Should you decide to see only one museum exhibition this year, let it be āSag mir wo die Blumen sind,ā with works by Anselm Kiefer and Vincent van Gogh. Consider this magnificent exhibition even if you werenāt planning to go to a museum. Not only is it overwhelming by the size and impact of the works shown (some of which were specially made for this event), but it is also supremely topical.
It is actually a Kiefer exhibition, with a few works by Van Gogh to illustrate his influence on Kieferās development. After completing his formal education, Kiefer obtained a travel scholarship. He chose to follow in Van Goghās footsteps from Nuenen in Brabant to Arles in Provence, making numerous sketches on the way.
Like Van Gogh, Kiefer focuses on landscapes, grain, and straw. Unlike Van Gogh, his work conveys a profound anti-war sentiment. For Kiefer, landscape is history. Itās not merely that the subjects of his works are anti-war; Kiefer is subtler than that. Black crows hover over an eerie landscape; a single sheaf remains in an empty field, a dark wood lane leading nowhere. Kiefer doesnāt just use paint; he incorporates wood, straw, lead, and even gold leaf, all of which enhance his message.
The exhibition begins at the Van Gogh Museum and continues at the Stedelijk (Municipal) Museum. In the entrance hall, a massive screen, approximately 10 meters high, showcases changing works by Van Gogh. This somewhat prepares you, but not entirely, for the first room, which is filled with paintings by Anselm Kiefer as large as a London bus.
Fortunately, the hall is very spacious, as you’ll need serious distance to appreciate the impact of the artwork fully. Then get close and see how, like Van Gogh, Kiefer uses sweeping, seemingly wild brushstrokes. He lays the paint on thickly and uses whatever materials he has at hand. Text fragments of the song āSag mir wo die Blumen sind,ā an anti-war song first performed in 1962 by Marlene Dietrich, are incorporated in the works.
Upstairs is a room with the drawings Kiefer made on his early trip following Van Gogh. The influence is clearly visible, but as he wrote himself, he was more interested in the technique than in the feelings, the emotions behind them.
Then, off to the Stedelijk. As you ascend the majestic, wide stairs, you find yourself immersed in an enormous installation featuring dozens of garments on hangers crafted from lead or zinc. Are they pajamas, uniforms, or even concentration camp attire? Scattered around are heads of Greek philosophers, alongside an image of Kiefer himself lying on the ground. There are paintings of trees shedding their leaves, with some resting on the floor. Without blood or gore, this creates a powerful portrayal of the devastation of war.
Maritime tensions are escalating, particularly in the South China Sea, where the UK has raised concerns about Chinaās activities and their impact on global trade routes. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainties are causing significant disruptions in shipping.
These disruptions have affected multiple regions. Clarksons, a leading shipping services provider, experienced a sharp decline in shares due to tariff-related concerns. FedEx also suspended freight services to Saudi Arabia from key trading partners such as Brazil and China. Meanwhile, the ongoing Red Sea crisisāmarked by Houthi attacks on commercial vesselsāhas forced ships to reroute, leading to higher insurance costs and affecting trade flows for Israel, Egypt, and surrounding regions.
Geopolitical tensions and trade policies are the primary drivers behind these shipping disruptions. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces have deliberately targeted ships, prompting costly detours and surging insurance premiums. For nations dependent on the Suez Canal, particularly in Europe, these shifts have serious economic consequences. Simultaneously, U.S.-imposed trade tariffs on countries like Canada and Mexico have led to further delays and economic strain. Conflicts and sanctions also create sudden shifts in shipping routes, amplifying uncertainty across global supply chains.
The ripple effects of these disruptions are far-reaching. Delays and increased costs impact essential industries such as energy, food, and electronics. The strain on major shipping lanes also puts additional pressure on alternative routes, ports, and global pricing structures, underscoring the vulnerability of international trade to geopolitical instability.
The Hague, Monday, 3 March 2025 ā The Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Veaceslav Dobinda, and his spouse, Mrs. Victoria Dobinda, proudly hosted an interactive reception to celebrate the cherished Moldovan tradition of MÄrČiČor, symbolizing the arrival of spring. This significant event took place at the Moldovan embassy.
MÄrČiČor holds profound cultural importance, with its origins tracing back to ancient Rome as a celebration of spring. This vibrant tradition is not only widely celebrated in Moldova but also in Romania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. Recognizing its historical and cultural value, UNESCO has rightfully designated MÄrČiČor as an intangible cultural heritage.
The Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Veaceslav Dobinda, and his spouse, Mrs. Victoria Dobinda. ” Small country with a big heart” said the Ambassador.
The modern Marisor tradition clearly dictates that participants wear a small object on their chest, such as a brooch or lapel pin, throughout the first part of March. Many friends from Moldova actively joined the interactive morning event, where they enthusiastically prepared the red and white Martisor ornaments.
Victoria Dobinda confidently showcased her impressive collection of Marisor items, which she has meticulously accumulated over the years.
Ala Adamia, from Slovenia and Nela Colin from Bosnia & HerzegovinaCelebrating MÄrČiČor, Moldova spring, Embassy of Moldova in The Hague, Monday 3 March 2025.
The event concluded with a lavish and authentic Moldavian buffet that proudly featured a selection of Moldovan beverages, including champagne and ice-wine.
All attendees left the Moldovan Embassy energized and enriched by the experience, particularly through the vibrant celebration of Moldovan culture and the Marisor tradition.
To celebrate the 17th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, the Embassy of Kosovo in the Netherlands held a celebratory evening at the iconic Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague on February 17,2025.
This historic venue, which is also the final resting place of the esteemed philosopher Baruch Spinoza, serves as a symbol of tolerance and solidarity.
Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, during his speech. 17th Anniversary of Kosovo. Nieuwe Kerk , The Hague.
The day began with carillon music from the Grote Kerk, which filled the air with a selection of Kosovarian tunes, including the national anthem. H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, the Ambassador of Kosovo, warmly welcomed everyone in attendance. The guests were also honored to hear from Mr. Jan van Zanen, the Mayor of The Hague, who emphasized the city commitment to supporting the initiatives of the diplomatic community, highlighting The Hague status as a symbol of peace and justice. Additionally, the audience enjoyed the soulful music of the Rona Nishliu Quartet.
The evening was expertly guided by Mr. Francesco Cortese, the executive assistant at the Embassy, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. February 17th is a deeply significant day for the Kosovars as it represents the realization of a long-held dream ā the dream of freedom. The history of Kosovo is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. It reflects the journey of a people who have faced tremendous hardships yet have always held on to their aspirations for a brighter future.
Seventeen years ago, Kosovoās people began a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity. Today, this commitment is reflected in Kosovoās steadfast dedication to the values of democracy, human rights, and peace, as well as its aspiration for a European Union and NATO membership.
The Rona Nishliu Quartet showcasing a medley of traditional Albanian music.
The Rona Nishliu Quartet showcasing a medley of traditional Albanian music, seamlessly blending jazz and ethno arrangements of some of the most emblematic Albanian songs. Rona represented Albania at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, where she achieved an impressive fifth place, marking the best placement for Albania to date.
The music performance was followed by a reception featuring delicacies from the region traditional cuisine. The Embassy of Kosovo proudly extends its sincere gratitude to all attending ambassadors and diplomats, representatives from international organizations, officials from Dutch institutions, and members of the Kosovo diaspora living in the Netherlands.
āYour participation was vital in marking our 17th Independence Day, a remarkable evening, a true celebration.ā
On 29 January 2025, H.E. Wang Xuefeng, Ambassador of China, extended warm New Year wishes and hosted a grand Chinese New Year celebration at Tivoli Concert Hall in Copenhagen. The event brought together hundreds of diplomats, business leaders, and officials for an evening of cultural exchange and festivity.
The reception commenced at 16:30, providing guests with an opportunity to connect in a convivial atmosphere. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular cultural performance from 18:30 to 20:00, featuring a renowned art troupe from China, showcasing the rich traditions and artistic excellence of Chinese culture.
The Ambassador of China in Denmark, H.E. Wang Xuefeng.Embassy of China – China New Year of The Snake 29 02 2025. Photo Hasse Ferrold .
On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Lithuania ā the 107th Anniversary of the Restoration of the State, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania, H.E. Ms. Asta RadikaitÄ, invited guests to a concert featuring pianist Petras GeniuÅ”as and the Äiurlionis Quartet, followed by a reception on Thursday, 27 February 2025, in Holmens Kirke.
On February 28, 2025, H.E. Ms. Anesa Kundurovic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Denmark, hosted a celebration in Copenhagen to mark her country’s Independence Day. The event was attended by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Tourism, along with numerous guests from the diplomatic corps, business sector, and diaspora community.
Throughout her career, Ambassador Kundurovic has been engaged in diplomatic activities in more than 50 countries all over the world.
The Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Nepal, Hungary, Egypt, Bosnia-Herzegovina, South Africa, Poland, Albania,The Philippines, Luxembourg, Turkey and Romania during the celebration of Bosnia & Herzegovina National Day in Copenhagen. Photo Hasse Ferrold
Eurojust coordinated the collaboration between French and Belgian authorities that led to the arrest of 12 gang members on 26 February. The criminals are suspected of attempting to rob cash transports for banks. Due to the swift cooperation between the authorities, the criminals were stopped before committing a robbery.
Two High Value Targets specialised in armed robbery were part of the criminal group. One of the suspects is known as the āescape kingā due to him escaping from prison multiple times. In the course of their investigation, the French authorities noticed the two High Value Targets travelling regularly to Belgium. They suspected the targets were planning to commit a crime. After their investigations showed that the members had links with Belgian suspects, cooperation with the Belgian authorities was quickly set up through Eurojust.
A joint investigation team was set up at Eurojust to allow the Belgian and French authorities to work together swiftly and efficiently, exchanging information and evidence in real time. To stop the criminals, a joint operation was planned at Eurojust.
In the late hours of 26 February, the Belgian authorities arrested 12 suspects. The authorities know several of the people arrested. Following the arrests, several searches were carried out in France and Belgium. Investigations into the robbers are ongoing.
The following authorities carried out the operations:
ā¢ France: JIRS PARIS inter regional specialised jurisdiction; OCCLO National Police Organised Crime unit
ā¢ Belgium: PPO Brussels; Investigative Judge Brussels; Judicial Police Brussels (PJF Bruxelles); Special Units Belgian Federal Police (DSU)
Forcibly removing over two million people permanently is clearly against international law and a crime against humanity. That said, it is evident, when looking at the devastation in Gaza, that the ruble cannot be removed while the inhabitants are there. As for rebuilding, imagine cranes, bulldozers, and lorries navigating tent camps and playing children. The Gazans will have to be removed temporarily.
To clean up and rebuild is a massive undertaking, which at the same time is a good way to find and destroy the Hamas underground fortress. Whatever the outcome, if Hamas remains a force, there will be no permanent peace, and a new Gaza will just be waiting to be destroyed after the next Hamas attack on Israel.
It is high time to free the hostages, not just the Israeli ones, but all the Gazans, who have been held hostage for almost twenty years. But it is not just Hamas that has had a pernicious influence on Gaza (and on the West Bank), but also UNWRA.
UNWRA was set up to provide for the Arab population that fled or was forced out by the war that the Arab countries waged on the land that the UN had allotted to the Jews. As the displaced people (then not yet called Palestinians) were forced to stay in camps, UNWRA became a de facto Ministry of Health, Education, and Welfare. Rather than setting up such ministries and training Palestinians to be in charge, UNWRA became a self-serving behemoth that started to suffer from an organizational form of the Stockholm syndrome. It hampered the PA in developing governing expertise and aided and abetted Hamas.
In a peaceful environment without Hamas and its even more violent allies, alongside a government that isn’t corrupt and international aid focused on building a modern state, the Palestinians are fully capable of developing a nation that provides a better future for its citizens. Mr. Trump rightly points out that the people of Gaza are located on a prime piece of real estate.
The UN and the international community should assist them in starting but should not act as permanent babysitters. That would be paternalistic, neocolonial, and, worse, counterproductive.
On Chileās Diplomatic Achievements and Future Challenges
The Ambassador of Chile, Jorge Antonio Carvajal San MartĆn, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations. With a career deeply rooted in diplomacy, Ambassador Carvajal has always been committed to promoting international collaboration, addressing regional and global challenges, and advancing Chileās interests abroad.
Under his leadership, and with the support of an excellent team of diplomats and professionals at the Embassy, PROCHILE and the Consulate General in Amsterdam, the embassy aims to advance cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, water management, agriculture, green hydrogen development, sustainability, human rights and responsible business practices.
Ambassador Carvajal, you have served as a diplomat in the Netherlands on two previous occasions with a few years in between. Could you share your initial impressions of the Netherlands in comparison to today, and your new tenureās goals as Chile’s ambassador in this country? How are these goals different from your previous functions?
The Netherlands, like the international community as a whole, has been confronted with a world where geopolitical tensions and sovereigntist positions have intensified, where democratic values are being challenged, and with a worrying fragmentation of the international system. As was expressed by King Willem-Alexander in his message to the diplomatic corps and international organizations at the New Year reception, it is a time in which violence and abuse of power are manifesting themselves in many places around the world, impacting the lives of millions of people. We cannot forget the climate crisis. On the other hand, we continue to see important technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, which represent opportunities, but also challenges that should be addressed collectively.
In this turbulent world, the Netherlands has been playing a crucial role. Not only as the host country of relevant institutions for international peace and security as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, EUROJUST, EUROPOL and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, to mention some of them, but also through relevant Dutch figures as Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General; Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth; Sigrid Kaag, Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza and new U.N. Middle East envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations, who also has a tremendous task ahead. All this is a demonstration of the active involvement and effective contribution of the Netherlands to the strengthening the international security, peace and justice.
On a more domestic sphere, I clearly see in the streets the emergence of electro mobility and the consequences of the COVID pandemic, which has meant a huge increase in e-commerce, with the challenges that this presents for commercial establishments and shops. I have also noticed an increase in the number of non-Dutch-speaking people helping in shops and restaurants, probably another consequence of the globalization.
As for my duties in the Netherlands, these have obviously changed since I was first posted here. The first time I was here was at the beginning of my diplomatic career. At that time, I was in charge of consular and cultural affairs. From a personal point of view, it was also a special period in my life, as I met my wife, whoās Dutch. The second time here, I served as deputy chief of mission and alternate representative to the OPCW. Now, as ambassador, the responsibilities are bigger of course, covering both bilateral relations with the Netherlands, and representing my country in the many international organizations based in The Hague. But I am really fortunate to have a wonderful team at the embassy, which makes my job so much easier.
How would you describe the current state of Chile-Netherlands relations, and what are the most significant opportunities for collaboration?
Chile and the Netherlands maintain an excellent level of bilateral relations, which is due to our common belief in the importance of multilateralism and the fact that we share fundamental objectives such as the defence and promotion of human rights, gender equality, the need to address in a collective way the challenges of climate change and the promotion of open markets. In addition to the continued growth of our bilateral trade, there are great opportunities to further advance our collaboration in water management, desalination, agriculture, energy transition and the role of green hydrogen.
This year we are commemorating 200 years of relations between Chile and the Netherlands, so we are planning several political, commercial and cultural activities to mark this milestone and to give a new impetus to our bilateral relations. To this end I am in contact with the Dutch Ambassador to Chile, Elke Merks-Schaapveld: sheās an active and enthusiastic representative of her country and I had the pleasure to meet her in Santiago before taking up my post in The Hague. By the way, I think it was a good omen/sign that we both presented our letters of credence on the same day, on 4 December 2024. This canāt be a coincidence, isnāt it?
In terms of new areas of cooperation, in addition to the long-standing work on water management and water use in agriculture, I believe that Chile, as a mining country, can benefit more from the Dutch technology in recycling and in sustainable use of water in that sector. Other promising areas in which we can learn from the Dutch experience are logistics and port infrastructure, both vital for our export sector.
Another area with potential for strengthening the bilateral cooperation is that of critical raw materials, such as lithium, copper, nickel. The Netherlands and Europe are in need of new sources of those materials for their energy transition and digital economy. 79% of the lithium that reaches Europe comes from Chile. In this sense, the Netherlands and Chile are destined to be natural partners. Chile has the opportunity to strengthen its role in the global supply chain and attract investment for that sector.
I would also like to highlight that the AFA (Advanced Framework Agreement) and the Interim Trade Agreement signed by the European Union and Chile on 13 December 2023, are instruments that I am sure could make an important contribution to further cooperation between Chile and the Netherlands. It should be noted that the AFA is not a completely new agreement, but the modernization of the Association Agreement already in force between Chile and the EU since 2003. In fact, the European Parliament, considering that this is a mutually beneficial agreement, gave its consent to the new instrument on 29 February 2024. The Advanced Framework Agreement includes a new chapter on trade and sustainable development, as well as regulations on labor conditions, environment, gender equality, and responsible business conduct, to mention just a few the new chapters. Taking into account the importance that The Netherlands attaches to those matters I think it should not be a major problem for The Netherlands to ratify the AFA. Anyhow, the Interim Trade Agreement will enter into force in February this year.
H.E. Mr. Jorge Carvajal, Ambassador of Chile. jpg
The Netherlands is Chileās largest European investor. What industries do you see as the most promising for further Dutch investment?
At this moment, the sustainable energy sector is the biggest sector for Dutch investments. With big investments in for example transmission lines to transport the energy from solar and wind farms to the cities and industrial areas. The ambitions of Chile to become a big exporter of green hydrogen will require a lot of foreign investments. The institutional investors like Dutch pension funds are very interested in this for Chile promising sector. If Chile advances in making the mining industry and the refining of critical raw materials more sustainable, we might spark interest from Dutch investors for this sector as well.
How do organizations like the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Chile and Holland House Chile contribute to promoting economic ties?
Having an active Holland House Chile is perfect for facilitating a so called soft landing for Dutch companies in Chile, offering a network of other Dutch companies active in Chile, but also a network of reliable service providers. The Holland House also delivers a variety of services for Dutch companies themselves that range from market studies to delivering translation services and to acting as legal representative in Chile
Are there any specific initiatives or agreements planned to further enhance trade relations?
The trade exchange between Chile and the Netherlands has been smooth and dynamic. The EU is Chile’s third-largest trade partner and the Port of Rotterdam plays an important role as a distribution hub for our products to Europe, such as copper, fresh fruit – mainly grapes, apples, avocados and blueberries-, wine; dried fruit, cellulose and plywood.
In addition to the possibilities offered by the Advanced Framework Agreement between Chile and the EU, an important development has been the signing of a Memorandum of Understandings between the Ministry of Energy of Chile and the Port of Rotterdam Authority in order to use the port as key hydrogen hub for Northwest Europe. Last October the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth of the Netherlands signed the update of the Strategic Cooperation Agenda on Green Hydrogen.
Chile’s ambition is to become a global leader in the production and supply of green hydrogen that will help many countries to reach their carbon neutrality goals. Meanwhile, The Netherlands has been diversifying its supply sources and promoting responsible and sustainable mining. All the while its technology companies depend on secure access to critical minerals to maintain their leadership in the semiconductor industry.
Last but not least I think I should mention the role that could play a multi-year Partnership for International Business Program āGreen Energy Corridor Chile ā the Netherlandsā a public-private initiative funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
Both countries are leaders in export-oriented agriculture. What lessons can Chile and the Netherlands share to improve sustainability and efficiency in this sector?
The Netherlands (and its private sector) is well known in Chile for its innovative capabilities, its focus on sustainability, especially water management and its cooperative approach, which includes governmental and knowledge institutions in the achievement of business solutions.
Dutch companies which have invested in Chile in this sector, have played a relevant role in bringing a valuable know-how, sustainable technology and good practices, contributing thus to productivity and efficiency in the Chilean agri-business sector.
Because of the existing ties and the still big potential in this sector, agriculture is one of the focus areas of the economic department or our Embassy.
Chile has shown interest in improving its recycling and sustainable packaging practices. How can Dutch expertise help accelerate these efforts?
Chile is promoting the adoption of a Circular Economy by developing public policy instruments such as the Roadmap for a Circular Chile 2040, the Plastics and Single-Use Products law, a law that prohibits the distribution of plastic shopping bags and the Extended Producer Responsibility law. Chile also committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Netherlands could make important contributions in Agriculture, Packaging and Water. In agriculture Dutch technology can support in the valorisation of organic waste streams. Examples are digestion as a source of renewable energy and fertilizer or high-end valorisation of organic waste into biobased materials. Opportunities for Dutch companies and consultancy firms also lie in the recovery of fruit losses and fish waste by using new processing techniques, in the supply chain of water production, treatment and transport. Although Chile is making progress in separation, collection, recycling, and alternative packaging technologies, our country still faces challenges in terms of logistics, access to input material and demand for recycled materials. Dutch knowledge and experience might be the right solution. Dutch plastics value- chain approach with actions from both public and private players are already inspirational for Chile and can open various markets.
In conclusion, in terms of the relationship with the Netherlands, we have an auspicious year ahead of us marked by the 200th anniversary of bilateral relations, an anniversary that we intend to use to give new impetus to our cooperation in traditional areas such as water management, agriculture and trade and to emerging areas such as critical materials and green hydrogen. At the multilateral level, we will remain committed to defending and promoting international law, human rights, and international security, working at the international organizations that have made The Hague the city of peace and justice.
