On Tuesday the 19th of May the Pro Concordia Labor Flag was raised at the Visitors Centre of the Peace Palace.
The Pro Concordia Labor Flag is the centrepiece of an international demonstration throughout May 2015 supporting the Women’s Peace Walk in Korea on May 24th, 2015, International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament.
The Carnegie Foundation raised the flag to show support for the Women’s Walk for Peace in Korea and to recognize prior generations of women who worked for peace.
The flag was also raised by other institutions during the week of 18-24 May. Steven van Hoogstraten, General Director of the Carnegie Foundation hosted this special ceremony.
More information: Learn more about the Pro Concordia flag: www.proconcordialabor.com Learn more about the DMZ walk: www.womencrossdmz.org
On the picture Justice Antonio T. Carpio.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Under the auspices of The International Institute of Social Studies and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Justice Antonio T. Carpio, Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, delivered a lecture with the theme “The South China Sea: Perspectives from Law and History.”
The venue was the International Institute of Social Studies, Kortenaerkade The Hague.
For a photo-album, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653040060285H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and the Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Jaime Victor Ledda.
Justice Antonio T. Carpio tackled issues relating to the South China Sea dispute including its scope, the nature of the arbitration case filed by the Philippines before an arbitral panel under UNCLOS, and the legal questions raised by the Philippines in the arbitration case.
The South Sea Dispute, lectured by Justice Antonio T. Carpio.
Using official documents, government pronouncements and academic studies, including historical documents and maps, the lecture assessed the merits of the nine-dash line.
Taking into account the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and customary international law, the lecture also discussed policy considerations relevant to the conflicting claims and the current arbitration case. The lecture was well attended, with Justice Antonio T. Carpio answering questions put before him.
A representative of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Hague posed questions and offered copies of a summary of the Chinese position on the matter of Jurisdiction in the South China Sea Arbitration initiated by the Republic of the Philippines. The afternoon was concluded with a networking reception.
By H. E. Vestine Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of Burundi to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
May 16, 2015 The Hague – The Embassy of Burundi in The Hague would like to bring to the attention of the international opinion the following:
The Embassy of Burundi has followed with interest the political and security situation in Burundi since April 26, 2015 which resulted in a failed coup, perpetrated by a small group of army and police officers, leaving behind a considerable number of human and material damages;
The Embassy of Burundi would like to join other positive forces of the nation to condemn in the strongest terms the mutiny group that wants to plunge the country into chaos, forgetting that the use of force is contrary to the principles of democracy;
The Embassy of Burundi congratulates, salutes the bravery and encourages loyalist forces to their patriotism with which they fought the mutinies. They have reassured the Burundian people about their protection both inside and on the borders of the country; 4. The Embassy of Burundi also welcomes the restraint with which the people of Burundi have demonstrated by staying calm and serene during these difficult times;
The Embassy of Burundi salutes the courage and determination of the Head of State, His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, who once again has proven by regaining the country despite the almost impossible conditions and that to reassure its population, guarantor of power;
The Embassy of Burundi pays tribute to all those who contributed in any way to the success of His return;
The Embassy of Burundi strongly appeals to Burundi’s partners to continue supporting the electoral process according to the planning by the CENI and the commitment of all political actors;
Finally, the Embassy of Burundi also strongly appeals to the international community to make an objective analysis of the situation in order to contribute to the stability in the sub-region in general and Burundi in particular.
Maastricht Airport, May 15th 2015: Wizz Air offers over 38.000 available seats annually on the route Maastricht Aachen Airport – Budapest.
Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe* commenced today its new service Maastricht – Budapest. Wizz Air has over 38,000 seats available on this route during its first year in operation. The first 127 passengers arrived at 16.10h from Budapest and were welcomed by H.E. Ms. Orsolya Szijjártó, Hungarian ambassador in The Netherlands and Mr. Ralf Krewinkel, mayor of Municipality Beek. The first 146 passengers from Maastricht Aachen Airport to Hungary departed today at 16.40h.
Tickets for Maastricht – Budapest can be booked on wizzair.com with fares starting as low as EUR € 14,99**. The route will be operated twice weekly. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe with a great cultural heritage. Tourists that visit Budapest are mainly impressed by the breath-taking panorama with the Danube, the mountains and the diverse and wide variety of cultural and architectural highlights of the city. Youngsters like to visit Budapest because of the youngish and creative atmosphere of the city that is also why Budapest is growing as one of the start-up capitals of Europe.
H.E. Ms. Orsolya Szijjártó, Ambassador of Hungary in the Netherlands, stressed the contribution of this new flight to the economic and tourism relations between Hungary and the Netherlands. Since Maastricht is so close to the German and Belgian border, this flight will indirectly connect three countries with Hungary. Germany and the Netherlands are in the top 3 of the biggest investors in Hungary and the Ambassador expressed her hope that this new flight will even further enhance business cooperation with these countries. Hungary has had excellent economic growth numbers last year (a GDP growth of 3,5% in 2014, the second-best GDP growth in the EU), so there are numerous opportunities for doing business with Hungary.
Tamara Mshvenieradze, Wizz Air’s Corporate Communications Manager, today at Maastricht Aachen Airport said: “This is a great day for both Wizz Air and Maastricht. We fly from 3 Dutch airports to 10 different countries and after carrying 1.9 million passengers on our Dutch routes it is a pleasure to add Budapest from Maastricht Airport to the growing number of WIZZ destinations. We look forward to carry many passengers on our new Budapest route and hope that Dutch consumers keep embracing our low fares and friendly service.”
Sander Heijmans, Director of Maastricht Aachen Airport explained: “We are delighted that today Wizz Air started operating from Maastricht Aachen Airport to Budapest and that we could welcome the first passengers. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Wizz Air in the coming years and we are also very pleased next to the destination, Wizz Air now also connects our airport 2x weekly with the destination Budapest”.
By Mission of Georgia to the EU, Belgium & Luxembourg.President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, held high-rank meetings within a working visit to Brussels. The visit was held ahead of the summit in Latvia with the main message: Riga – Summit to reaffirm the right to choose. The head of State met President of the European Council Donald Tusk, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johanness Hahn, Commissioner for Energy, Maroš Šefčovič. He met the leaders of European Parliament Political parties: Elmar Brok, Manfred Weber and Gianni Pittella, and the President of European Chamber of Commerce and Industry.The main topic of the meetings was the Riga Summit and the expectations which the Georgian government and population have, those progresses and reforms that Georgia made on the path to European integration, and of course the current situation of the country including security issues. Giorgi Margvelashvili participated in the conference of the Eastern Partnership – “the Eastern Partnership – Partnership of Free Choice” and delivered a speech. The conference was moderated by the European College Neighborhood Policy Department Manager Tobias Schumacher. The conference with the president was attended and delivered a speech to the crowd by Commissioner Johannes Hahn, European Parliament Vice-President Ioan Mircea Pascu, the Latvian parliament’s foreign relations committee Ojārs Kalnins and the European External Action Service for Russia, Eastern Partnership and Central Asia director Gunnar Wiegand. Moreover, he delivered a speech in the European Parliament Committee of Foreign Affairs and answer the questions of the media. Giorgi Margvelashvili hosted the representatives of EU member states and institutions at the working dinner at the Mission of Georgia in Brussels.President of Georgia and Georgia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Luxemburg and the head of Georgia’s mission to the European Union Dr Natalie Sabanadze welcomed the gathered community and spoke about the relations between Georgia and the European Union. At the working dinner, President of Georgia awarded Gunnar Wiegand – the European External Action Service (EEAS) Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation and OSCE, as well as the main negotiator with respect to the Association Agreement of Georgia with Order of Honor for his contribution in Georgia and EU relations. The President of Georgia met His Majesty The King of the Belgians. At the meeting they discussed the relations between the two countries. King Philippe expressed his interest in the current situation of the region. They also discussed the developments in the Ukraine. President Giorgi Margvelashvili invited His Majesty The King of the Belgians pay a visit to Georgia. For more information:President of Georgiawww.president.gov.ge/en/PressOffice/News?p=9461&i=1www.president.gov.ge/en/PressOffice/News?p=9466&i=1www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTblZ3cFrO0&feature=youtu.bewww.youtube.com/watch?v=r_gM84A_OQkwww.youtube.com/watch?v=uM1gqqqIMnQ
On the picture Ms. Aura de Aguilera, H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera Rodríguez, Ambassador of Peru, Ms. Veronique Miclea and H.E. Mr. Gabriel Aguilera Peralta, Ambassador of Guatemala.By Ellen Brager
It is the tradition at Diplomat Magazine’s Meet & Greets that the host Embassy presents its guests with a selection of the best of its home country. “It was not easy to choice”, said Ambassador Carlos Herrera Rodríguez in his welcome speech, referring to the rich Peruvian cuisine.
Peru is indeed known for its rich culinary variety that features a combination of indigenous and natural products into a feast for the palate. Quinoa is one of these products and was ultimately chosen as the central theme for the “bocadillos” that were served.
For a photo-album of Peru Diplomats Meet & Greet please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650511075774
“Quinoa is a typical Andean product”, explained The Ambassador, “that is conquering cuisines worldwide because of its dense nutritional and healthy properties”. He told the anecdote of Inca Garciloso de la Vega who wrote in 1590 that a shipment of quinoa sent to him in Spain was useless by the time it arrived. He must have been quite disappointed if he felt the need to mention it in his “Royal Commentaries”! Luckily for us quinoa is now readily available in most European supermarkets.
The evening’s selection of quinoa-based snacks included a frittata of quinoa and asparagus, a toast with quinoa and apple, a quinoa tortilla, and a tapenade with sprouted quinoa, all delicious and unique. Since Peru is also the birth place of the potato, some potato-based snacks, such as Causa – a cold dish with layers of mashed potatoes, avocado, tomato and chicken – as well as Papas a la Huancaína – little potatoes with a mildly spicy dip – had to be on the menu as well. A feast for the palate indeed!
“Other quinoa and kiwicha derived products – a variety of cereals, food supplements and energy shakes – were showcased on a side table. These products are commercialized under the brand IncaSur. For more information you may contact the Embassy of Peru.” said Deputy Head of Mission, Paul Duclos Parodi.H.E. Mr Sergio Ugalde Godinez, Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Gabriel Aguilera Peralta, Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Fermín Quiñones Sánchez, Ambassador of Cuba and H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera Rodríguez, Ambassador of Peru.
While the choice of snacks may have been difficult, the choice of the welcome drink certainly wasn’t! It had to be pisco sour, Peru’s trademark cocktail, made with pisco, a spirit derived from grapes, mixed with lime juice, jarabe de goma syrup, and egg whites. Perhaps lesser known, but equally delicious and also served that evening, was the chilcano, a cocktail of pisco, lime juice and ginger ale. Pisco is mostly produced in the region around the city of Pisco, south of Lima, and its origins can be traced back to the 16th century, though I suspect that it must have been an Inca favorite well before that!
It became clear that it was going to be a special evening already at the entrance of the event, where Romy Uijttenboogaart, a young violinist and student at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, welcomed the arriving guests with her musical talent. This was a very nice touch that, together with the first glass of pisco sour, set the mood for the rest of the evening. It didn’t take long before the downstairs bar of the Carlton Ambassador Hotel was packed with diplomats, expats and friends of Peru engaged in friendly conversations and laughter.
Everybody agreed that there was a lot of “calor”, referring not only to the temperature but to the “calor humano”, the personal warmth that was so generously conveyed by Ambassador Herrera, his wife and his staff and that typifies Peruvian hospitality. It all made for a very enjoyable evening indeed and a successful Meet & Greet to remember!
Published also in Peru, click here: http://www.bizusaperu.com/noticias/peru-meet-greet-quinua-y-pisco-sour-deleitaron-paladares-europeos-en-la-haya.htmlViolinist, Romy Uijttenboogaart.
First Vice-President Frans Timmermans presents new European security agenda.Edited by Joseph Dailey.
The European Commission has presented its new European Agenda on Security, intended to be implemented during the period from 2015 until 2020. First Vice-President Frans Timmermans commented: “Terrorism, organised crime, and cybercrime are complex and evolving security challenges that cross European borders. So it is time we Europeans work better and more closely together to make sure our citizens are safe. Through this shared EU agenda, we want to get national authorities to cooperate more effectively, in a spirit of mutual trust. Terrorists attack the democratic values we cherish. We will stand firm on fundamental rights and work to address the root causes of radicalisation, fostering a genuine culture of tolerance in our societies.”
The Agenda’s focus on improved exchange of information and increased cooperation will help address its three main goals: terrorism prevention and countering radicalization, combating organized crime, and combating cybercrime.
The agenda includes many components, namely the following key actions: countering radicalization; updating the Framework Decision on Terrorism; cutting the financing of criminals; enhancing dialogues with the IT industry; strengthening the legal framework on firearms; reinforcing our tools to fight cybercrime; and enhancing the capacities of Europol.
More info:
The full press release and memo (both in UK) can be found at: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-4865_nl.htm
View the press conference with Vice-President Timmermans here: http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs/schedule.cfm
The full announcement: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/basic-documents/docs/eu_agenda_on_security_en.pd
EU Spring Forecast: Dutch economic recovery gains groundEdited by Joseph Dailey.
On the basis of approximately 180 indicators such as GDP, inflation, employment and public finances, the European Commission has forecasted economic growth in the European Union, the euro area and its major trading partners. The forecasts are the basis for economic monitoring procedures during the European Semester.
The aforementioned forecasts are based on a series of external assumptions regarding exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. The figures given are as predicted at the time of the forecast. This forecast also takes into account additional relevant data and factors, including assumptions about government policies which became available on April 21, 2015.
Netherlands: Economy grows strongly
The Dutch economy grew strongly in the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by domestic demand and the recovery of investment. Based on early indicators, we can expect domestic demand to increase further in 2015 and the export sector to benefit from the depreciation of the euro. It is also expected that inflation will reach its lowest point this year before once again rising over the predicted level of 1% next year. Estimates put the overall deficit at 1.7% in 2015 and 1.2% in 2016.
You can find the complete forecast for the Netherlands at: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/eu/forecasts/2015_spring/nl_en.pdf
General forecast
The economy in the European Union will benefit this year from a favorable economic tailwind. According to economic forecasts, in 2015 the European Commission will have a slight upturn in the EU through these temporary factors.
In regards to monetary policy, quantitative easing from the ECB has had a clear effect on the financial markets, leading the expansion to lower interest rates and result in expected improvement in credit conditions. With the EU more or less balancing a neutral fiscal stance – there is no question of tightening or easing – fiscal policy can be expected to promote growth. Over time, structural reform and investments in Europe should also pay off.
As a result, it is currently assumed that the real GDP will grow by 1.8% in the EU and 1.5% in the eurozone in 2015. This is respectively 0.1% and 0.2% more than anticipated three months ago. For 2016 the Commission expects a growth of 2.1% for the EU and 1.9% for the eurozone. Domestic demand will contribute the most to this GDP growth.
Information provided by Dominique Peters. Transcribed by Nicole Pierre
On Monday 30th March, there was an amazing collaboration between the Fondation L’Amité- Club da La Haye and the Romanian Embassy in The Netherlands. A lecture-demonstration was held at the Muzee Scheveningen as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Amité Club de La Haye and the Orthodox Easer celebration of Romania. This was a perfect way to bring the Francophone month, March, to a festive close.
Mr. Marius Boranescu, Minister-Consellor at the Romanian Embassy substituted as the conférencier during the absence of S.E. Mme Ireny Comaroschi, Ambassador of Romania. The traditions of this very special celebration were highlighted and the most fascinating tradition of egg-painting were also described and demonstrated.
We discovered that the eggs are first emptied before patterns are drawn on them with melted wax in order to protect its original color. Mythical, religious and cosmic symbols are then painted on the eggs, using a vapor bath, in white, black, yellow and red on a red or black background. This is a process which is passed on from generation to generation and is as enchanting as it is original to the Romanian tradition.
We also learnt that the eggs are decorated with a 15 cm, wood based instrument called a “chișiță”, at the end of which is a copper tube fastened with hemp thread and that in the final phase, the wax which was previously applied, is removed revealing the beautiful, vibrant colors which were impeccably preserved. Two artists, Cristina Timu and Maria Zinici, from Bucovina were invited to explain the ancestral techniques and they also demonstrated some of the different symbols used. As with everything else, the art of decorating eggs has evolved over time and the techniques have become more diversified with the incorporation of complex decorating patterns. However, and most importantly, the symbolic value of this tradition has been kept intact.
Thanks to the Amité-Club de la Haye, which organizes very informative conferences throughout the year, we got to discover this magnificent Romanian tradition. Under the direction of its President, Dominique Peters, the Fondation L’Amité-Club de La Haye is one of the main organizations in defense of the French language in The Hague. Bringing the French and Dutch cultures together for intellectual meetings, and safeguarding the importance of French language and the Francophnie, the Amité- Club brings us into contact with amazing cultures and traditions.
On the occasion of the celebration of the landmark exhibition ‘Carthago’, held from 27th November 2014 until 10th May 2015, a glamorous Tunisian fashion show took place in the Leiden Museum of Antiquities on 8th May 2015.
For a photo-album on the Tunisia Fashion Show in the Leiden Museum of Antiquities, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157652807551862
The Fashion Show was made by the Tunisian designer Faouzi Naouar who presented his spring and summer collection high in colours with different variations according to the typical tradition of every region and city in Tunisia. He thus successfully presented a mosaic of traditional clothes with a fashion design and a modern touch in an original creative style.
H.E. Mr Karim Ben Becher, the Ambassador of Tunisia, praised the dynamic bilateral cooperation relations with the Dutch side, that made possible the organization of such an exhibition on Carthage, its history, its culture and its unforgettable civilization, pointing out that it was the most important event ever organised about this Punic city, regarding its high quality and the number of exhibited archaeological monuments that came mainly from the Bardo and the Carthage Museums in Tunisia.
He expressed his satisfaction to the fact that this major exhibition on Carthage attracted more than 100 000 visitors, giving Tunisia more visibility and hopefully a positive impact on tourism.
Ambassador Ben Becher then indicated that fruitful cooperation with the Leiden Museum of Antiquities is to be continued, with a coming exhibition in Tunisia on the findings of the Dutch archaeologist Jean-Emile Humbert about Carthage, considered the modern discoverer of the ancient city in the XVIIIth century.
![11011989_1606525902919757_8291725867918057618_n[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/11011989_1606525902919757_8291725867918057618_n1.jpg?fit=348%2C160&ssl=1)
The Carnegie Foundation raised the flag to show support for the Women’s Walk for Peace in Korea and to recognize prior generations of women who worked for peace.
The flag was also raised by other institutions during the week of 18-24 May. Steven van Hoogstraten, General Director of the Carnegie Foundation hosted this special ceremony.
More information: Learn more about the Pro Concordia flag: www.proconcordialabor.com Learn more about the DMZ walk: www.womencrossdmz.org
The main topic of the meetings was the Riga Summit and the expectations which the Georgian government and population have, those progresses and reforms that Georgia made on the path to European integration, and of course the current situation of the country including security issues. Giorgi Margvelashvili participated in the conference of the Eastern Partnership – “the Eastern Partnership – Partnership of Free Choice” and delivered a speech.
The conference was moderated by the European College Neighborhood Policy Department Manager Tobias Schumacher. The conference with the president was attended and delivered a speech to the crowd by Commissioner Johannes Hahn, European Parliament Vice-President Ioan Mircea Pascu, the Latvian parliament’s foreign relations committee Ojārs Kalnins and the European External Action Service for Russia, Eastern Partnership and Central Asia director Gunnar Wiegand.
Moreover, he delivered a speech in the European Parliament Committee of Foreign Affairs and answer the questions of the media. Giorgi Margvelashvili hosted the representatives of EU member states and institutions at the working dinner at the Mission of Georgia in Brussels.
President of Georgia and Georgia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Luxemburg and the head of Georgia’s mission to the European Union Dr Natalie Sabanadze welcomed the gathered community and spoke about the relations between Georgia and the European Union. At the working dinner, President of Georgia awarded Gunnar Wiegand – the European External Action Service (EEAS) Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation and OSCE, as well as the main negotiator with respect to the Association Agreement of Georgia with Order of Honor for his contribution in Georgia and EU relations.
The President of Georgia met His Majesty The King of the Belgians. At the meeting they discussed the relations between the two countries. King Philippe expressed his interest in the current situation of the region. They also discussed the developments in the Ukraine. President Giorgi Margvelashvili invited His Majesty The King of the Belgians pay a visit to Georgia.
For more information:
President of Georgia
www.president.gov.ge/en/PressOffice/News?p=9461&i=1
www.president.gov.ge/en/PressOffice/News?p=9466&i=1
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTblZ3cFrO0&feature=youtu.be
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_gM84A_OQk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM1gqqqIMnQ
The main topic of the meetings was the Riga Summit and the expectations which the Georgian government and population have, those progresses and reforms that Georgia made on the path to European integration, and of course the current situation of the country including security issues. Giorgi Margvelashvili participated in the conference of the Eastern Partnership – “the Eastern Partnership – Partnership of Free Choice” and delivered a speech.
The conference was moderated by the European College Neighborhood Policy Department Manager Tobias Schumacher. The conference with the president was attended and delivered a speech to the crowd by Commissioner Johannes Hahn, European Parliament Vice-President Ioan Mircea Pascu, the Latvian parliament’s foreign relations committee Ojārs Kalnins and the European External Action Service for Russia, Eastern Partnership and Central Asia director Gunnar Wiegand.
Moreover, he delivered a speech in the European Parliament Committee of Foreign Affairs and answer the questions of the media. Giorgi Margvelashvili hosted the representatives of EU member states and institutions at the working dinner at the Mission of Georgia in Brussels.
“Quinoa is a typical Andean product”, explained The Ambassador, “that is conquering cuisines worldwide because of its dense nutritional and healthy properties”. He told the anecdote of Inca Garciloso de la Vega who wrote in 1590 that a shipment of quinoa sent to him in Spain was useless by the time it arrived. He must have been quite disappointed if he felt the need to mention it in his “Royal Commentaries”! Luckily for us quinoa is now readily available in most European supermarkets.
The evening’s selection of quinoa-based snacks included a frittata of quinoa and asparagus, a toast with quinoa and apple, a quinoa tortilla, and a tapenade with sprouted quinoa, all delicious and unique. Since Peru is also the birth place of the potato, some potato-based snacks, such as Causa – a cold dish with layers of mashed potatoes, avocado, tomato and chicken – as well as Papas a la Huancaína – little potatoes with a mildly spicy dip – had to be on the menu as well. A feast for the palate indeed!
“Other quinoa and kiwicha derived products – a variety of cereals, food supplements and energy shakes – were showcased on a side table. These products are commercialized under the brand IncaSur. For more information you may contact the Embassy of Peru.” said Deputy Head of Mission, Paul Duclos Parodi.
It became clear that it was going to be a special evening already at the entrance of the event, where Romy Uijttenboogaart, a young violinist and student at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, welcomed the arriving guests with her musical talent. This was a very nice touch that, together with the first glass of pisco sour, set the mood for the rest of the evening. It didn’t take long before the downstairs bar of the Carlton Ambassador Hotel was packed with diplomats, expats and friends of Peru engaged in friendly conversations and laughter.
Everybody agreed that there was a lot of “calor”, referring not only to the temperature but to the “calor humano”, the personal warmth that was so generously conveyed by Ambassador Herrera, his wife and his staff and that typifies Peruvian hospitality. It all made for a very enjoyable evening indeed and a successful Meet & Greet to remember!
Published also in Peru, click here: http://www.bizusaperu.com/
“Quinoa is a typical Andean product”, explained The Ambassador, “that is conquering cuisines worldwide because of its dense nutritional and healthy properties”. He told the anecdote of Inca Garciloso de la Vega who wrote in 1590 that a shipment of quinoa sent to him in Spain was useless by the time it arrived. He must have been quite disappointed if he felt the need to mention it in his “Royal Commentaries”! Luckily for us quinoa is now readily available in most European supermarkets.
The evening’s selection of quinoa-based snacks included a frittata of quinoa and asparagus, a toast with quinoa and apple, a quinoa tortilla, and a tapenade with sprouted quinoa, all delicious and unique. Since Peru is also the birth place of the potato, some potato-based snacks, such as Causa – a cold dish with layers of mashed potatoes, avocado, tomato and chicken – as well as Papas a la Huancaína – little potatoes with a mildly spicy dip – had to be on the menu as well. A feast for the palate indeed!
“Other quinoa and kiwicha derived products – a variety of cereals, food supplements and energy shakes – were showcased on a side table. These products are commercialized under the brand IncaSur. For more information you may contact the Embassy of Peru.” said Deputy Head of Mission, Paul Duclos Parodi.
It became clear that it was going to be a special evening already at the entrance of the event, where Romy Uijttenboogaart, a young violinist and student at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, welcomed the arriving guests with her musical talent. This was a very nice touch that, together with the first glass of pisco sour, set the mood for the rest of the evening. It didn’t take long before the downstairs bar of the Carlton Ambassador Hotel was packed with diplomats, expats and friends of Peru engaged in friendly conversations and laughter.
Everybody agreed that there was a lot of “calor”, referring not only to the temperature but to the “calor humano”, the personal warmth that was so generously conveyed by Ambassador Herrera, his wife and his staff and that typifies Peruvian hospitality. It all made for a very enjoyable evening indeed and a successful Meet & Greet to remember!
Published also in Peru, click here: http://www.bizusaperu.com/
We discovered that the eggs are first emptied before patterns are drawn on them with melted wax in order to protect its original color. Mythical, religious and cosmic symbols are then painted on the eggs, using a vapor bath, in white, black, yellow and red on a red or black background. This is a process which is passed on from generation to generation and is as enchanting as it is original to the Romanian tradition.
We also learnt that the eggs are decorated with a 15 cm, wood based instrument called a “chișiță”, at the end of which is a copper tube fastened with hemp thread and that in the final phase, the wax which was previously applied, is removed revealing the beautiful, vibrant colors which were impeccably preserved. Two artists, Cristina Timu and Maria Zinici, from Bucovina were invited to explain the ancestral techniques and they also demonstrated some of the different symbols used. As with everything else, the art of decorating eggs has evolved over time and the techniques have become more diversified with the incorporation of complex decorating patterns. However, and most importantly, the symbolic value of this tradition has been kept intact.
Thanks to the Amité-Club de la Haye, which organizes very informative conferences throughout the year, we got to discover this magnificent Romanian tradition. Under the direction of its President, Dominique Peters, the Fondation L’Amité-Club de La Haye is one of the main organizations in defense of the French language in The Hague. Bringing the French and Dutch cultures together for intellectual meetings, and safeguarding the importance of French language and the Francophnie, the Amité- Club brings us into contact with amazing cultures and traditions. 
We discovered that the eggs are first emptied before patterns are drawn on them with melted wax in order to protect its original color. Mythical, religious and cosmic symbols are then painted on the eggs, using a vapor bath, in white, black, yellow and red on a red or black background. This is a process which is passed on from generation to generation and is as enchanting as it is original to the Romanian tradition.
We also learnt that the eggs are decorated with a 15 cm, wood based instrument called a “chișiță”, at the end of which is a copper tube fastened with hemp thread and that in the final phase, the wax which was previously applied, is removed revealing the beautiful, vibrant colors which were impeccably preserved. Two artists, Cristina Timu and Maria Zinici, from Bucovina were invited to explain the ancestral techniques and they also demonstrated some of the different symbols used. As with everything else, the art of decorating eggs has evolved over time and the techniques have become more diversified with the incorporation of complex decorating patterns. However, and most importantly, the symbolic value of this tradition has been kept intact.
Thanks to the Amité-Club de la Haye, which organizes very informative conferences throughout the year, we got to discover this magnificent Romanian tradition. Under the direction of its President, Dominique Peters, the Fondation L’Amité-Club de La Haye is one of the main organizations in defense of the French language in The Hague. Bringing the French and Dutch cultures together for intellectual meetings, and safeguarding the importance of French language and the Francophnie, the Amité- Club brings us into contact with amazing cultures and traditions. 
The Fashion Show was made by the Tunisian designer Faouzi Naouar who presented his spring and summer collection high in colours with different variations according to the typical tradition of every region and city in Tunisia. He thus successfully presented a mosaic of traditional clothes with a fashion design and a modern touch in an original creative style.
H.E. Mr Karim Ben Becher, the Ambassador of Tunisia, praised the dynamic bilateral cooperation relations with the Dutch side, that made possible the organization of such an exhibition on Carthage, its history, its culture and its unforgettable civilization, pointing out that it was the most important event ever organised about this Punic city, regarding its high quality and the number of exhibited archaeological monuments that came mainly from the Bardo and the Carthage Museums in Tunisia.
He expressed his satisfaction to the fact that this major exhibition on Carthage attracted more than 100 000 visitors, giving Tunisia more visibility and hopefully a positive impact on tourism.
Ambassador Ben Becher then indicated that fruitful cooperation with the Leiden Museum of Antiquities is to be continued, with a coming exhibition in Tunisia on the findings of the Dutch archaeologist Jean-Emile Humbert about Carthage, considered the modern discoverer of the ancient city in the XVIIIth century.
The Fashion Show was made by the Tunisian designer Faouzi Naouar who presented his spring and summer collection high in colours with different variations according to the typical tradition of every region and city in Tunisia. He thus successfully presented a mosaic of traditional clothes with a fashion design and a modern touch in an original creative style.
H.E. Mr Karim Ben Becher, the Ambassador of Tunisia, praised the dynamic bilateral cooperation relations with the Dutch side, that made possible the organization of such an exhibition on Carthage, its history, its culture and its unforgettable civilization, pointing out that it was the most important event ever organised about this Punic city, regarding its high quality and the number of exhibited archaeological monuments that came mainly from the Bardo and the Carthage Museums in Tunisia.
He expressed his satisfaction to the fact that this major exhibition on Carthage attracted more than 100 000 visitors, giving Tunisia more visibility and hopefully a positive impact on tourism.
Ambassador Ben Becher then indicated that fruitful cooperation with the Leiden Museum of Antiquities is to be continued, with a coming exhibition in Tunisia on the findings of the Dutch archaeologist Jean-Emile Humbert about Carthage, considered the modern discoverer of the ancient city in the XVIIIth century.
