By Mete Erdurcan.
On the evening of Thursday January 29th an armed assailant entered the building of the Netherlands Public Broadcasting and threatened the staff with a gun.
The assailant was dressed in formal wear, and demanded a few minutes of live broadcast on the 8 o’clock evening news. It was unclear what the goal of the assailant was, and on behalf of which group he operated.
He stated that he represented a hacker group, also stating that there were explosives. The letter that the assailant brought contained the statement that he worked together with five plus ninety-eight hackers and that in case the NPO would not give their full cooperation, they would ignite 8 heavy bombs containing nuclear material. The demands were as follow:
the building will not be entered by the police
the broadcast will not be interrupted or slowed down
the broadcast will not be subtitled
‘In case the demands will be met, every hostage shall be released’, the letter stated. The assailant managed to get into a broadcasting studio and was filmed while talking to the director, while holding a gun.
When the police entered the studio, he swiftly let go of his gun and gave the police the opportunity to arrest him. In fear of possible explosives the building was cleared and searched.
http://nos.nl/video/2016196-beelden-gijzeling-nos-studio.html
On the picture H. E. Haim Divon, Ambassador of Israel.
By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.On Tuesday 27th of January, the embassies of Israel, Denmark and the United States of America had organised a film evening theming the International Holocaust Remember Day. It is 70 years ago that the imprisoned of Auschwitz were liberalised by the Soviet Union on the 27th January 1945. Many governmental and non-governmental organisations and communities were represented to remember together those most horrible times.
H. E. Timothy Broas, Ambassador of the United State of America.
Three emotive and respectful speeches were given first by H.E. Mr. Haim Divon, Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Mr. Timothy Broas, Ambassador of the United States of America and H.E. Mr. Ole Emil Moesby, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark.
H. E. Ole Emil Moesby, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The film called “Night will fall” was a striking movie, showing live-recordings of the Allies’ Armies as they enter concentration camps and what was done to those captured in ‘hell’. The camera operators filmed in and around the monstrous camps, the dead bodies piled up along streets, houses, in fields and the carrying of the bodies to the mass graves. Nowadays, it may be hard to realise or imagine the horror, but this film made it very clear with the many added pieces of live recordings and interviews of the ones who survived the camps or the war fields. It was deeply touching to see the film as a German, whose stateless catholic great-grandfather, Duke Georg of Mecklenburg had survived one of these hells in which so many had died.One can conclude that human generations shall not generalise upon any group of people, whether Jews or Germans in order to spread hatred and destruction, but to create peace by accepting all as humans of equal people no matter what background one has. Such terror shall never happen again.
By Roy Lie A Tjam
A Ceremony of Merit was held by Diplomat Magazine at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel on Tuesday 13 January 2015 in honor of the departed Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H. E. Retno L.P Marsudi.
Ambassador Marsudi’s stint came to an end in October 2014, after serving almost three successful years. She was Indonesia’s first female Ambassador to the Netherlands.
When Ambassador Marsudi was asked by the Foreign Minister to choose one of the vacant posts at that time, she opted a posting in the Netherlands
At the ceremony the testimonial was delivered by Dr Bernard Bot, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands and the current President of the Carnegie Foundation. Dr Bot referred to Ambassador Marsudi as: “An ambassadors’ Ambassador”.
Bot dwelled on the centuries old historical ties between the Netherlands, the former colonial power and (independent) Indonesia. Scores of treaties have been concluded and implemented by the parties. Furthermore, Dr. Bot referred to Prime-Minister Mark Rutte’s visits to Indonesia which started a new epoch (Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership Indonesia – Netherlands) in the bilateral relationship.
In her acceptance speech, Minister Marsudi thanked the diplomatic community, Dutch officials and the Indonesian diaspora in the Netherlands. Several MFA personalities were in attendance including the former Asia Director, Mr. Karel Hartogh.
As for her new position as Indonesia’s first ever female Minister of Foreign Affairs, she elaborated on her vision and mission for the country and on diversity, with the emphasis on taking Indonesia’s foreign policy to the Indonesian people.
The Minister recognizes that the man in the street in Indonesia is unclear about their country’s foreign policy and what it means to them, and she aims to change this situation for the better.
Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Minister Marsudi indicated her modus operandi will be “down to earth” focusing on four main areas, namely:
Protecting the sovereignty of Indonesia
Protecting Indonesian nationals/citizens
Economic diplomacy
Maintaining Indonesia’s active role in regional and international forums.
Later that day, the Ambassador for Malaysia in the Netherlands, H.E. Dr Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib, at her residence, hosted a reception for her departed colleague and friend, Retno Marsudi Dr. Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib, particularly expressed her gratitude for Ambassador Marsudi’s cooperation in connection with the MH17 crash last year.
Her outstanding vigor and craftsmanship has been a huge asset to all. Ambassador Fauziah Taib also indicated the closeness between Indonesia and Malaysia; countries sharing the same language, same customs and similar cuisine.
Several ASEAN and other ambassadors came to bid farewell to their much esteemed colleague. The Hague will be missing a luminary. May she fare well in her new role of foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia
Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony
In accordance with Article 117 of the Constitution, Article 2 of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On regular elections to the representative bodies of state authority and of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan” and Article 8 of the Law “On the Election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan” the decision was made which determine the date of presidential elections of the Republic of Uzbekistan it is March 29, 2015.
In this regard, the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan announced the election campaign for the elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan from December 26, 2014.
Central Election Commission also approved a Program of main measures on the preparation and conduct of elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. According to this program, all activities related to the preparation and conduct of elections is carrying out by the Central Election Commission, election commissions in open and transparent manner, with strict accordance to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the electoral legislation.
The Central Election Commission also adopted a resolution on the formation of the Republican Press Center on Coverage of the Elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which is located at: 16, Navoi str., Tashkent.
Consistently preparation is underway for the upcoming elections on the basis of the requirements of legislation and programs substantive preparations and conduct of elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
In the country of all political parties expressed their desire to participate in the election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and to this end, the CEC presented a package of necessary documents.
The composition of the district election commissions includes respected members of society who have accumulated experience in past elections. Information on the structure, location and contact telephone numbers of district election commissions published in the local press.
In accordance with Article 24 of the Law “On Elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan” the right to nominate the candidate for the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is possessed by political parties. Thus political party may nominate a candidate for the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the condition that it is registered by the Ministry of Justice no later than six months prior to the date of announcement of the election campaign.
As previously reported, representatives of the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen – Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Democratic Party of Uzbekistan “Milly Tiklanish”, the Social Democratic Party of Uzbekistan “Adolat” with the aim to participate in the election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan submitted to the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan package of necessary documents.
On the basis of the documents submitted, the Central Election Commission in accordance with Articles 14 and 24 of the Law “On Elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan” admitted the political parties to participate in the election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On January 15 and 16, 2015, four political parties held a regular sessions.
In their meetings political parties considered the issue of developing and implementing a complex action plan to ensure full implementation of the tasks outlined in their Election programs.
All politics noted that recently held parliamentary elections were organized in full compliance with the requirements of the Constitution and the electoral laws of the country, internationally recognized standards, on the basis of a truly democratic principles of openness, transparency, alternatives, and most important, the multi-party system.
In their sessions political parties also discussed the issue of participation in the upcoming 29 March elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It was noted that this process is of importance in the political life of the country, and they will actively participate on it. It is planned that these issues will be implemented in full accordance with the laws of the country, in particular, of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Law “On elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.
The Movement of entrepreneurs and businessmen – liberal democratic party of Uzbekistan decided to nominate from the party of a candidate Islam Abduganievich Karimov at the election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Based on the fact that issues relating to the participation of the party in this election will decide its highest body, the Congress, the participants were scheduled to hold the next party congress on February 6, 2015.
The People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan proposed to nominate a candidate the Chairman of the Central Council of the party Hatamjon Ketmanov to the post of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and this proposal was supported by voters, supporters and activists of the party.
The Party comprehensively discussed issues about the convocation of the IX Congress of the Party and its agenda.
The Central Council of the Democratic party of Uzbekistan(DPU) “Milliy Tiklanish” in its regular Plenum on January 16, 2015 in Tashkent on the basis of expressed by participants opinions and suggestions, nominated the member of the parliamentary faction of the DPU Akmal Saidov as candidate to the post of the President of Uzbekistan. In accordance with the current electoral legislation, the party Congress carries out the nomination of a candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. At that it was decided to convene the annual fourth party of Congress on February 7 of the current year and to discuss this issue.
The same day, January 16, 2015, the Political Council of the Social-Democratic party of Uzbekistan “Adolat” as a future presidential candidate of the Republic of Uzbekistan from the party nominated Chairman of the Political Council of the SDPU Nariman Umarov. According to the party Charter, a candidate for the post of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is put forward by the Party Kurultay. In this regard, the holding of the VII Kurultai of the SDPU was scheduled for February 10, 2015 in Tashkent.
For registration of candidates for President political parties must submit petitions with signatures of at least 5 percent of the total number of voters of Uzbekistan (20.798 million), representing not less than 8 administrative-territorial units of the country. At the same time in a single administrative-territorial formation (Karakalpakstan region, Tashkent) party cannot collect signatures of more than 8 percent.
Candidates will start their canvass after the registration, which ends 35 days before the election.
According to the Constitution, elections of the President of Uzbekistan will hold in atmosphere of openness, fairness and in line with the legislation as well as international standards. In the same time, it will contribute to entering a qualitatively new level of development of the political system and to further deepening of democratic and social-economic reforms in Uzbekistan.
The presidential elections will be monitored by both local and foreign observers and authoritative international organizations.
Representatives of media (national and international) willing to cover the course of elections should get accredited at the Central Election Commission in a due procedure. The accreditation procedure can be learned on the CEC’s official website at www.elections.uz.
According to the Resolution of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan from January 7, 14 constituencies formed for the election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan within the borders of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions and Tashkent city.
On the picture Manolis Arvanitis, Diplomatic Card’s General Manager and H. E. Tomothy Broas Ambassador of the United States.On Friday 23 January 2015 and in the presence of the United States’ Ambassador H.E. Mr. Timothy Michael Broas, H.E. Mr. Olexander Horin Ambassador of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Ms. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Willys Delvalle Velasco, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama and other head of diplomatic missions, Crowne Plaza & Diplomat Magazine’s first official New Years reception was sponsored and hosted by famous hotel Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade, in partnership with the Diplomat Card. On this beautiful winter’s day the mellow tunes of the Diplomatic Magazine Jazz Band set the celebratory scene and greeted all guests attending this event. On behalf of the hotel the General Manager, Vincent Pahlplatz, together with his team gave all guests a warm welcome, later serving delicious appetizers and drinks to the partygoers. Organizers appreciated ColorWorks’ support.Full photo-album, click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650051823100/Anna Maria Mistretta from the Embassy of Italy and H. E. Tomothy Broas Ambassador of the United States.
The first Diplomat Magazine New Year’s event was an outstanding success.
With relaxing jazz tunes, tasty appetizers and an intimate atmosphere enabling many attendees to meet, network, and catch up with each other. Truly a successful beginning to an exciting new year and the start of an important annual event on the social calendar.
General Manager Vincent Pahlplatz speaking about the evening said: “Hopefully this is the first edition of a new tradition that we, as the Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade, will host for many years to come.”
Manolis Arvanitis, General Manager of Diplomatic Card and Vincent Pahlplatz, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade.Joyce Franken, Relations Manager Government & Belgium and J. Th. (Jan) Hoekema Mayor of Wassenaar at the reception.His Excellency Olexander Horin, Ambassador of Ukraine.Jhr Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland, Justice in the Court of Appeal.
H.E. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi.Ambassadors H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki of the Kingdom of Morocco and H.E. Willys Delvalle Velasco of the Republic of Panama.
By Baron Henri Estramant.Deputising for His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Liechtenstein, the principality’s heir to the throne, HSH Hereditary Prince Alois delivered the annual Speech from the Throne on Thursday, 22 January 2015, in the edifice of Parliament (Landtag). The speech was focused on the economic and social challenges facing Liechtenstein, and its companies after the decision of the Swiss National Bank to forfeit its pegging to the Euro. Furthermore the necessity for reform the welfare system for the long-term ill as well as the care of the elderly. Whereas Liechtenstein’s Sovereign Prince (Fürst) is Hans Adam II, the princely prerogatives are exercised on a daily basis by his eldest son and heir Hereditary Prince Alois since 2004 by Sovereign Princely decision. The latter’s wife, HRH The Hereditary Princess Sophie (née Duchess in Bavaria) belongs by birth to Bavaria’s erstwhile Royal Dynasty of Wittelsbach. The Principality of Liechtenstein is Europe’s only remaining state from the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The country came into being on 23 January 1719 after Emperor Karl VI allowed for the union of the lordships of Vaduz and Schellenberg into one single entity, the principality name after the dynasty of his “true servant” Prince Anton Florian von und zu Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein has a limited diplomatic network of its own, limiting embassies to Berlin, Bern, Brussels, Geneva, New York, Strasbourg and Washington D.C. and Vienna. Everywhere else Liechtenstein’s interests are covered through the Helvetic missions, if Switzerland is not represented in a country, then Austrian missions normally step in for Liechtensteiners in need. Hence the Swiss Embassy in The Hague is empowered to deal with matters related to the principality in The Netherlands although the princely embassy in Brussels may also step in for bilateral affairs. Tiny Liechtenstein is moreover Europe’s only state with German as exclusive official language. The Speech from the Throne in full German version: http://www.fuerstenhaus.li/_news/attachments/2015_01_22_ansprache_landtagseroeffnung.pdf
By Mete Erdurcan.
Yemeni President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi resigned after but two years in office. He had had to deal with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), ISIS and the Shia Houthis. After the latter rebel group took the presidential chief of staff captive, and seized control of key government buildings located in the capital of Sana’a, the President and ministers resigned en masse.
This development deeply affects Europe and the USA as the atrocities in Paris were funded by terrorist groups based in Yemen.
The Houthis are a Zaydi Shia armed group from the north of Yemen, and comprise of around 30% of the population. Since the abolition of the Zaydi Imamate they have been sidelined by the central government which has led to an armed struggle of more than a decade. In addition to the conflict with the central government, the Houthis are also at war with the Sunni AQAP.
The nation’s hope for peace was substituted with chaos, as the truce treaty, signed last Wednesday was violated the very next day. The Hadi coalition had agreed to amend the Yemeni constitution to give the tribes associated to the Houthis more influence in return for their retreat from governmental institutions. This seems to have been in vain, and as a consequence thereto the President resigned from office. For the international community it is therefore unclear who wields power in the country after the resignations.
Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty ImagesStatement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the hostage incident of Japanese nationals in Syria
We have been pursuing every possible means including all available diplomatic channels, first and foremost, to save lives of the two Japanese nationals. It is under these circumstances that an image in which Mr. Haruna Yukawa seems to have been murdered, was uploaded online. Fully aware of unbearable pain and sorrow that his family must be feeling, I am simply left speechless. Such act of terrorism is outrageous and impermissible, which causes me nothing but strong indignation. Thus I express resolute condemnation.
Again, I strongly demand that Mr. Kenji Goto not be harmed and be immediately released. The Government of Japan will, in its entirety, do its utmost in order to have him released.
The Government of Japan will never give in to terrorism, and actively contribute to the peace and stability of the world together with the international community in an unwavering manner.
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Photography by Studio Odi Busman.On the 22nd of January, the New Year’s reception for the Dutch Hungarian business community has been organized in the Residence of H.E. Orsolya Szijjártó, Ambassador of Hungary in Wassenaar. Last year’s top performance of Hungarian economy provides promising perspectives for further foreign direct investments in 2015.The event was organized in cooperation with the Hungarian Business Network in order to discuss future opportunities of Dutch and Hungarian companies. In line with the new foreign policy of the Hungarian government, the Embassy is putting special emphasis on commercial diplomacy integrating trade issues and acceleration of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Hungary within diplomatic work, Ambassador Orsolya Szijjártó said during the reception.The event brought together many companies that do business in Hungary; from big companies like British Telecom, ING, Univé, TMF Group, Capgemini Nederland to small and medium sized companies specialized in, among others, Hungarian culinary, design, retail, wine, innovation, tourism and logistics. The reception provided an excellent opportunity for cross-sectorial know-how exchanges, as also many consultants, universities and non-profit sector representatives were given the chance to develop new ideas together with the business sector.Relations of the Embassy with the Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce in Budapest are aimed to be further strengthened in 2015. As a first step of realizing this aim for 2015, members of the chamber were invited to participate at the event, together with Elzo Molenberg, first secretary of the Dutch Embassy in Budapest.Regarding FDI in Hungary, Ambassador Orsolya Szijjártó said that the business environment for investment is good and expressed her optimism that the economic success of 2014, a GDP growth of 3,2% -3,7% in the first three quarters of 2014, will continue in 2015. ”2014 has been a milestone in the improvement of our economic indicators”, the Ambassador stated. ”With respect to GDP growth, Hungary is among the top 3 economies in Europe, and has been the best performing country in terms of lowering the unemployment rate in 2014. Regarding FDI, Hungary has outperformed regional competitors in terms of FDI/capita, while the investment volume rose by 35% as the employment generated by FDI rose by 50% compared to 2013.”
H. E. Timothy Broas, Ambassador of the United State of America.
Three emotive and respectful speeches were given first by H.E. Mr. Haim Divon, Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Mr. Timothy Broas, Ambassador of the United States of America and H.E. Mr. Ole Emil Moesby, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark.
H. E. Ole Emil Moesby, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The film called “Night will fall” was a striking movie, showing live-recordings of the Allies’ Armies as they enter concentration camps and what was done to those captured in ‘hell’. The camera operators filmed in and around the monstrous camps, the dead bodies piled up along streets, houses, in fields and the carrying of the bodies to the mass graves. Nowadays, it may be hard to realise or imagine the horror, but this film made it very clear with the many added pieces of live recordings and interviews of the ones who survived the camps or the war fields.
It was deeply touching to see the film as a German, whose stateless catholic great-grandfather, Duke Georg of Mecklenburg had survived one of these hells in which so many had died. One can conclude that human generations shall not generalise upon any group of people, whether Jews or Germans in order to spread hatred and destruction, but to create peace by accepting all as humans of equal people no matter what background one has.
Such terror shall never happen again.
![unnamed[5]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/unnamed5.jpg?fit=600%2C169&ssl=1)
Ambassador Marsudi’s stint came to an end in October 2014, after serving almost three successful years. She was Indonesia’s first female Ambassador to the Netherlands.
When Ambassador Marsudi was asked by the Foreign Minister to choose one of the vacant posts at that time, she opted a posting in the Netherlands
At the ceremony the testimonial was delivered by Dr Bernard Bot, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands and the current President of the Carnegie Foundation. Dr Bot referred to Ambassador Marsudi as: “An ambassadors’ Ambassador”.
Bot dwelled on the centuries old historical ties between the Netherlands, the former colonial power and (independent) Indonesia. Scores of treaties have been concluded and implemented by the parties. Furthermore, Dr. Bot referred to Prime-Minister Mark Rutte’s visits to Indonesia which started a new epoch (Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership Indonesia – Netherlands) in the bilateral relationship.
In her acceptance speech, Minister Marsudi thanked the diplomatic community, Dutch officials and the Indonesian diaspora in the Netherlands. Several MFA personalities were in attendance including the former Asia Director, Mr. Karel Hartogh.
As for her new position as Indonesia’s first ever female Minister of Foreign Affairs, she elaborated on her vision and mission for the country and on diversity, with the emphasis on taking Indonesia’s foreign policy to the Indonesian people.
The Minister recognizes that the man in the street in Indonesia is unclear about their country’s foreign policy and what it means to them, and she aims to change this situation for the better.
Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Minister Marsudi indicated her modus operandi will be “down to earth” focusing on four main areas, namely:
Later that day, the Ambassador for Malaysia in the Netherlands, H.E. Dr Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib, at her residence, hosted a reception for her departed colleague and friend, Retno Marsudi Dr. Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib, particularly expressed her gratitude for Ambassador Marsudi’s cooperation in connection with the MH17 crash last year.
Her outstanding vigor and craftsmanship has been a huge asset to all. Ambassador Fauziah Taib also indicated the closeness between Indonesia and Malaysia; countries sharing the same language, same customs and similar cuisine.
Several ASEAN and other ambassadors came to bid farewell to their much esteemed colleague. The Hague will be missing a luminary. May she fare well in her new role of foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia
![unnamed[5]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/unnamed5.jpg?ssl=1)
Ambassador Marsudi’s stint came to an end in October 2014, after serving almost three successful years. She was Indonesia’s first female Ambassador to the Netherlands.
When Ambassador Marsudi was asked by the Foreign Minister to choose one of the vacant posts at that time, she opted a posting in the Netherlands
At the ceremony the testimonial was delivered by Dr Bernard Bot, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands and the current President of the Carnegie Foundation. Dr Bot referred to Ambassador Marsudi as: “An ambassadors’ Ambassador”.
Bot dwelled on the centuries old historical ties between the Netherlands, the former colonial power and (independent) Indonesia. Scores of treaties have been concluded and implemented by the parties. Furthermore, Dr. Bot referred to Prime-Minister Mark Rutte’s visits to Indonesia which started a new epoch (Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership Indonesia – Netherlands) in the bilateral relationship.
In her acceptance speech, Minister Marsudi thanked the diplomatic community, Dutch officials and the Indonesian diaspora in the Netherlands. Several MFA personalities were in attendance including the former Asia Director, Mr. Karel Hartogh.
As for her new position as Indonesia’s first ever female Minister of Foreign Affairs, she elaborated on her vision and mission for the country and on diversity, with the emphasis on taking Indonesia’s foreign policy to the Indonesian people.
The Minister recognizes that the man in the street in Indonesia is unclear about their country’s foreign policy and what it means to them, and she aims to change this situation for the better.
Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Minister Marsudi indicated her modus operandi will be “down to earth” focusing on four main areas, namely:
Later that day, the Ambassador for Malaysia in the Netherlands, H.E. Dr Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib, at her residence, hosted a reception for her departed colleague and friend, Retno Marsudi Dr. Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib, particularly expressed her gratitude for Ambassador Marsudi’s cooperation in connection with the MH17 crash last year.
Her outstanding vigor and craftsmanship has been a huge asset to all. Ambassador Fauziah Taib also indicated the closeness between Indonesia and Malaysia; countries sharing the same language, same customs and similar cuisine.
Several ASEAN and other ambassadors came to bid farewell to their much esteemed colleague. The Hague will be missing a luminary. May she fare well in her new role of foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia
The event brought together many companies that do business in Hungary; from big companies like British Telecom, ING, Univé, TMF Group, Capgemini Nederland to small and medium sized companies specialized in, among others, Hungarian culinary, design, retail, wine, innovation, tourism and logistics. The reception provided an excellent opportunity for cross-sectorial know-how exchanges, as also many consultants, universities and non-profit sector representatives were given the chance to develop new ideas together with the business sector.
Relations of the Embassy with the Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce in Budapest are aimed to be further strengthened in 2015. As a first step of realizing this aim for 2015, members of the chamber were invited to participate at the event, together with Elzo Molenberg, first secretary of the Dutch Embassy in Budapest.
Regarding FDI in Hungary, Ambassador Orsolya Szijjártó said that the business environment for investment is good and expressed her optimism that the economic success of 2014, a GDP growth of 3,2% -3,7% in the first three quarters of 2014, will continue in 2015.
”2014 has been a milestone in the improvement of our economic indicators”, the Ambassador stated. ”With respect to GDP growth, Hungary is among the top 3 economies in Europe, and has been the best performing country in terms of lowering the unemployment rate in 2014. Regarding FDI, Hungary has outperformed regional competitors in terms of FDI/capita, while the investment volume rose by 35% as the employment generated by FDI rose by 50% compared to 2013.”
The event brought together many companies that do business in Hungary; from big companies like British Telecom, ING, Univé, TMF Group, Capgemini Nederland to small and medium sized companies specialized in, among others, Hungarian culinary, design, retail, wine, innovation, tourism and logistics. The reception provided an excellent opportunity for cross-sectorial know-how exchanges, as also many consultants, universities and non-profit sector representatives were given the chance to develop new ideas together with the business sector.
Relations of the Embassy with the Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce in Budapest are aimed to be further strengthened in 2015. As a first step of realizing this aim for 2015, members of the chamber were invited to participate at the event, together with Elzo Molenberg, first secretary of the Dutch Embassy in Budapest.
Regarding FDI in Hungary, Ambassador Orsolya Szijjártó said that the business environment for investment is good and expressed her optimism that the economic success of 2014, a GDP growth of 3,2% -3,7% in the first three quarters of 2014, will continue in 2015.
”2014 has been a milestone in the improvement of our economic indicators”, the Ambassador stated. ”With respect to GDP growth, Hungary is among the top 3 economies in Europe, and has been the best performing country in terms of lowering the unemployment rate in 2014. Regarding FDI, Hungary has outperformed regional competitors in terms of FDI/capita, while the investment volume rose by 35% as the employment generated by FDI rose by 50% compared to 2013.”