR projected to be 23%.
Financing model: PPP
Cost: $28 million â Phase 1 to develop 8ha
 AIR CARGO PROJECT
Project Cost: Est. $500,000 (This is not a greenfield investment, some expansion to existing facilities is required)
Description: Transfer Management of logistics zone to a private competent and experienced firm to support imports and exports of high quality, value-added perishables, (e.g. horticulture).
More Opportunities in:
Bonded warehouses (near DRC Border)
Off-dock facilities at Mombasa (land given by GoK)
Agro-logistics (sorting, weighing, packagingâŠ)
Vibviane Uwicyeza Mironko, spouse of the Ambassador of Rwanda and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher.TECHNOLOGY PARKICT is a pillar of Rwandaâs Vision 2020; Over 5000km of fiber optic laid around the country
Park will be an eco-system of centers of excellence with universities
Target â Universities, MNCâs in Financial Services, data, business continuity, agriculture & commodities, knowledge management
Investment value: $350 M
63.1ha allocated in SEZ phase II
15ha is taken up by Carnegie Mellon University
Current Activities: Feasibility study, master plan and architectural designs completed
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION
Affordable Housing: 180,000 units required to meet demand
Spending in construction industry grew by 130% (up to $500million) between 2009 and 2012.
Leading contributor to GDP at 15%
Huge demand for residential & commercial housing- 344,068 dwelling units needed to meet the current needs
CBD– fully serviced land (water, electricity, drainage systems, fiber) available for mixed use, that is, commercial complexes and shopping malls. Cost of land-$85 per M2.
MANUFACTURING PACKAGING MATERIAL
Increased imports of paper packaging, $28m imported annually for the last 3 years
Currently only 3 local producers of paper packaging
High demand due to national ban on plastic packaging
MANUFACTURING TEXTILES
Silk industry- growing sericulture sector, supported by the National Sericulture Center (NSC)
High imports of textiles reflect high demand for garments –$68M imported in 2012
Rwanda to expand Mulberry cultivation from 350 ha to 10,000 ha by 2017
Rwandan cocoons provide very competitve grade 4A silk yarn
Opportunity to sourcing fabric locally for producing garments for local and export market.
Opportunity to produce silk yarn for export
MANUFACTURING FERTILIZERS
Invest $1.2M in a fertilizer manufacturing plant with an IRR of up to 40%
Agriculture employs 72% of the population,.
In 2012, Rwanda imported 45.5T of fertilizers worth $46M
Potential annual sales of 14,000 MT from Rwanda, and potentially expand into East DRC & Burundi
Use of fertilizers central to increase production volumes/yield
Fertilizer usage has grown to 32,000 MT over the last 6 years.
MINING OPPORTUNITIES
A leading foreign exchange earner. In 2013 export revenues from mining were $226.2M Mineral Exploration in the identified 21 Prospective Target Areas. Value Addition- Establishing processing plants to smelt ores.
Mining & Mineral Trade in:
The New Media Landscape / Laptop Diplomacy â Timely and reliable media intelligence is key, Wednesday 21 October, 2015, Nieuwspoort Press Centre, The Hague.Pictures by  Anton van der Riet.By Elizabeth Naumczyk.
A roundtable meeting focusing on the increased impact of social media in diplomacy and in the national interest of countries with representation in The Netherlands was held on the afternoon of 21 October, 2015. The event was sponsored by the Global Media Analysis Services (GMAS) and included media analysts, ambassadors and diplomats.
These talks stressed the usefulness and necessity of timely media monitoring and interpretation of online information for foreign embassies in the Netherlands.
The session was moderated by GMAS Senior Advisor, and former Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr Eric Niehe.  The program commenced with introductions by Mr Guido van Nispen, Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANP, CEO), Mr Ghalied Rodjan Media Info Groep (MIG), Account Manager International Relations and Professor Dr Jan Melissen, Clingendael Institute.
Mr Van Nispen summarized the history of the Netherlands national news agency (ANP) and its aim to provide unbiased news working together with EPA in Germany, AP in the United States and EFA in Spain. He described the huge volume of big data that had to be managed with appropriate tools but was also a great opportunity for information sharing. These days people want to be kept updated constantly on mobile devices.
H. E. Peep Jahilo Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Ambassador, Ms. Jana ReiniĆĄovĂĄ, of the Czech Republic in the Netherlands and H. E. Ole Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark.
Mr Rodjan stated it was the 100 year anniversary of Media Info Groep, primarily a media monitoring and media intelligence service. It is concerned with how your information is being utilized and how the media is affecting your country or its relationship with the Netherlands. They are in partnership with GMAS. Their client focused services were able to provide specific reports on countries and how best to get your message across in different ways.
The reason for the meeting is the study by the Clingendael Institute entitled: “Diplomacy in the Digital Age”, commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and Belgium.
Many countries in the world are interested in the report and encourage their diplomats to take cognizance of the content. The keynote speaker, Professor Jan Melissen (who is a collaborator of Diplomat Magazine) spoke about the rapidly changing media landscape to the assembled diplomats and its impact on the actions of their own countries and organizations.
Ambassador of Chile Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi together with H. E. Rahma Salih Elobied Salih, Ambassador of Sudan.
The digital era provided opportunities to achieve different ways of doing things. Information gathering, processing and analyzing had become a huge challenge. Diplomats need more than ever to take account of the views of citizens in the public and political debate and react quickly to misinformation. Society itself becomes a resource and what people know helps governments in crafting solutions. Solutions needed to be explored within the workflows and skill base of an embassy, optimizing the internal network and information sharing within an external network. Success in the application of digital technology was seen in improving the delivery of consular services to vast numbers of people.
Digital Diplomacy makes you visible. While the essentials of diplomacy will always remain, these tools are a game changer. Professor Melissen also mentioned the work done by the Lowy Institute in Australia on how social media serves your foreign policy.
H. E. Eduardo Ibarrola Nicolin Ambassador of Mexico, H. E. Adia Sakiqi Ambassador of Albania and H. E. J. S. Mukul Ambassador of India.
This was followed by a panel discussion which included Mr Bernard Hammelburg, Senior Foreign Affairs Commentator, BNR news radio, Mr Willem Post, Advisor International Affairs, City of The Hague (collaborator of Diplomat Magazine), Mr Guido van Nispen, General Director and CEO of Hollandâs main press agency ANP, and Mr Ard van der Vorst, Head Management Newsroom, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Hammelburg emphasized that speed was of the essence and news agencies have to meet the challenge of shifting through lots of information and providing on demand news.
Mr Post said diplomats need to reach out and digital diplomacy was one among many diplomacies.
Mr Van Nispen explained that the Dutch press had a wide variety of viewpoints.  The media allows you to do research beforehand and while negative news can make or break you there is also the opportunity to create news.
Mr Ard van der Vorst pointed out that public office is there to benefit people and is a balance between trust and accountability. In the past diplomats were faceless, now people can see what governments do. Trust can be enhanced between citizens and government by showing accountability, and not only content. You can engage the public in the process by explaining what you do and how efficient you are. It is âtraction and interactionâ. Diplomacy is about relationships and the digital sphere is one aspect and it can legitimize your organization.
Invited ambassadors and diplomats participated in a lively discussion. One obstacle mentioned was the technological prosperity gap in Africa which needs the assistance and support of the United Nations.
Following Mr Eric Nieheâs concluding remarks, the guests were invited to a reception of drinks and snacks.
By Jhr. mr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland, Justice (Judge) in th (Dutch) Court of Appeal and Special Adviser International Affairs, appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen of The Hague
Â
As everyone knows, The Hague is the international city of peace and justice, hosting many world wide and European institutions and tribunals in that field. Apart from permanent institutions and tribunals The Hague hosts also every year many international conferences on peace and justice.
From 3 to 6 November 2015 the city is hosting the 3rd World Conference of Womenâs Shelters about the ever lasting violence against women and girls all over the world.
Violence against women and children still occurs at a huge scale: one in every three women world wide is affected by it at some point in their lives. The United Nations is very much aware of this huge problem and declared November 25th the International Day against violence against women.
The exchange of knowledge on this subject and strengthening and expanding the network of womenâs shelters is of utmost importance. In 2008 the Global Network of Womenâs Shelters (GNWS) had been founded during the first World Conference of Womenâs Shelters of that year in Canada, in 2012 followed by the 2nd conference in Washington DC in the USA. The Hague is proud that had been decided that the first conference outside Northern America had to be organised in The Hague.
In November 2015 about thousand participants from over hundred countries will meet at the World Forum in The Hague for the 3rd World Conference of Womenâs Shelters. The Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Mrs. Jet Bussemaker will open the conference. Her Majesty Queen MĂĄxima of the Netherlands will make a speech as well as Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark; through The Mary Foundation she works to help women and children who are victims of violence. Also Dr. Mukwege from Congo will make a speech; he is a world-renowed surgeon and in 1998 founder of the Panzi Hospital in East Congo where director Dr. Mukwege and his team cared for more than 30.000 survivors of sexual violence so far.
On November 25th, the International Day against violence against women, all over the world famous monuments will be enlighted with the color orange, a color of hope: the Corcavado in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the Niagara Falls in Canada, Petra in Jordan as well as the Peace Palace in The Hague and many others. In future perhaps the enlightment will be on the 25th of every month, to make us realise monthly the importance of the fight against violence against women and children worldwide.
HM King Philippus of the Belgians paid a state visit to the PRC in June 2015, the first one of his reign after an earlier visit of President XI Jinping to Brussels.
HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on his part just wrapped up a state visit to the PRC which took place from 25-29 October 2015.
For more information:
Chinese Fashion Night: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129701717@N05/sets/72157660207857502/with/21792844093/
Centre Culturel Chinois Ă Bruxelles (Director Mr YAN Zehnquan): www.cccbrussels.com/
Embassy of China to Belgium: http://be.china-embassy.org/fra/
Mission of China to the EU: www.chinamission.be/eng/
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Pictures to Mission of the PRC to the EU 
HM King Philippus of the Belgians paid a state visit to the PRC in June 2015, the first one of his reign after an earlier visit of President XI Jinping to Brussels.
HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on his part just wrapped up a state visit to the PRC which took place from 25-29 October 2015.
For more information:
Chinese Fashion Night: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129701717@N05/sets/72157660207857502/with/21792844093/
Centre Culturel Chinois Ă Bruxelles (Director Mr YAN Zehnquan): www.cccbrussels.com/
Embassy of China to Belgium: http://be.china-embassy.org/fra/
Mission of China to the EU: www.chinamission.be/eng/
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Pictures to Mission of the PRC to the EU 
MANUFACTURING TEXTILES
MANUFACTURING TEXTILES
The session was moderated by GMAS Senior Advisor, and former Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr Eric Niehe.  The program commenced with introductions by Mr Guido van Nispen, Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANP, CEO), Mr Ghalied Rodjan Media Info Groep (MIG), Account Manager International Relations and Professor Dr Jan Melissen, Clingendael Institute.
Mr Van Nispen summarized the history of the Netherlands national news agency (ANP) and its aim to provide unbiased news working together with EPA in Germany, AP in the United States and EFA in Spain. He described the huge volume of big data that had to be managed with appropriate tools but was also a great opportunity for information sharing. These days people want to be kept updated constantly on mobile devices.
The session was moderated by GMAS Senior Advisor, and former Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr Eric Niehe.  The program commenced with introductions by Mr Guido van Nispen, Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANP, CEO), Mr Ghalied Rodjan Media Info Groep (MIG), Account Manager International Relations and Professor Dr Jan Melissen, Clingendael Institute.
Mr Van Nispen summarized the history of the Netherlands national news agency (ANP) and its aim to provide unbiased news working together with EPA in Germany, AP in the United States and EFA in Spain. He described the huge volume of big data that had to be managed with appropriate tools but was also a great opportunity for information sharing. These days people want to be kept updated constantly on mobile devices.
