The European Commission is to launch an in-depth investigation to examine whether the proposed acquisition of TNT Express by FedEx Corporation is in line with the EU Merger Regulation.
Both companies are major players on the world market for courier services. The Commission is concerned that, in a number of European markets for international express shipments and normal (so-called “delayed”) small consignments, the merged entity will encounter only two remaining players: UPS and DHL.
This could potentially lead to higher prices for business customers and consumers. The Commission now has 90 working days, until December 8, 2015, to examine the proposed acquisition and to determine whether these initial concerns are well founded.
The fact that a thorough inquiry is being undertaken is in line with EU competition policy, and says nothing about the final outcome.
Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner responsible for competition policy, stated the following in this context: “allbusinesses, and especially electronic commerce, rely heavily on affordable and reliable courier services, and many consumers rely on these services for fast and safe delivery of the goods they have purchased. The Commission shouldthen also ensure that the acquisition of TNT by FedEx does not impede effective competition and would not result in higher prices for consumers.”
On the picture H. E. Alireza Jahangiri Ambassador of Iran, H. E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco and his wife.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Kingdom of Morocco is a constitutional monarchy, and every year the country commemorates the monarch’s enthronement with a day of celebration known as Throne Day.
For a complete photo-album by Diplomat Magazine photographer Robert Huiberts on Morocco’s Throne Day, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656734402455Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court , H. E. Abdelouahab Bellouki and his wife.
His Majesty Mohammed VI became King of Morocco 1999 following the death of his father King Hassan II.H. E. Philippe Couvreur Registrar of the International court of Justice together with H. E. Abdelouahab Bellouki Ambassador of Morocco and his wife.
On the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the accession of H.M. King Mohamed VI to the Throne, His Excellency Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Netherlands, held a reception at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague.
Natalia Timoshenko, H. E. Abdelouahab Bellouki and his wife following by H. E. Olexander Horin Ambassador of Ukraine.
Dozens of fellow diplomats, patriots and others came to congratulate the Ambassador and his wife on this memorable day. The Ambassador and his spouse were both charmingly clad in Moroccan national attire.
H. E. Ahmet Üzümcü, Director General of the OPCW, H. E. Abdelouahab Bellouki and his wife.
They were also excellent and amiable hosts who took the time to welcome and thank each and every guest.
All told, the Moroccan Throne Day 2015 celebration in the Netherlands was a great success.
By H.E . Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of Burundi.
The Embassy of Burundi in The Hague would like bring to the attention of the international public as follows :
The Embassy of Burundi in The Hague welcomes the successful holding of parliamentary elections, presidential and senatorial which took place in June and July 2015. Observers in good faith all agree to say that these elections were free, and have been largely inclusive if we consider the composition of the National Assembly (CNDD-FDD COALITION AMIZERO Y’ABARUNDI, UPRONA, TWA) and the number of candidates for the presidency (8 candidates in all).
The turnout of 74.44% in the parliamentary elections, 73.44% in presidential elections and over 90% in the senatorial elections amply demonstrates that Burundians have responded to this electoral appointment in peace and without any constraint.
Through these elections, the people of Burundi have expressed their deep desire to renew the Republican institutions through the democratic process. She has only one aspiration: peace and development.
However, the Burundi Embassy in The Hague deplores the attitude of some of our compatriots who for sectarian interests, set themselves up as the People’s Advocate with the sole aim to torpedo the election process and consequently destabilizing Burundian institutions.
They tried by organizing a popular uprising but the people of Burundi have always shown its commitment to the values of peace and tranquility by supporting institutions that they themself established.
They also tried with a military coup on May 13, 2015 but they have not succeeded there too because of the determination of forces loyal to defend the people and institutions of the Republic was of a magnitude unprecedented.
There are even those who nurtured presidential ambitions for a long time but, by the simple fact that their projects were not successful, sought to paralyze the proper functioning of institutions by simulating their leaks.
The lasts actions to date were rebel attacks against the peaceful citizens of Kayanza and Cibitoke and were quickly mastered.
In all cases, the lifeblood of the nation have always led a joint action to defend the best interests of the Burundian people and national sovereignty, and as such deserves thanks.
The Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in The Hague thinks primarily to H.E Pierre NKURUNZIZA, President of the Republic of Burundi and Supreme Commander of the Defense and Security Forces with his Government who, despite the turbulent times, have held on and just bring the people of Burundi to port.
The Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in The Hague welcomes a lot all the whole National Defense Body for his patriotism and ability to neutralize all the enemies of peace in record time.
The Embassy of the Republic of Burundi to The Hague makes it more fitting tribute to the Members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), which, despite the difficult working environment, did their best to organize an electoral process consistent with international standards and, above all, a credible electoral process.
Everyone remembers the pressures, political dishonesty of some of our politicians who dreamed of a transitional government to which they had to face, but they stood by their patriotic spirit and professionalism.
The Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in The Hague finally congratulate the Burundian population for its political maturity. Our thanks also go to the location of all our partners and those who have contributed in any way to the success of these elections.
The Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in The Hague seizes this opportunity to condemn once again, some of our compatriots who have adopted a bellicose behavior instead of uniting with the rest of the population in the promotion of dialogue and development work. We strongly condemns the attacks of Kayanza and Cibitoke and calls the international community as a whole to condemn any attempt to destabilize Burundi.
Finally, the Burundi Embassy in the Hague calls on all partners of Burundi, the UN, the European Union, the African Union and the countries of the sub-region to support the institutions created by the 2015 elections. These are institutions established through the will of the Burundians who are only holder of national sovereignty. They therefore deserve the trust of everyone.
On the picture Ambassadors Ole Moesby from Denmark and Moazam Ahmad Khan from Pakistan. Photography by Ann Daly.By Roy Lie A Tjam
His Majesty the King of Fruits, otherwise known as the Pakistani mango, graced the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in The Hague on Wednesday 22 July 2015.
The 12th Annual Exhibition of Pakistani Mangoes, held under the auspices of the Commercial Wing of the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague and Diplomat Magazine was once again a successful tradeshow and reception. There was ample opportunity to enjoy not only mangoes but also the catering by Anokha restaurant as well as the music.
In his welcome remarks, Commercial Counselor Zahid Ali Abbasi stressed the significant role of the Netherlands when it comes to the importation of Pakistani mangoes into Europe – the Netherlands is the continent’s second largest importer. Moreover, the country is one of the main gateways into to the EU and its single market.
For a photo album on the 12th Pakistani Mango exhibition, please click open here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157654368189164Anokha owner and Pakistani Commercial Counselor Zahid Ali Abbasi .
However, despite its popularity, the Pakistani mango still has advancements to make into the mainstream consumer market in Europe. The fruit is obtainable in the months between May and October, when there is little or no seasonal supply from competitors in the market. With the assistance of the TDAP and USAID, the shelf-life of the mango has been increased to between 35 and 40 days.
The message to the European market is simple – the Pakistani mango is King of Fruits and is here to stay.
Pakistani mango served at Hilton Hotel in The Hague.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Moazam Ahmad Khan, expressed his gratitude to the TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) for its support.
Pakistani mangoes are continuously adding their exotic flavor to the Dutch taste, he said. Increasing the shelf-life of the mango has contributed immensely to the popularity of the Pakistani mango in the Netherlands.
Matthew Blong from Vimpelcom and H. E. Moazam Khan.
Pakistani mangoes are famous for their taste, aroma and color, and are widely considered in Europe, the US and elsewhere as one of the most delicious of all exotic fruit. There are over a hundred varieties of mangoes: chaunsa, sindhri, anwar to name but a few.
H. E. Olexander Horin and his wife Natalia Tymoshenko.
Mango production in Pakistan is a huge business, and they are produced at certified farms and processed in HACCP certified facilities.
Photography by Hans Mooren.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The South African Embassy in The Hague participated and supported the 2015 edition of the Kweku Summer Festival, 17 July – 9 August 2015 at Nelson Mandela Park, Amsterdam.
H.E. Mr. Bruce V Koloane with some participants.“Honour the Life and Legacy of Mr Nelson Mandela”
The Kweku Summer Festival is a grand celebration of cultural diversity and identity. The main ingredients are culture, music, and food of Caribbean, African and Latin American heritage. The average attendance is about 15.000 people per day, and can run up towards 200.000 visitors in the whole festival period.
Kweku is one of the iconic festivals of Amsterdam City Marketing. It is of the same calibre as Holland Festival and the international documentary festival Amsterdam, IDFA.
Amsterdam has had a very special relationship with Madiba and South Africa’s struggle for liberation in that it housed one of the most active anti-Apartheid movements and as such the city was the scene of numerous anti-Apartheid demonstrations during the 1980s. The city also housed the ANC Chief Representative Office in 1989.
Ambassador Bruce V Koloane during the event.
The 2015 edition of the Kweku Summer Festival was opened by Marjorie da Cunha, board member of the festival. In her welcome remarks, Da Cunha not only warmly welcomed the Ambassador of South Africa, Ambassadors, and the MEC of Eastern Cape, but also expressed her gratitude for the very pleasant cooperation in preparing the festival with the Embassy of South Africa.
H.E. Mr. Bruce V Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa, was the next speaker. He was followed by Mr. Sakkies Somyo, MEC for the Province of Eastern Cape, who traveled to Amsterdam with a delegation especially for the festival. Mr. Nelson Mandela himself hailed from the Eastern Cape Province.
July 18th, International Mandela Day, was henceforth officially launched.
The program proceeded with literature, music ‘Berita’, dance, poetry by Diana Ferrus and a fashion show featuring traditional styles from the Eastern Cape. Guests were treated to a range of South African delicacies such as Boerewors, potjie kos, pap and sause.
CLICK ON THE LINK FOR FULL STORY AT AD DEN HAAG NEWSPAPER. https://flic.kr/p/vQEcwe
Local AD Den Haag newspaper covering Diplomat Magazine´s 2nd Anniversary at World Belair Hotel in June, 2015. Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher, Dr. Eugenio Matos, Minister Counselor at the Dominican Embassy in Buenos Aires, Roy Lie, Editor and some distinguished volunteers, contributing writers and representatives from Diplomatic Card paid a courtesy visit to commemorate this unique event in The Hague.
For a photo-album on this special occasion, please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157652929393794
On the picture Ambassador Chen Xu.By Roy Lie A Tjam.H.E. Mr. Chen Xu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Netherlands, on Thursday July 16 hosted a reception to say farewell to one Political Counselor and welcome his successor.
For a photo album please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656449345265Mr. Liu Chun.Mr. Liu Chun will soon be leaving the Netherlands after serving as the political advisor to Ambassador Chen Xu for the past two years. He is returning to the MFA in China to take up a new post. In his valediction speech, Liu Chun expressed his love of and admiration for the Netherlands and noted that the famous Dutch tulip originates from China, ending up in the Netherlands via Turkey. Political Counselor Liu Chun, Ambassador Chen Xu and the new political Counselor Chen Ribiao.His successor Mr. Chen Ribiaowas welcomed at the same reception. Chen Ribiao is no stranger to the Netherlands. He studied here some twenty years ago, and is fluent in the Dutch language. His entire speech was in Dutch.Along with the departing and arriving Political Counselors, Ambassador Chen Xu applauded the strong relationship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the People’s Republic of China. Ambassador Chen Xu also fondly referred to the historical visit of his President Mr.Xi Jinpingto the Netherlands in order to attend the NIS summit in 2014.
On the picture Ambassador Rajesh Prasad.After two years of dedicated service in The Netherlands, His Excellency Rajesh Prasad, Ambassador of India, left the country to return to his homeland and make the transition from public to private life. A lifelong diplomat, H.E. Mr. Prasad began his career in the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1980. Since then, he has faithfully served his country in Cairo, Riyadh, London, Jakarta, Geneva, Algiers and Accra – a long and distinguished period of service which culminated in his appointment to the prestigious position of Ambassador to the Netherlands.
For a photo album on H. E. Rajesh Prasad farewell, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656292434146H. E. Rajesh Prasad salutes Ambassador of Ghana, H. E. Joe Tony Aidoo.He offered a farewell reception at the Indian residence, where Head of Missions and diplomats from international organizations, academics, former Ministers and Dutch Government officials came together as friends to say goodbye. Ambassador Prasad explained in his ‘au revoir’ speech that he will miss The Hague and his colleagues but that he is willing to go back to his country and dedicate time to his personal life. No entrepreneurial projects, no political plans; he wants to take time for himself after 35 years of a successful career that has brought him from one side of the world to the other.Family and friends came to say goodbye.Even at the Head of one of the most important missions abroad for India, and with a very challenging agenda, “You always manage your very exigent life and work to be able to inspire peace and calm in every moment. We think this is a rare strength you have and the one we will remember the most,” said one of his diplomat friends.
On the picture Ambassador José de Bouza Serrano together with Vesela Mrden Ambassador of Croatia.
Every year on 10th of June, worldwide celebrations take place for the Dia de Portugal that commemorates the death of Luis de Camoes, a significant figure in the nation’s history and author of Lusiadas – the national epic poem that celebrates the achievements of the Portuguese in world exploration during the 16th century.
For a photo album on the National Day of Portugal 2015, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157655938173038H. E. José de Bouza Serrano together with H. E. Timothy Croas, Ambassador of the USA.
2015 was no exception, and a special reception was hosted by His Excellency Jose De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal to the Netherlands. Portuguese expats came in great numbers to show solidarity and affection to their country, together with countless Head of Missions and Dutch Government officials. Many friends of Portugal from the business, Catholic, and student communities were also in attendance, and the enormous Portuguese residence and its gardens were alive with people.
Ambassador De Bouza Serrano took time to talk to every guest, shake hands, and receive warm congratulations from the many attendees at his residence.
H. E. José de Bouza Serrano with the Ambassador of Irak H.E. Dr Saad Abdulmajeed Ibrahim Ibrahim.
On the picture H. E. Héctor Horacio Salvador.
On 25th May, the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina celebrated together with a crowd of Heads of Diplomatic Missions, diplomats, Dutch government officials, expats and friends a warm and welcoming National Day or May Revolution Day to commemorate a seminal moment in Argentine history – the famous May Revolution of 1810 that marked the beginning of South America’s separation from the Kingdom of Spain.
For a photo-album of the National Day of the Republic of Argentina, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653999471715H.E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong Ambassador of Thailand and H.E. Mr Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh with a guest.
In an atmosphere of hospitality, harmony, and patriotism, His Excellency Mr. Héctor Horacio Salvador and his wife Ms. Jane Berger de Salvador, together with all the embassy staff, observed the Revolution Day with music, traditional cuisine, and fine Argentine wine.
Ms. Joan McNamara, Mr. Aldo Cavalli the Apostolic Nuncio together with H. E. Ms María Teresa de Jesús Infante Caffi Ambassador of Chile and guests.
The Ceibo flower, whose spectacular blooming period takes place in May and is the symbol of the May Revolution, was in the hearts and minds of all Argentinean diplomats and staff who shook hands with guests and served chicken empanadas, ‘asado’ (top quality of Argentine beef), a selection of the best of the country’s wines, Malbec from Mendoza, and the sweet ‘dulce de leche’.
On one of the most beautiful days of the summer in the gardens of the Argentinean residence, the National Anthem of the legendary South American country rang out in Wassenaar like a symbol of friendship with The Netherlands.
With a feeling of harmony and self-respect, Argentina observes the Revolution Day with music, colorful march pasts, and traditional cuisines in every territory in which the nation has official representation.
H. E. Héctor Horacio Salvador and his wife Ms. Jane Berger receiving their guests.
This event is given the status of a public holiday in commemoration of all the happenings and major incidents in the history of Argentina leading to the May Revolution and the eventual independence of the country.
The May Revolution is widely seen as the country’s initial step towards autonomy and freedom. The Revolution itself was not a single event but a succession of historical and societal happenings that occurred in Buenos Aires, which resulted in the creation of the longest-standing non-Spanish government in the nation.
Argentinian’s wines.
There was little or no violence during the rebellion itself since many who participated in it hailed from the upper echelons of society. As a result, a self-governing administration was established in the country on 25th May 1810, and has henceforth been known as Revolution Day. In spite of the fact that it was planned as proof of allegiance to the Spanish monarch, the Revolution essentially triggered the course of independence for the country.
Ferdinand VII was reinstated in 1814, however by that time Argentina had tasted too much of Spanish dominance. In 1811, Paraguay had achieved its independence. On July 9, 1816, Argentina officially announced its liberation from Spanish settlers. Under the able guidance of Jose de San Martin, the country defied Spain’s endeavors to recapture it.
