Six newly elected ICC judges to be sworn

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Six newly elected ICC judges to be sworn

Six newly elected ICC judges are scheduled to be sworn in on March 8, 2024. A swearing-in ceremony for these judges will take place at 10:30 local time at the seat of the Court in The Hague, Netherlands. The judges, Mr. Keebong Paek (Republic of Korea), Mr. Erdenebalsuren Damdin (Mongolia), Ms. Iulia Motoc (Romania), Mr. Haykel Ben Mahfoudh (Tunisia), Mr. Nicolas Guillou (France), and Ms. Beti Hohler (Slovenia), were elected for nine-year terms during the twenty-second session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in December 2023.

During the ceremony, the newly elected judges will take a public oath, affirming: “I solemnly undertake that I will perform my duties and exercise my powers as a judge of the International Criminal Court honorably, faithfully, impartially, and conscientiously, and that I will respect the confidentiality of investigations and prosecutions and the secrecy of deliberations.”

RLP’s Premier Dreyer welcomed French Ambassador Delattre

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
RLP’s Premier Dreyer welcomed French Ambassador Delattre

Rhineland-Palatinate has had intensive cooperation with France for a long time. The partnership with Burgundy has existed since 1962 – even longer than the Élysée Treaty. Rhineland-Palatinate was the first German state to enter into such a contractual connection with a French region. Today it has been expanded to include the Franche-Comté sub-region, to which the Premier Malu Dreyer travelled at the beginning of October 2023.

In addition to current European policy issues, the discussion between Ambassador François Delattre and Premier Dreyer focused on expanding the close and good relations between Rhineland-Palatinate and France, including with a view to cross-border mobility in rail transport and regional energy concepts.

“I am particularly pleased that there are numerous collaborations in the areas of mobility, education, science, environment and culture in Rhineland-Palatinate, in which a lively exchange is maintained. Language acquisition and school partnerships are an important prerequisite for personal encounters and getting to know each other. This is the basis for trust and peaceful coexistence. “That’s why a network event for school partnerships is being planned in Trier next spring,” said Premier Dreyer as per the statement in its original German version linked below.

Ambassador François Delattre took office in September 2022. The French Consul General Ilde Gorguet also took part in the meeting with Premier Malu Dreyer.

For further information 

Government of Rhineland-Palatinate: https://www.rlp.de/service/pressemitteilungen/detail/ministerpraesidentin-dreyer-empfing-franzoesischen-botschafter-francois-delattre

Eurojust supports international operation against world’s largest ransomware group

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Eurojust supports international operation against world’s largest ransomware group

In a coordinated action supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities from 10 different countries have severely disrupted LockBit, the world’s most active ransomware operation. Two members of the ransomware team have been arrested in Poland and Ukraine. In addition, law enforcement has compromised LockBit’s primary platform and other enabling infrastructure. This includes the takedown of 34 servers in the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, France, Switzerland, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

LockBit first emerged at the end of 2019, initially calling itself ‘ABCD’ ransomware. Since then, it has grown rapidly and by 2022 had become the most deployed ransomware variant worldwide. LockBit attacks are believed to have affected over 2,500 victims all over the world.

The group is a ‘ransomware-as-a-service’ operation, meaning that a core team creates its malware and runs its website, while licensing out its code to affiliates who launch attacks.

The joint action enabled the various police forces to take control of much of the infrastructure that enables the LockBit ransomware to operate, including the darknet, and, in particular, the ‘wall of shame’ used to publish the data of victims who refused to pay the ransom. This action has disrupted the network’s ability to operate.

Authorities have also frozen more than 200 cryptocurrency accounts linked to the criminal organisation.

This international operation follows a complex investigation led by the UK National Crime Agency. Supported by Eurojust and Europol, law enforcement from nine other countries worked in close partnership with the National Crime Agency on this case, including authorities in France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and Japan.

The case was opened at Eurojust in April 2022 at the request of the French authorities. Five coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and to prepare for the joint action.

Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) organised 27 operational meetings, and 4 technical 1-week sprints to develop the investigative leads in preparation of the final phase of the investigation. Europol also provided analytical, crypto-tracing and forensic support. In addition, three Europol experts were deployed to the command post in London during the action phase.

With Europol’s support, the Japanese Police, the National Crime Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation pooled their technical expertise to develop decryption tools designed to recover files encrypted by the LockBit ransomware. These solutions have been made available free of charge on the ‘No More Ransom’ portal, which is available in 37 languages. So far, more than 6 million victim across the globe have benefited from No More Ransom, which contains over 120 solutions capable of decrypting more than 150 different types of ransomware.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit
  • United States: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark
  • France: JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime) Public Prosecutor’s Office Paris Cybercrime Unit – C3N (cyber unit); Gendarmerie Nationale
  • Germany: Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia (CCD), State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein (LKA Schleswig-Holstein), Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt)
  • Sweden: Swedish Cybercrime Centre, Swedish Prosecution Authority
  • The Netherlands: National Police (Team Cybercrime Zeeland-West-Brabant, Team Cybercrime Oost-Brabant, Team High Tech Crime); Public Prosecutor’s Office Zeeland-West-Brabant
  • Australia: Australian Federal Police
  • Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • Japan: National Police Agency
  • Switzerland: Zurich Cantonal Police; Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zurich

Environmental crimes under the Rome Statute

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Environmental crimes under the Rome Statute

The Office of the Prosecutor launches public consultation on a new policy initiative to advance accountability for environmental crimes under the Rome Statute

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Karim A.A. Khan KC, announced a new policy initiative to advance accountability for environmental crimes under the Rome Statute. 

The Office of the Prosecutor is commencing today a process that will culminate in a comprehensive policy paper on Environmental Crimes, aiming to ensure that it takes a systematic approach to dealing with crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction committed by means of, or that result in, environmental damage.

This new policy initiative will help promote accountability, transparency, and predictability in the Office’s work in this crucial area. The policy paper on environmental crimes will be developed on the basis of the Rome Statute and other regulatory instruments of the Court, as well as on applicable environmental treaties, rules of customary international law, and the jurisprudence of other international and national courts.

Through this announcement, the Prosecutor invites comments early in the development of this policy initiative, calling for input on, inter alia, what specific crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction should be included in the policy paper; how to understand and apply the applicable modes of participation in those crimes; best practices for investigating and prosecuting crimes that can be committed by means of or that result in environmental damage; and how to consider environmental crimes when putting into practice the principle of complementarity and engaging in international cooperation.

In highlighting the importance of the new policy and stakeholder consultation, Prosecutor Khan stated: “Damage to the environment poses an existential threat to all life on the planet. For that reason, I am firmly committed to ensuring that my Office systematically addresses environmental crimes in all stages of its work, from preliminary examinations to prosecutions. This latest policy initiative is another commitment to this necessary objective.”

Professor Kevin Jon Heller, Special Adviser to the Prosecutor on War Crimes, will be assisting the Prosecutor and the Office in developing this policy. In this first round of external consultations, the Office welcomes and encourages comments on the substance of the policy paper prior to the first draft being produced.

Following the development of a draft policy paper on the basis of this initial input, there will be a second round of public consultations on the draft itself. As part of that second major consultation phase, the Office will also host a number of roundtable discussions to address key pillars of the emerging policy with relevant counterparts from civil society, national authorities, affected communities and the private sector.

The Prosecutor is of the view that external consultations on its policies and working methods are essential for producing the most comprehensive and effective policies.

Comments should be sent to OTP.Policies@icc-cpi.int by 23:59 CET on 16 March 2024. The subject line should read “Comment on OTP Environmental Crimes Policy.” All comments received by the deadline will be carefully considered in the internal review and drafting process.

The Office is grateful for the interest and support of the Rome Statute community for its activities and initiatives.

John Horgan paid inaugural visit to Bavaria

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
John Horgan paid inaugural visit to Bavaria

On Thursday February 15, 2024, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany; Head of Bavarian State Chancellery, State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann received the Canadian ambassador to Germany and John Horgan for a discussion in the State Chancellery.

John Horgan was accredited as Canada’s top diplomatic envoy before German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier on 8 December 2023. 
Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann said about the occasion: “Bavaria and Canada, that’s something special. The Bavarian representation in Quebec has been a visible sign of our solidarity for many years. Economy, energy, migration – we can learn a lot from each other and at the same time open up new perspectives for companies and trade. Diverse bilateral relationships, strengthening resilience and value-based partnerships are indispensable building blocks of smart politics. Bavaria’s strength is tradition, with openness and vision of the whole world.

Ambassador Horgan during his trip to Munich also became acquainted to the Dachau Memorial and erstwhile concentration camp. He partook at the 60th edition of Munich Security Conference alongside Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly. 

For further information 

Accreditation of Ambassador Horgan: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2024/01/06/erstwhile-bc-premier-john-horgan-becomes-ambassador-in-germany/

Prosecutor Brammertz on Mission to Kigali 

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Prosecutor Brammertz on Mission to Kigali 

The purpose of the Chief Prosecutor’s mission is to have high-level and technical discussions concerning ongoing efforts to achieve more justice for more victims and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

In view of the upcoming 30th commemoration of the Genocide, Prosecutor Brammertz is working to bring attention to the fact that more than 1,000 suspected genocidaires remain at large, living in countries across Africa, Europe, North America and elsewhere. That so many suspected perpetrators have fled to third countries and have not yet been prosecuted for their alleged crimes is deeply distressing to the victims and survivors, as well as a significant challenge to the rule of law.

Prosecutor Brammertz is committed to assisting Rwandan and other national authorities to bring these fugitives to justice, wherever they may be found. He will meet with the Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police and the Prosecutor General to brief them on the OTP’s efforts to provide a range of investigative and prosecutorial support to national partners, and discuss the ongoing successful cooperation between the OTP and the Rwandan justice sector. The Chief Prosecutor will further meet with representatives of the diplomatic community to discuss how to improve multilateral law enforcement cooperation in locating, arresting and prosecuting fugitive genocidaires currently residing in other countries. 

Finally, Prosecutor Brammertz will meet with representatives of the victims and survivors to discuss the importance of securing more accountability for the crimes committed and their continued vital role in the justice process. He will also celebrate National Heroes Day and join in recognizing those who courageously demonstrated the highest integrity and commitment to the Rwandan people. 

Smuggling migrants across the English Channels halted

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Smuggling migrants across the English Channels halted

Five High Value Targets arrested as one of the largest networks smuggling migrants across the English Channels halted

French and Belgian judicial orders executed in Germany led to 19 arrests and 26 locations raided following an over a yearlong joint investigation under Europol’s Operational Task Force Wave in an action day coordinated by Eurojust.

A large-scale operation involving law enforcement and judicial authorities from Belgium, France and Germany, coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, led to the dismantling of one of the most active networks involved in the smuggling of migrants across the English Channel in small boats. The investigation focused on an Iraqi-Kurdish network suspected of smuggling middle-Eastern and East African irregular migrants from France to the UK with the use of low quality inflatable boats. The German authorities deployed over 650 officers to the action day.

The action day on 21 February led to:

  • 19 arrests in Germany (7 under Belgian judicial order and 12 under French judicial order)
  • 5 High Value Targets (the leader and the main organisers) arrested
  • 28 locations (19 houses and 9 storage places) searched in Germany
  • Seizures include: 12 inflatable boats, 175 life vests + 81 flotation devices for children, 60 air pumps, 11 outboard mounts, 10 engines; almost 60 electronic devices, arms and several thousand euros in cash

The investigative activities, initiated at the end of 2022, identified the structure and modi operandi of this large criminal network, made up of Iraqi and Syrian nationals of Kurdish origin. The suspects, all based in Germany, organised the purchase, storage and transportation of inflatable boats for their subsequent use to smuggle migrants from the beaches near the French city of Calais towards the UK. The migrant smuggling network was highly professional. The suspects had set up their own logistical infrastructure with specific branches in charge of organising the delivery of large amounts of nautical equipment to the EU.

Drivers, who were typically active members of the criminal network, transported up to 8 boats at a time. During the transportation from Germany to France, a forerunner car secured the vehicle charged with boats, aiming to avoid police detection. The drivers were located in rest areas in Belgium because they drove the equipment to the spot at the time of departure. The investigative activities identified that the criminal network was able to facilitate up to 8 departures per night depending on the weather conditions.

Between EUR 1 000 and EUR 3 000 for a spot in a boat

The smugglers used low quality boats, mainly originating from China, transported via Turkey to Germany. The legal purpose of these boats may include fishing or sailing on rivers and city canals. When used legally, such boats would not be suitable nor safe for the transportation of more than 10 individuals. However, on average, smugglers put around 50 migrants in one of these boats. In total, the investigators have gathered evidence linking at least 55 departures that were facilitated solely by this smuggling network. The suspects collected between EUR 1 000 and EUR 3 000 per migrant for a place on the dangerous vessel. Further investigative activities are ongoing into the individuals managing the financial and money laundering activities for the criminal network. 

Migrant smuggling a continuously deadly threat

The migrant smuggling activities via small boats have continuously increased since 2019, before becoming in 2021 the most commonly used modus operandi for smuggling migrants from the EU to UK, surpassing smuggling in lorries. The criminal networks involved in the phenomenon remain extremely active, and are becoming increasingly violent while adapting their activities through the implementation of new crossing techniques. In parallel, the strengthened law enforcement measures led to a significant decrease of over 30% fewer incidents and migrants smuggled in the 2023 in comparison to 2022. In 2023, law enforcement authorities detected almost 61,000 irregular migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats, compared to about 79,000 in 2022. However, during the same year, 30,000 irregular migrants (compared to over 47,000 in 2022) and 600 boats (compared to 1,100 in 2022) managed to reach the UK.

Dedicated Task Force at Europol to connect the dots

Following the successful outcome of the Operational Task Force Dune in July 2022, which led to the dismantling of the largest (at the time) network smuggling migrants from France to the UK via small boats, Europol set up a second Operational Task Force. OTF Wave targets migrant smuggling activities across the English Channel, a criminal phenomenon putting migrants’ lives at great risk. OTF Wave, coordinated by Europol, involves Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. OTF Wave targets the full chain of smuggling activities – from the recruitment of migrants through to the logistical cells and up to the main organisers. The investigative activities focused on five High Value Targets, as the prosecution of these suspects is instrumental in dismantling  the criminal organisation as a whole. The dedicated Europol experts, who were fully involved in the work of the OTF, contributed to the identification of criminal connections between several national investigations.

The work of the national authorities’ members of OTF Wave was also enabled by the dedicated investigation cell (URO/CIC), set up by France and the UK, to specifically target migrant smuggling via small boats. Europol has a permanent deployment attached to this cell since its creation, in the aftermath of the tragedy unfolding in the English Channel in November 2021.  

Europol has established a dedicated financial instrument to facilitate such high-profile investigations. Under OTF Wave, Europol made over EUR 120 000 available to the participating countries to manage various aspects of their investigative work. Europol managed the overall coordination of investigative activities, while also organising over 10 operational meetings between the members of the Taskforce.

During the action day, Europol facilitated the deployment of 11 investigators from Belgium and 21 from France to several locations in Germany. In addition to these coordination activities, Europol deployed two Europol experts to the coordination centre in Cologne to assist the German authorities in cross-checking, in real time, operational information against Europol’s databases. The experts also performed digital forensics and supported the investigators in the field.

Active judicial cooperation by Eurojust to ensure compliance of legal procedure

Eurojust enabled the cross-border judicial cooperation. Three coordination meetings were organised to compile and exchange the existing information, to explore how to best cooperate without jeopardising each other’s investigations and to prepare for the joint action day. With the support of Eurojust National Desks, judicial authorities exchanged European Investigation Orders and European Arrest Warrants, and they carefully ensured that all legal instruments were in place to take action.

During the action day, the agency set up a coordination centre to facilitate the rapid cooperation between the judicial authorities. At the coordination centre, each participating country was represented by a member of its National Desk. Coordination centres provide a central hub for the real-time exchange of information during an operation, including the results of searches and interceptions. They also facilitate the quick resolution of any complex legal issues that may arise during the action.

Judicial authorities involved in the action day:

  • Belgium: Investigative Judge of West-Flanders, section Bruges; Federal Prosecutors’ Office
  • France: JIRS Lille (Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction) – Court of Lille
  • Germany: General Public Prosecutor`s Offices Düsseldorf, Hamm, Köln, Naumburg; Public Prosecutor`s Office Bonn
  • Law enforcement authorities involved in the action day:
  • Belgium: Federal judicial Police of West-Flanders
  • France: French Border Police (OLTIM-Antenne de Coquelles)
  • Germany: German Federal Police (Bundespolizei)

Ireland St. Brigid Day Celebrations 2024

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Ireland St. Brigid Day Celebrations 2024

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Grote Kerk Den Haag was the site of the first St. Brigid Day celebration in the Netherlands on February 1st, 2024, which had a large turnout.

Fashion show at St. Brigid Day Celebrations 2024 in The Hague.

St. Brigid is the patron saint of Ireland and her feast day is celebrated on February 1st, which marks the beginning of spring. Since 2023, it has been recognized as a public holiday. This year, for the first time ever, St. Brigid Day was celebrated in the Netherlands.

Kilkenny Lundy School of Irish Dance – 2024 St Brigid Celebrations by the Embassy of Irelands.

Celebrating the creativity of women

The celebration of St. Brigid Day featured a fashion show and cultural show that showcased the works of Irish designers Helen Steele and Tara Garvey. The event also included performances by the Pablo Neruda Choir, harpist Rosie Murphy, and the Kilkenny Lundy School of Irish Dance. Additionally, a photo exhibit by Tourism Ireland was on display throughout the evening.

Guests at the St Brigid reception.

Who was St. Brigid. One of Ireland’s three Patron Saints, Ireland has three official patron saints, Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid and Saint Columba – also known as Saint Colmcille. However, Saint Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland.

Irish dances during St Brigid celebrations.

The Irish name Brigid can also be spelled Brigit or Bridget. Little is known about her life but from legend, myth, and folklore. According to tradition St. Brigid of Kildare, was born around the year 451 AD in Faughart near Dundalk, Co. Louth, and died c. 525 in Kildare.

Brigid founded the first convent in Ireland on Croghan Hill, Co. Westmeath. According to legend, Brigid travelled around the country founding convents and performing miracles.

One of the guests and H.E. Mr. Jožef Drofenik, Ambassador of Slovenia.

St Brigid is accredited with first creating the unique cross which bears her name. This cross is normally hand created from rushes however occasionally straw is also used. The distinctive St. Brigid’s Cross design, made from woven rushes, is thought to keep evil fire and hunger from the homes in which it is displayed.

Saint Brigid is said to have been the one who came up with this distinct cross symbol, and that the design was inspired by the pagan sun wheel.

Harpist Rosie Murphy trio.

It is alleged that St Brigid has been venerated in the southern Netherlands for over 800 years by Dutch (farmers) in Noorbeek, Ommen, Ginneken, and Bavel through chapels, churches, and municipal coat of arms.

In his welcome speech, H.E. Ambassador Brendan Rogers  extemporaneously recounted the significance of St. Brigid, a remarkable woman priest and bishop, and the celebration of this day in recognition of women’s achievements in society.

Guests at St Brigid reception.

The fashion show was smashing, with young, innocent and unprofessional models, which added to its beauty. The same can be said for the dancers. Overall, it was a delightful celebration of the first St. Brigid Day in the Netherlands.

Photography by the Embassy of Ireland in The Hague.

Premier Malu Dreyer received the Israel’s ambassador and consul general

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Premier Malu Dreyer received the Israel’s ambassador and consul general

“Israel and Rhineland-Palatinate share an unbreakable friendship. The State of Israel is celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023. Premier Dreyer “was pleased to welcome the Israeli ambassador to the State Chancellery during the latter anniversary year and to reaffirm our good and trusting cooperation with him,” said Premier Malu Dreyer on the occasion of the inaugural visit of the Ambassador of the State of Israel in Germany, H. E. Prof. Ron Prosor.

“Rhineland-Palatinate and Israel have maintained friendly and close partnerships for many years. The focus is on international understanding, educational projects and student encounters as well as scientific and economic cooperation,” said the Premier. The country has had a business representative office in Tel Aviv since 2020. Since 1993, Rhineland-Palatinate has supported the Israeli-Arab-Palestinian meeting place Givat Haviva to promote Jewish-Arab coexistence. The 30th anniversary of the collaboration was honored with a ceremony in the State Chancellery in December 2023. Since 2018, there has been an Israel professorship at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz for better mutual understanding, which was founded by Premier Malu Dreyer. Since 2018, there has also been the Office of the Prime Minister’s Representative for Jewish Life and Anti-Semitism Issues.

These close partnership relationships are a good foundation for further strengthening and intensifying the friendship with Israel. “We want to continue working together on a good future, especially against the background of the terrible past,” said the Premier. These included, among other things, German-Israeli school partnerships and cultural cooperation between institutions in Israel and Rhineland-Palatinate, but also memorial work and culture of remembrance. The decisive fight against any form of anti-Semitism – as current examples have shown very clearly – remains an ongoing task for the state and society, said Premier Malu Dreyer. The current judicial reform in Israel was also a topic of discussion.

Prof. Ron Prosor has been Ambassador of the State of Israel since August 2022. Previously, he served, among other things, as Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations and Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He was accompanied by Talya Lador-Fresher, Consul General of the State of Israel for Southern Germany since September 2023, based in Munich.

For further information 

Government of Rhineland-Palatinate: https://www.rlp.de/service/pressemitteilungen/detail/ministerpraesidentin-malu-dreyer-empfaengt-den-botschafter-des-staates-israel-zum-antrittsbesuch

Raising our glasses to an excellent 2024

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Raising our glasses to an excellent 2024

King and Queen of the Netherlands Host Diplomatic Corps for New Year Celebration

In a gesture of international goodwill and solidarity, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands graciously hosted the traditional New Year’s reception for the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of international organizations based in the Netherlands. The majestic event took place at the Royal Palace Amsterdam on Tuesday, January 16, marking a significant occasion early in the year for fostering diplomatic relations and cooperation.

The reception commenced with a grand procession as guests arrived at the Royal Palace, adorned in national dresses, uniforms, or elegant afternoon attire. They were received with the utmost respect and protocol, being presented to the King and Queen in the Troonzaal in order of precedence.

Following this ceremonial presentation, guests were invited to the Burgerzaal, where the King delivered a sincere speech, emphasizing the importance of nurturing strong diplomatic ties and collaboration. His words left an impression of a deep sense of responsibility towards global peace, justice, and sustainable development. In his address, the King underscored the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ commitment to active participation in international affairs, recognizing the invaluable role played by diplomats in advancing shared goals and addressing pressing global challenges.

Reflecting on the prevailing geopolitical landscape, the King expressed solidarity with regions affected by conflict and turmoil, notably highlighting the ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the suffering endured by civilians in Israel and Gaza. He stressed the imperative of finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts and reiterated the Netherlands’ dedication to working in partnership with the international community to promote stability and prosperity worldwide. “In my many conversations and meetings with you, one thing always stands out. Despite the big differences between the countries you represent, the similarities are even bigger. Each one of you is working hard to create a world in which young people can build a bright future for themselves.” He declared.

The King’s sentiments were echoed by the newly appointed Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen, who delivered her inaugural speech during this momentous gathering. With a somber acknowledgment of the challenges faced in the past year, particularly regarding international peace and security, Ambassador Ghanem called for concerted global cooperation to address crises and restore stability in conflict-ridden regions.

“We all were shocked and saddened by the catastrophic events in the Middle East, where thousands of civilians are killed and displaced, most of them are women and children.” She stated. “What is happening in the Middle East, Africa and Europe is alarming and proves that our continuous collective cooperation is essential to maintain a just and sustainable peace all over the world. What is happening across the globe is a lesson to be learned and considers as an open bleeding wound needs to be healed.”

Drawing attention to the alarming consequences of climate change, Ambassador Ghanem emphasized the urgent need for collective action to mitigate its impact and safeguard the planet for future generations. She urged diplomats to redouble their efforts in pursuit of sustainable solutions and reaffirmed their important  role in shaping a more equitable and peaceful world.

Mme. Beatriz Piza, Costa Rica spouse, Mme. Virna Mayerfas and H.E. Mr. Mayerfas, Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Askar Zhumagaliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan and spouse, Mme Ainura Mami, Mme Amal Almasser and husband H.E. Mr. Ziad Al Atiyah, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and spouse.

The gathering served as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy in fostering understanding, cooperation, and dialogue among nations. It encapsulated a spirit of unity and resolve as diplomats from diverse backgrounds and cultures came together to reaffirm their commitment to shared values and aspirations.

As glasses were raised in a toast to the new year, there lingered a sense of optimism and determination to confront the challenges ahead with renewed vigor and solidarity. The royal celebration underscored the Netherlands’ unwavering commitment to multilateralism and diplomacy as indispensable tools for building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. In the words of King Willem-Alexander, may 2024 be a year of progress, unity, and peace.

1...727374...874Page 73 of 874