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
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
A convivial atmosphere was the hallmark of the evening as H.E Ambassador Adia Sakiqi of the Republic of Albania welcomed guests to her country’s National Day reception on 26 November.
Albania declared Independence from the Ottoman Empire 103 years ago on 28 November 1912. The modern, democratic Albania was established some 15 years ago.
For Additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures of the Albanian reception and sculpture exhibition, please open here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661785621441H.E Ambassador Adia Sakiqi and her husband Tom Vandecasteele.
The event served simultaneously as a reception and sculpture exhibition, and famed Albanian sculptor Arben Bajo came over specially for the exhibition. Ambassador Adia Sakiqi 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: “When sculpture changes, societies change.” She added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Bajo, for coming from Albania and bringing this beautiful collection of sculptures. These are not one-directional epics sculptures, or glorifying ones. These are sculptures with an enduring human trait and human warmth. Thank you very much, Mr. Bajo, for coming here and giving us warmth.”
H.E Ambassador Adia Sakiqi and H. E. Xu Chen, Embassador of the People’s Republic of China.
The Ambassador continued: “When I think of the glorifying sculptures and monuments of socialist realism, I remember in the main Avenue of Tirana, the rigid and huge monuments of Lenin and Stalin facing each-other.” “After the fall of the system, those monuments were taken down. At that very place, now without Lenin, somebody wrote in huge pink letters: PINK Floyd. I will never forget how as teenagers, we would meet at this popular new meeting point. PINKU, we called it. Beautiful times – times of change.” 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.“Now that you have all become masters in attended national day receptions,” the Ambassador quipped, “I was told to deliver my speech earlier in order to release you in good time! Thank you all for being here, and enjoy the exhibition.”Mrs. Jane Berger de Salvador, H.E. Héctor Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of Argentina and H. E. Adia Sakiqi.For information:http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/netherlands/en
On the picture HRH Prince Louis of Luxembourg, Ambassador Zoltán Nagy (Hungary) and spouse Anna.
The 55th International Bazaar opened its doors on Saturday, 28 November 2015, in Hall 2 and 3 of the Luxexpo in Kirchberg with thousands of visitors from Luxembourg and over the borders attending.
Amongst the participants were a plethora of embassy representatives accredited to Luxembourg, including many resident in Brussels, Luxembourg’s Premier Xavier Bettel and spouse Gauthier Destenay, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Mars die Bartolomeo, or TRH Prince Louis and Princess Tessy of Luxembourg and Nassau.
Gauthier Destenay, Ambassador Zoltán Nagy and Primer Minister Xavier Bettel.
The princely couple in fact spent some time enjoying Tokaji (the “wine of kings”) and salami at the Hungarian stand with Ambassador Zoltán Nagy, his wife Anna and daughter who had arrived from Brussels.
A total of 61 nations were represented this year at the bazaar on 75 stalls selling typical products and food from their respective countries, and all for a good cause of course. A large percentage of proceeds are earmarked for no less than 98 charities mostly in Africa, Asia and South America, but also in Luxembourg and other parts of Europe.Since 1960 the “Bazar International de Luxembourg” has been a celebration of the diversity of cultures in Luxembourg and in the process has helped thousands of charities both locally and globally. For more informationLuxembourg International Bazaar:http://bazar-international.lu ————–Pictures by Embassy of Hungary to Belgium and Luxembourg.
On the picture Prime Minister Orban Viktór (Hungary), President Donald Tusk, Prime Minister Charles Michel (Belgium), Prime Minister Xavier Bettel (Luxembourg), President François Hollande (France), Stefan Löfven (Sweden) and President Dalia Grybauskaitė (Lithuania).Text and photographs by European Council
29 November 2015, Brussels: EU heads of state or government held a meeting with Turkey.
The meeting marked an important step in developing EU-Turkish relations and contributing to managing the migration crisis. European Council President Donald Tusk chaired the meeting, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu represented Turkey.
Prime Minister António Luís Santos da Costa (Portugal).
The EU and Turkey agreed to re-energise Turkey’s accession process to the European Union. High-level dialogue between both parties will be reinforced through more frequent and structured meetings including the organisation of summits twice a year. Regular summits will provide a platform to assess the development of Turkey-EU relations and discuss international issues.
The EU is committed to provide an initial €3 billion EUR of additional resources to Turkey to help it cope with the high numbers of Syrian refugees currently in the country.
With the implementation of the action plan, both sides will step up their active cooperation on migrants who are not in need of international protection: – preventing travel to Turkey and the EU – ensuring the application of the established bilateral readmission provisions – swiftly returning them to their countries of origin Leaders welcomed the intention of Turkey to further improve the situation of the Syrians under temporary protection and remain committed to fight against criminal smuggling networks.
First Vice-President of the EC, Frans Timmermans and President Jean-Claude Juncker.
The EU and Turkey also agreed to apply from June 2016 the readmission agreement. They are aiming to complete the visa liberalisation process, and the lifting of visa requirements for Turkish citizens in the Schengen zone by October 2016.
Accession process The leaders announced an Intergovernmental Conference on 14 December 2015 to open chapter 17 of the accession process, on further economic integration with Turkey. The European Commission will start the preparation work on further chapters without prejudice to the position of member states. Out of 35 negotiating chapters with Turkey, 14 chapters have been opened and 1 of these has been provisionally closed.
On the picture King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and the Ambassador of Cambodia, Thireak Chea – Picture by Rotapool, Remko de Waal.Credentials from Cambodia and Malawi in NL
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands received credentials on Wednesday morning, 25 November 2015, at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague of the heads of mission (non-resident) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, HE Ambassador Thireak Chea and the Republic of Malawi, HE Ambassador Tedson Aubrey Kalebe. Both embassies are based in Brussels.
The King of the Netherlands with the Ambassador of Malawi, Tedson Aubrey Kalebe – Picture by Rotapool – Remko de Waal.
On the picture ASEAN ambassadors and Mayor of Mons-Bergen, Elio di Rupo.
2 October 2015, Wallonia, Belgium: heads of mission and representatives from the ASEAN Brussels Committee visited Wallonia in the framework of events organised by the Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX).
For a photo album, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums
In the programme a business networking lunch at the Castle of Namur, a meeting with the Mayor of Mons/Bergen and former (50th) Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo were included as well as visits to the Catholic University of Louvain and the ASEAN Welcome Office at Crealys Science Park.
Singaporean ambassador to the Benelux countries, Ong Eng Chuan and Mayor of Mons-Bergen, Elio di Rupo, 50th Prime Minister of Belgium.
At the business networking lunch the ambassadors, chargés d’affaires and diplomats met with Vice President and Minister of Economy, Industry, Innovation and New Technologies of the Walloon Government Jean-Claude Marcourt, CEO of AWEX Pascale Delcomminette as well as various Belgian enterprises in Wallonia.
For more information:AWEX: http://www.investinwallonia.be/?lang=enPhotographs by J. Van Belle from Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI)
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.”
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
