88th Anniversary of the Founding of China’s PLA

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88th Anniversary of the Founding of China’s PLA
  By Roy Lie A Tjam. The Military, Naval and Air Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo, hosted a reception at the Embassy of China on 30 July 2015 to celebrate the 88th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. China’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Chen Xu, and his team were also present to welcome and talk with the many guests.   9W1A5609   For a photo album on the 88 anniversary founding Liberation Army of China please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656274508890   9W1A5613   In his address, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo reviewed the achievements of the PLA in the past 88 years and elaborated on the peaceful development of China. He briefly introduced the newly-published white paper on China’s Military Strategy, and reaffirmed that the strategy is defensive in nature. He highlighted the international contributions that China’s military has made around the world this year: in the fight against Ebola in west Africa, rescue work in Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquake, a peace-keeping mission in South Sudan, along with other missions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the world.   9W1A5601   On the topic of Sino-Dutch military relations, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo observed that the first-ever visit of Chinese naval ships to the Netherlands in January this year had brought new life to bilateral military ties between the two countries. He also expressed his belief that ongoing exchanges and cooperation will be perpetuated in the years ahead, to great mutual benefit. Notably present was General Tom Middendorp, Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, who spoke highly of the current Sino-Dutch military relationship and expressed respect and admiration for China’s active contributions to international peace and stability.   9W1A5576   H. E. Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu, Director General of OPCW, was also in attendance, alongside many diplomats and senior figures from The Hague’s international and Chinese communities, all of whom enjoyed the reception.  

International Water Conference in Jordan

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International Water Conference in Jordan
Attend the most renown International Water Conference, Water and development congress & exhibition. Achieving Water Security for Sustainable Growth is a major global challenge. Delivering the much needed change will not occur without motivated and dedicated people inspiring and steering it. Water and development congress & exhibition to be held in Jordan from October 18 to October 22, 2015. This leading conference on water security for sustainable development brings together international experts, government delegations, world-leading institutions, companies and organisations involved in the development of clean, safe drinking water and sanitation services. It is a unique opportunity to be in contact with over 1000 delegates and visitors drawn from a wide range of organisations working across all aspects of the water cycle, from more than 70 countries worldwide. For additional information please click here: http://iwa-network.org/WDCE2015/ 

Myanmar joins the OPCW

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Myanmar joins the OPCW
Myanmar joins the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Myanmar today became the 191st State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), as the Convention entered into force for the country. “Myanmar’s accession brings the CWC closer to universal adherence and to achieving a world free of chemical weapons. The Convention continues to be the singular multilateral instrument for chemical disarmament, and its universal acceptance is an absolute priority for the OPCW. It is essential that the States still outside the CWC join as soon as possible,” said the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü. The number of States not Party to the Convention is now reduced to five, namely Angola, Egypt, Israel, North Korea and South Sudan. Myanmar deposited its instrument of ratification to the CWC on 8 July 2015, with the Convention entering into force 30 days following this step.

Iceland’s Prime Minister in Brussels

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Iceland’s Prime Minister in Brussels
On the picture Primer Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson  and President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Photography by European-Council.

  By Martin Kammandel.   Iceland’s Prime Minister  Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson paid a visit to the EU institutions on 10 July 2015. The first visit of the Icelandic head of government since the Nordic country terminated accession talks with the EU in March, where he met with President of the European Council Donald Tusk as well as the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker.  At the meetings, Iceland’s new positions vis-à-vis the EU were discussed, the cooperation between Iceland and the EU in the Arctic regions, and through the EEA.  Iceland possesses one mission based in Brussels accredited to the EU, the Benelux countries, Switzerland and San Marino. It is headed since late 2014 by HE Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir.    For more information:  Prime Minister of Iceland: http://eng.forsaetisraduneyti.is/ Mission of Iceland to the EU: www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/be/    

Canada Day in Belgium

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Canada Day in Belgium
On the picture  Ambassador Denis Robert delivering his speech on Canadian-Belgian relations .
Photography by Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg.
  To celebrate Canada Day in Belgium, His Excellency Ambassador Denis Robert, hosted a reception at the prestigious Cercle de Lorraine in Brussels on Wednesday, 1 July 2015.  Canada Day or Fête du Canada in the French language, is a federal statutory holiday marking the birth of the country on 1 July 1867 through the enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today referred to as Constitution Act, 1867). ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????   The latter united three British colonies into the “Dominion of Canada”, that is, the existing United Province of Canada was split into the provinces of Ontario and Québec whereas New Brunswick and Nova Scotia became provinces of the newly established realm.    ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? The holiday’s name was “Dominion Day” up to 1982 when the name was changed to “Canada Day” by parliamentary decision.  Belgium’s Princess Astrid is due to head an economic mission to the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta between 24 and 31 October 2015.    For more information: Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg:  http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/belgium-belgique/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng&menu_id=28      

Ambassador Descarrega García back in Andorra

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Ambassador Descarrega García back in Andorra
Photography by  gov.si   The Ambassador of the Principality of Andorra to the Benelux countries, Germany, Slovenia and Head of Mission to the EU and the OPCW, Ms.  Eva Descarrega García, has left her post in Brussels to become Secretary of State for Justice and Home Affairs in her homeland. This being the first non-diplomatic position for the career diplomat of 18 years.  Secretary of State Eva Descarrega García led the Andorran missions in Brussels between 2011 and 2015. Previous to that she worked as Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 1997 and 2000 she had already served as First Secretary at the missions in Brussels.  Incumbent chargé d’affaires in Brussels for Andorra is Second Secretary Mr. Jeroni Estopiñán Pascual. The new head of mission ought to be Ms.  Maria Ubach Font, hitherto Ambassador to the French Republic and Permanent Representative to UNESCO and La Francophonie.    For more information:  Andorran Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.exteriors.ad/ca/inici/40-continguts-catala/representacions-diplomatiques?start=12 Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs: www.govern.ad/ministeri-de-justicia-i-interior      

Peru National Day celebration 2015

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Peru National Day celebration 2015
On the picture H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea.   By Roy Lie A Tjam. The occasion was the National day of Peru, the Ambassador H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea, hosted a reception at their residence in Wassenaar. The date was Tuesday July 28, 2015. On this day the Republic of Peru celebrates the end of war (General Jose de San Martin) that lead to its independence from Spain. The pleasant atmosphere was enjoyed by all. In his welcome remarks Ambassador draw the attention of his guest to the ongoing exhibition on the terrace and garden of his residence. Works by the renowned Dutch sculptor Like Mutal are on display. Like Mutal lives and works at various places in the world; New York, Peru. Due the inclement weather the envisaged Peruvian dance demonstration had to be annulled. However, as indicated above, it has been a marvelous Peruvian afternoon which the many diplomats, Peruvians and other guest very much appreciated.  

40th Anniversary of Independence of Mozambique

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40th Anniversary of Independence of Mozambique
Photography by Embassy of Mozambique in Brussels.   To mark the 40th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, HE Ambassador Ana Nemba Uaiene, organised a reception on Thursday, 24 June 2015 at the Cercle de Lorraine in Brussels.   DSC09907 For a photo-album on the 40th Anniversary of Mozambique  in Brussels please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157654508974444   The African country became fully independent from Portugal on 25 June 1975 after almost ten years of armed conflict against Portugal. Today’s Mozambique had been ruled for 400 years by Portugal, and was known at the time as “Portuguese Mozambique” or “Portuguese East Africa”. Mozambique today is a member of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the Latin Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Southern African Development Community. Its economy is still developing.   DSC09778   The missions of Mozambique based in Brussels are accredited to the three Benelux countries, the OPCW as well as the EU. Previous to her ambassadorial post in Brussels, H. E. Ms Nemba Uaiene, headed the Mozambican embassy in France and permanent representation to UNESCO. Before that she was ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union. The African country is likewise the chosen homeland for HI&RH Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Frank) von Habsburg of Austria, Prince of Hungary, his US American-born wife, Lei and their children, Jessica, Anna-Monica, Philip and Sofia. The archducal couple are successful entrepreneurs, founders of ProIntel Africa, helping foreign companies and investors to establish themselves in Africa. Frank von Habsburg is an uncle to Diplomat Magazine’s Junior Editor HH Duke Michael of Mecklenburg and to HI&RH Archduchess Johanna von Habsburg who is currently based in Leiden. For more information: Embassy of Mozambique www.embassyofmozambique.be/index.php?lang=en ProIntel Africa: www.prointelafrica.com/our_team.html

Leopold III of Belgium at Casa do Brasil

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Leopold III of Belgium at Casa do Brasil
  By Baron Henri Estramant.    Till 28 August 2015, the Casa do Brasil (Avenue Louise/Louizalaan 350, Brussels) is hosting a colour as well as black and white photographic exhibition of pictures taken by King Leopold III of Belgium in the 1960s. Between 1962 and 1967 the former monarch paid several visits to Mato Grosso and different regions of the Amazons. He was an avid photographer who captured images mixing the beauty of the tropical forest as well as scenes of quotidian life. Likewise King Leopold III is featured in complicity with the locals.  The actual collection comprises more than 50 000 images of his global expeditions. In Brussels the exhibition is being curated by Cristina Barros Greindl, member of the Funds Leopold III and Maria Izabel Branco Ribeiro, Director of the Museum of the Foundation Alvares Penteado located in São Paulo. The exhibition itself was displayed already back in 2010 at São Paulo at the Museu de Arte Brasileria of the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado, in 2011 at the Museu de Artes e Oficio in Brasilia and in 2013 at Brazil’s parliament. In Belgium it was first exhibited at La Hulpe in 2011 thanks to the Fondation Folon. This time the exhibition at the Casa do Brasil is being supported by the Funds Leopold III. The vernissage was patronised by HRH Princess Esmeralda of Belgium, Lady Moncada, President of the Funds Leopold III and Brazil’s ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, HE Sr. André Amado.  Leopold III participated in the first expeditions of the brothers Villas Boas to the communities of the indigenous Txicão. In fact, the king did not only live beside the tribes but shared their meals, and customs during his stay. These experiences provided him with a “feeling of a secret fraternal identity with all men, regardless their origins, beliefs or civilisations”. For the motive he created the “King Leopold III Fund for Nature Exploration and Conservation”.  Leopold III was the IV King of the Belgians between 1934 and 1951.    For more information:  Fonds Léopold III: www.naturalsciences.be/LIII/FR Folon Foundation: http://fondationfolon.be/en/ Embassy of Brazil to Belgium and Luxembourg:  http://bruxelas.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-br/agenda_cultural.xml    

Mozart Festival in The Hague, 10-15 September 2015

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Mozart Festival in The Hague, 10-15 September 2015
Festival celebrates 250 years of Mozart in The Hague and pays homage to the famous composer   One of the most famous visitors to The Hague ever was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Mozart family’s visit to The Hague. The anniversary will be celebrated 10-15 September 2015 with the festival “Mozart in The Hague” in which Mozart’s music is omnipresent – original, modified, ‘applied’ and in concert. The festival is a reflection of the diversity that characterizes the works of Mozart. Of course there is a prominent role for music. We were able to connect some wonderful performers with the festival, including Johannette Zomer, Ton Koopman and Tini Mathot, Menno van Delft, The Hague Philharmonic conducted by Jan Willem de Vriend, Residentie Bach Choir, The Hague Matrozenkoor and pianist Daria van den Bercken. During the Amadeus contest young talents get a chance to show what they can. Residents and visitors to the city will be surprised with outdoor music. The carillon is played and wind ensembles will perform arrangements of Mozart’s opera music. There are talks and walks, there is an exhibition in the Historical Museum. The Foundation Mozart in The Hague was founded in July 2014 and has quickly prepared a varied and contrasting program. It is the desire of the organisation to achieve co-operation and cohesion in the city. Collaboration has been sought and found with the activities of the National Heritage Day and Prinsjesdag Festival, but also existing concert series have been asked to programme their concerts in the festival period around Mozart. The festival provides a platform for professionals and amateurs. Artistic director of the festival is harpsichordist, conductor and composer Jörn Boysen (*1976). The full program and ticket information of the festival is available on www.mozartindenhaag.nl.   You can also follow the festival on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mozartindenhaag) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mozartindenhaag). See the festival brochure via http://www.mozartindenhaag.nl/nieuws/id/13/23-6-2015/festivalbrochure-online/ Organization Mozart in The Hague Board of directors: Jean-Pierre de Vos – chairman Ellen van der Sar – secretary and festivalmanager Jos Rijntjes – treasurer Artistic director: Jörn Boysen – harpsichordist, conductor and composer Recommending Committee: The board of the Mozart Foundation in The Hague has the support of several prominent figures, who recommend our activities wholeheartedly: Karel de Rooij – cabaret and regisseur Leo Samama – musicologist and composer Liza Ferschtman – violinist Maartje van Weegen – presenter and journalist Mozart (k) ring Gelredome / Niederrhein Pauline Oostenrijk – oboist and schrijfster Ton Koopman – organist, conductor and harpsichordist   Information: info@mozartindenhaag.nl www.mozartindenhaag.nl Mozart in The Hague is sponsored by the following organizations: Fonds 1818, Gemeente Den Haag, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Mozart-Wagner Fonds, Cultuurschakel, Hendrik Muller Fonds, Gravin van Bylandt Stichting en Stichting Orlanda Goban.
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