In both peacetime and times of armed conflict, governments and non-state actors are obligated by international law to protect these sites. However, recent attacks have targeted religious sites including cemeteries and houses of worship including churches, mosques, and a synagogue.
“USCIRF abhors the burning and destruction of the El Hamma synagogue in Tunisia. This attack is linked directly to rising global antisemitism and explicit threats against Jews, including antisemitic chants at protests and the tagging of Jewish homes with Star of David graffiti,” said USCIRF Commissioner Susie Gelman “We also condemn several recent attacks on mosques and the rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric globally. All governments have an obligation to protect houses of worship and the people who use them for worship and religious observance.”
“We are concerned by the uptick of attacks on churches in Sudan and Nigeria, and the targeting of Christian churches and cemeteries in Jerusalem,” said USCIRF Commissioner Frank Wolf. “We urge the United States to do everything it can to ensure that these religious sites are protected.”
“International humanitarian law protects human dignity and institutions that serve civilians, including houses of worship, during times of armed conflict,” said USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel. “It isunlawfulto direct attacks at religious sites, or to use houses of worship in support of a military effort. The U.S. government must continue to insist in public and private engagements that all parties to the current conflicts respect these crucial tenets of international law.”
In 2019, USCIRF issued a factsheet on international law protecting houses of worship and holy sites. Last month, USCIRF expressed concern over rising religious hatred as a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.
His Excellency Ambassador Selçuk Ünal organized a reception on the 100th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye on Thursday, 26 October 2023. Hundreds of well-wishers responded to the invitation and came by to felicitate Ambassador Selçuk Ünal.
Turkey celebrated the 100th anniversary of the creation of the modern, secular republic from the ruins of the Ottoman Empire. Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a World War I hero who went on to lead a war of independence against occupying forces, Ataturk proclaimed the Turkish Republic on October 29, 1923. He embarked on a series of reforms aimed at turning the nation into a secular democracy. He abolished the caliphate, replaced the Arabic script with the Latin alphabet and gave women the right to vote.
Ambassador Ünal and wife welcome the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen.
Ambassador Selçuk Ünal welcome remarks follow. “ It is an honour to welcome you to the centennial anniversary celebration of the Republic of Türkiye. Thank you for being with us. In 1919, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in–arms, all the brave men and women, heroes and fighters have started an independence war which ended with establishment of the Republic in 1923 and made it possible for us today to celebrate 100th anniversary of our independence.
We have come a long way in 100 years. And Türkiye is now entering its second century with a vision, its hard-working people, vibrant economy, contributions to the rule based world order as a responsible member of the international community.
Turkey Embassy Team
This year we celebrated the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the Foreign Ministry. Diplomatic relations between the Dutch Republic and the Ottoman Empire had started also almost 500 years ago. First Dutch envoy was sent in 1612. Two centuries later, in 1813, there was another envoy, Ambassador Tesla, of whom we have the honour to host his descendants tonight.
Türkiye has always attached special importance to its relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was not a coincidence that following the establishment of the Republic in 1923, one of the first friendship treaties was concluded with the Netherlands in 1924.
Our nations founded the Council of Europe, became staunch NATO Allies, worked together in the UN peace keeping missions and other organisations such as the OSCE, the OECD and the OPCW.
100 Anniversary of Turkey
Our countries share the same determination to overcome issues in the world. We have several bilateral dialogue mechanisms. One of them, the Turkish-Dutch Wittenburg Conferences have started herein this place in 2008.
We share a bilateral trade volume exceeding 10 billion Euros. In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), the Netherlands is the biggest investor in Türkiye. Likewise, Turkish investments in the Netherlands are also at the top in terms of worldwide Turkish FDI. We hosted 1.2 million Dutch friends last year. Dutch-Turkish community of almost half a million has become a great contributor here in the last 60 years.
H.E. Selçuk Ünal and spouse welcome the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr Askar Zhumagaliyev.
While concluding, I would like to thank for the solidarity that the Netherlands has extended to us in the earthquakes this year. My family and I have arrived to the Hague 5 days before the devastating earthquakes of 6 February. Our Dutch Allies deployed the Urban Search and Rescue Team, the Military Airborne Medevac Unit and numerous NGOs immediately. Those brave men and women are with us tonight. I thank our Dutch friends once more. Like the Turkish aid to the Dutch during the floods in 1916, 1953 and 2021, the assistance of the Dutch government, people and the Turkish-Dutch community will not be forgotten.
I also would like to thank to the team of the Turkish Residence who prepared samples of Turkish cuisine as well as our kind sponsors such as the Turkish Airlines, Bereket Baklava and Elka Food. Once again, Dames en heren, welkom! Welkom en bedankt dat je bij ons bent! Dank u wel.”
H.E. Selçuk Ünal, Ambassador of Turkey, welcomed Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä, Ambassador of Finland.
Next on the program was the reading of a message by the President of the Republic of Turkiye, H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the occasion of “29 October Republic Day”
The government had opted for a low-key celebration of the centennial, which comes months after a devastating earthquake. However, many in held their own private celebrations. Municipalities organized concerts and parades. Pop star Tarkan and classical pianist Fazil Say are among artists that have composed marches to mark the centennial.
The 100th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye was celebrated nationwide in a joyous spirit.
The allure of Ukraine’s history and culture is a tapestry woven from countless threads, each representing a unique facet of the nation’s identity. On Tuesday, 14th November 2023, at 20.00 hours, you’re invited to join us for the second lecture of our season at the Warenar Theatre in The Hague, where Rosamund Bartlett, a distinguished writer, lecturer, and cultural historian, will unravel the intricate narrative of Ukraine’s past and present. In a world where understanding and appreciating diverse cultures is more crucial than ever, this lecture promises to be an enlightening journey through the heart of Ukraine.
A Multifaceted Ukrainian Story
Rosamund Bartlett’s lecture, “The Culture and History of Ukraine,” serves as a window into the multifaceted world of Ukraine. Through her insightful presentation, she will guide us through the shared culture that binds Ukraine’s diverse people together. From the sacred art and architecture of Kyiv, which was inherited from Byzantium and carries centuries of history within its walls, to the rich legacy of the Cossacks, a pivotal group in Ukraine’s history, we will gain a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s cultural richness.
Bartlett’s exploration extends to Ukraine’s treasury of poetry, painting, and song. Ukraine has a long history of producing artistic gems, and this lecture will showcase the country’s profound artistic heritage.
Folk Culture: The Heart of Ukraine
One of the most captivating aspects of Ukraine’s cultural narrative is its folk culture. Bartlett will delve into the vital role played by folk traditions in Ukraine’s journey towards independence. From the captivating “red icons” painted on glass to the country’s remarkable embroidery tradition, we will discover the surprising influence of these folk arts on avant-garde art. It’s an opportunity to understand how seemingly simple and traditional practices have had a profound impact on the evolution of art and culture in Ukraine.
Meet Rosamund Bartlett
Rosamund Bartlett, is no stranger to cultural history. She has a distinguished background as a writer, lecturer, and translator. Her work spans across various art forms and historical periods. She earned her doctorate at Oxford University and has authored several books, including biographies of literary giants like Chekhov and Tolstoy. Bartlett’s knowledge extends to the influence of Wagner in Russia, and she is currently working on a history of the Russian avant-garde.
Her translation of “Anna Karenina” for Oxford World’s Classics garnered acclaim in 2014. Bartlett’s expertise extends to art, music, and literature, and her contributions have graced esteemed publications such as The Daily Telegraph and Apollo. She has received commissions from renowned institutions like the Royal Opera House, Tate UK, and the Salzburg Festival. Her captivating lectures have taken her to venues ranging from the V&A and the National Theatre in London to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney. She is a regular contributor to Proms events and opera broadcasts on the BBC.
How to Attend
To attend this enlightening lecture in person at the Cultural Centrum Theatre Warenaar or via the Zoom stream, please register on our website: The Arts Society The Hague. Please note that registration is required before Monday, 13th November, 2023.
The lecture will commence at 20.00 hrs on Tuesday, 14th November. For non-members, the guest fee for this lecture is Euros 15.
If you’re interested in becoming a member, the fee for the entire season, which includes eight lectures and various other cultural activities, is 75 Euros for an individual and 140 Euros for a couple. A half-year membership is available for 37.50 Euros and 70 Euros for a couple, with students enjoying a half-price discount.
Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a cultural journey into the heart of Ukraine, guided by the expertise of Rosamund Bartlett. We look forward to welcoming you to the Warenar Theatre for an unforgettable evening celebrating Ukraine’s rich history and culture.
Some 60 Stars of David were painted on walls in the 14th arrondissement of Paris on Monday night. France is grappling with a big rise in antisemitic incidents.
More than 850 such acts have been reported in France since the Hamas attacks in Israel on 7 October, says Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. Paris authorities announced that an investigation into degradation of property aggravated by racist intent would be launched.
“I am crying, because I am once again seeing the hate that we received when I was a child,” a resident of one of the buildings graffitied told the broadcaster BFMTV. “I can’t understand it.”
In a statement, the mayoralty of the 14th arrondissement wrote that the acts “recall the events of the 1930s… which led to the extermination of millions of Jews”. Emmanuel Grégoire, deputy to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, said the stars would be removed and an investigation launched. “Antisemitism continues to kill,” Mr Grégoire said. “We will never give up the fight.”
Separately, a woman was critically injured after being shot by police on Tuesday morning. Officers claimed she was behaving in a threatening way and refused to comply with instructions.
Similar graffiti was also found in Parisian suburbs including Vanves, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Aubervilliers and Saint-Ouen. The stars were sometimes accompanied by inscriptions such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will win,” according to reports.
The Mayor of Saint-Ouen, Karim Bouamrane, called for the authors of the “antisemitic and racist” graffiti in his city to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Prosecutors have cautioned, however, that it is still unclear whether the stars are antisemitic in nature.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne condemned what she termed “disgraceful acts”. The sharp rise in antisemitic incidents worries 83% of French people, a poll for BFMTV found. Political leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron, have warned of the risk of “importing” tensions caused by the Israel-Hamas war into France.
About 400 people have been arrested for antisemitic acts this month, Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said Sunday.
The joint efforts across the European Union to fight terrorism will be stepped up by judicial authorities sharing a wider range of information on terrorism cases with Eurojust. EU Member States have an improved legal basis to inform on ongoing and concluded terrorism cases with the entry into force today of an amendment of the Eurojust Regulation. These data will be transmitted to the European Judicial Counter-Terrorism Register (CTR) managed by Eurojust. This will help to better detect links between terrorism cases or connections with other serious crimes.
Commenting on the entry into force of the new Regulation, Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘The recent attacks in Belgium and France confirm that the threat of terrorism on European soil is still very much alive. Close coordination and early information sharing are crucial ingredients in the successful fight against this heinous crime, and this is precisely what we expect to achieve by reinforcing the Counter-Terrorism Register. I also warmly welcome the other amendments to our Regulation concerning the modernisation of our Case Management System and the role of Liaison Prosecutors, as they fully reflect our Agency’s priorities in the areas of digitalisation and global partnerships.’
The CTR was launched in September 2019, based on a Council Decision from 2005. The provisions on sharing information with Eurojust have now been removed from the Council Decision and included in the amended Eurojust Regulation. The purpose of the CTR is to establish links between suspects and terrorist networks and ongoing and past investigations across the EU.
The CTR is a practical operational tool that can help identify links previously unknown to national authorities. Therefore, transmitting information to Eurojust as soon as a case is referred to judicial authorities is key to strengthening terrorism investigations and prosecutions. It also helps to prevent potential double prosecution of suspects, according to the ne bis in idem principle.
While respecting the ownership and confidentiality of data, the enhanced information sharing will enable Eurojust to better coordinate and support national authorities in the most efficient way and bring perpetrators of terrorist offences to justice.
To facilitate the improved information sharing, Eurojust is now setting up an advanced and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure fit for the 21st century. A new Case Management System will integrate and enable the functionalities of the CTR. It will be connected to national authorities through secure communication channels, in line with the European Commission’s plan to modernise EU justice systems.
The concrete need to introduce the CTR was underscored by the terrorist attacks in Paris and Saint-Denis in November 2015. At the time, Eurojust was already helping national authorities to establish links between alleged suspects in France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. To date, 915 terrorism cases have been registered at the Agency.
Liaison Prosecutors
The amendment of the Eurojust Regulation also enhances Eurojust’s international dimension. Liaison Prosecutors* from third countries based at Eurojust are legally recognised as essential cooperation partners. Not only are they now explicitly mentioned in Eurojust’s founding instrument, but the procedure for opening cases by Liaison Prosecutors is now comparable to that of the Agency’s National Desks.
This means they can directly open requests for cooperation to EU Member States. This change will speed up cooperation between Liaison Prosecutors and EU national authorities, and help in the fight against major organised crime worldwide.
*Currently, Liaison Prosecutors from the following countries are based at Eurojust: Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States
The great pianist, conductor and composer Lera Auerbach was in town, celebrating her fiftieth birthday. A special concert was slated at Amare Hall of Music The Hague on 20 October 2023.
Before the concert, there was a traditional One Minute Symphony by composition student Annija Zarina of the Royal Dutch Conservatory.
Sitting at the piano, Lera Auerbach (Tsjeljabinsk 1973) a pianist and conductor in the grand master’s manner, performed Mozart’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 20 K. 466. This was followed by Symphony No. 5, with the subtitle ‘Paradise Lost’, telling the story of Adam and Eve. A funeral march about lost paradises is followed by passages evoking an unreal, magical alternative world, featuring harp, chimes, and vibraphone.
Lera Auerbach Festival Annija Zarina One Minute Symphony MozartsPiano concert nr. 20 K.466 Auerbach Symphony nr. 5 ‘Paradise Lost’
Lera Auerbach is one of the most exciting creative performers in the world. She is a pianistic powerhouse.
Amare organized a Lera Auerbach Festival from 15-22 October 2023, including all aspects of her artistic offerings, conducting, piano performance, composition, and visual art. Lera Auerbach holds various degrees. Her mentors are Milton Babbitt, Rosalyn Tureck, Joseph Kalichstein, and Einar Steen-Nøkleberg. It’s worth noting an interesting remark made by Auerbach that sounds almost prophetic, especially in the ongoing narratives about nature and climate change. She says that ultimately, our main goal is to save ourselves, given that it is our world which is disappearing. As for nature, she believes that it will be just fine. In conclusion of the concert, Lera Auerbach received rapturous applause for her stellar performance.
The Latin American Film Festival at Filmhuis Lumen in Delft has once again graced the city with its cinematic brilliance, marking its second edition with an auspicious launch on Wednesday, October 25. This year, the festival opened its doors to an eager audience of over 100 people with the Bolivian masterpiece “Utama,” directed by the talented filmmaker Alejandro Loayza Grisi. The festival began on a high note with the presence of H.E. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, the Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Netherlands.
“Utama” serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to take better care of our planet and its precious resources.” In the words of Ambassador Calzadilla Sarmiento, “Utama is a call about mother earth, and taking care of her is everyone’s task.” The film explores the compelling story of an indigenous family in the highlands of Bolivia, grappling with the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and the need for migration due to environmental changes.
Latin American FilmFest Delft 2023
This cinematic gem, produced in 2022, received critical acclaim by winning the Best Film Award at the Sundance Festival and securing the first place at the World Cinema Amsterdam festival. “Utama invites us to confront the harsh reality of climate change’s impact on freshwater resources, particularly in the highlands, where the reduction of glaciers poses a significant threat. The film masterfully draws attention to the role of industrial human activities, particularly in the global west, which have contributed to rising temperatures and the dire consequences faced by these indigenous communities.”
As the Ambassador noted, “The title of the Film Utama, which translates from the Aymara to signify ‘Our house,’ is a provocation to think that we have to be aware today of the urgency to save our planet earth, to save our nature because we are witnessing incurable consequences everywhere in our Pachamama, which is our common house.” “Pachamama” refers to Mother Earth in indigenous Andean cosmology and serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the environment. This film is a call to all of humanity, emphasizing the need to consider the well-being of future generations as we address the environmental challenges of our time.
Filmmaker Alejandro Loayza Grisi.
Apart from the profound ecological message conveyed in “Utama,” the film’s photography is nothing short of breathtaking. The landscapes of the Uyuni salt lakes and the Atacama Desert are captured with mesmerizing beauty, offering viewers a glimpse of these awe-inspiring, otherworldly terrains. The silence that permeates the film, broken only by the sound of the wind and the passage of the llamas through the desert, creates an absorbing atmosphere. The film vividly portrays the challenges faced by the inhabitants of this arid land as they confront a life without water, a journey that becomes increasingly treacherous, the increased heat and the distances more remote. The human dignity, the honor, the codes of the end of life. Despite the harshness of their circumstances, “Utama” captures the subtlety and wisdom with which these people navigate life in harmony with nature.
The Delft Latin American Film Festival is a cultural and environmental endeavor that goes beyond the world of cinema. It serves as a platform for highlighting the pressing issues facing Latin American communities and the world at large. As Ambassador Calzadilla Sarmiento emphasizes, “Mother Earth is in our hands, and taking care of her is everyone’s task everywhere, and also here in the Netherlands.”
This year’s festival is divided into two parts, with the first segment taking place from October 25 to October 28. It features films from Bolivia “Utama”, Guatemala “Gol de Plata”, Uruguay “La Sociedad de la Nieve”, the Dominican Republic “Carajita”, and Cuba “Fresa y Chocolate”. The second part of the festival will be hosted in spring, featuring contributions from other countries in Latin America. The festival’s expansion into two segments underscores its commitment to showcasing the diverse cinematic talents and the compelling stories of the region.
Manuel Morales, Consul General of Costa Rica.
In the organization of this event, the Embassy of Costa Rica has played a vital coordinating role on behalf of the Group of Embassies of Latin American and Caribbean countries and the people in Delft responsible for the festival’s organization. Manuel Morales, Costa Rica’s Consul General, spoke to the collaborative efforts that went into bringing this festival to life, stating, “Since the beginning of this year, the Embassy of Costa Rica held numerous meetings to identify a quality offer, in coordination with those responsible for Filmhuis Delft and with the other Embassies of our region.” The first edition in 2019 was a joint effort of several Latin American countries that, at that time Costa Rica initiated and promoted, especially Anna María Oduber, who was the Charge d’affaires a.i. with all the support of the Delft Film Huis, who opened their doors so that the Latin American countries could organize this event of cultural scope, and it was very successful.
The Latin American Film Festival in Delft is more than just a celebration of cinema; it’s a celebration of culture, nature, and the shared responsibility we all have toward the well-being of our planet. As we immerse ourselves in the captivating stories and stunning visuals of these films, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our environment and the urgent need for global action. The festival not only enriches the cultural landscape of Delft but also prompts us to think about the future and our collective role in nurturing our planet, our “common house.”
Monday, 23 October 2023, Berlin, Germany: The Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Germany, Larbi El Hadj Ali, was welcomed by the Secretary-General of Ghorfa (Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi for an exchanges of the possibilities to enhance the German-Algerian ties through the services provided by Ghorfa.
Larbi El Hadj Ali is a career diplomat who joined the foreign ministry in 1983. Prior to arriving in Germany, he was Algeria’s top envoy in Canada. He has held several senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Since 2013, he has been adviser to the foreign minister. From 2008 to 2013, he was deputy director in charge of the United Nations.
He served as deputy director of the partnership with the European Union between 2002 and 2004. He served as minister conselor at Algeria’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York from 2004 to 2008 and was a member of the Algerian delegation during Algeria’s term on the Security Council (2004-2005). From 1996 to 2000, he was counselor in Brussels and previously to that, first secretary in Prague (1988 to 1992).
Coordinated arrest of Swedish high-value target suspected of major drug trafficking
Eurojust has supported the authorities in Sweden, Serbia and Montenegro in the arrest of a Swedish national suspected of being part of an organised crime group (OCG) involved in drug trafficking. After his arrest in Serbia, a procedure was initiated for his extradition to Sweden. During a joint action day also supported by Interpol, the authorities conducted house searches in Serbia and Montenegro and seized important evidence.
The suspect, previously convicted for similar crimes, is suspected of both aggravated narcotics- and weapon-offences, and illegal possession of explosives. He has recently been residing in the Balkans, from where he is believed to have continued his criminal activities in Sweden. He allegedly controlled his subordinates in the OCG remotely and directed them to carry out several criminal activities, such as the trade of vast quantities of narcotics and weapons.
Some of his accomplices have been already convicted and others are under criminal investigation.
At the request of the Swedish authorities, Eurojust organised an action day, with the involvement of the Agency’s Serbian and Montenegrin Liaison Prosecutors. Support was also provided with the execution of an International Arrest Warrant and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance.
The operation was the result of several months of close cooperation between the following authorities:
Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority, National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime; Swedish Police; Nordic Police and Customs Liaison Office for Serbia and Montenegro
Montenegro: Special State Prosecution Office of Montenegro; competent organisational units of the Police Directorate of Montenegro
Serbia: Public Prosecutors Office for Organised Crime; Serbian Police, Fugitive Active Search Team (FAST)
Innovation is the primary force in driving development. President Xi Jinping stressed that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is innovative by nature and its success needs to be powered by innovation. For 10 years, guided by innovative ideas, Belt and Road cooperation has pooled resources of innovation from various parties, injecting strong impetus into the development of partner countries and bringing tangible benefits to the people. A road of innovation for the new era is connecting China to the world.
This is a road that inspires innovative ideas for cooperation. Rooted in the spirit of harmony, inclusiveness, and cooperation of the ancient Silk Road, the BRI has put forward the innovative principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and abandoned the zero-sum mentality featured in the donors-dominated, Western-led model of international cooperation, thus creating a new vision for international cooperation. Just as the British commentator Martin Jacques observed, the BRI is completely novel and, in terms of its global impact, a bold and new project unprecedented in its character and conception.
This is a road that brings together resources of innovation. In the past decade, Belt and Road cooperation has spurred greater innovation in science and technology. From promoting people-to-people exchanges in science and technology to jointly building laboratories, from enhancing cooperation on science and technology parks to building technology transfer centers, the vision for a community of innovation featuring shared development philosophies, unimpeded flow of production factors, networked technology facilities, connected innovation chains and vibrant people-to-people exchanges is turning into reality.
At the water-conserving irrigation laboratory jointly built by China and Egypt, water can be channeled to the roots of crops through underground seeping pipes with just a tap on the phone. This advanced water-saving irrigation system from China provides an effective solution to the problems of high temperature, drought and water shortage that plague Egypt’s agricultural development. Belt and Road cooperation is also instrumental in integrating resources of innovation from all parties.
China and Portugal are located by the Pacific and the Atlantic respectively, with different climates and geographical conditions, yet greater cooperation on innovation including the Joint International Research Laboratory of Marine Biology inaugurated in 2017 and the Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Space and Sea Technology Advanced Research launched in 2021 not only enables information sharing between the two countries, but also promotes complementarity in scientific research capabilities, thus producing a multiplying effect.
This is a road that delivers the benefits of scientific and technological innovation to the people. Through Belt and Road cooperation, China has not only integrated itself into the global scientific and technological innovation network, but also helped spread the fruits of innovation to more countries and peoples. China has carried out extensive cooperation with partner countries in smart cities, mobile payment, cross-border e-commerce and other areas of digital economy, and supported them in establishing and improving technology markets. China has set up the Technology Transfer South-South Cooperation Center with the United Nations Development Program, promoted cooperation among higher education institutions and research institutes, and helped partner countries cultivate future innovators. As co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates said, China has an incredible mix of expertise and experience, as well as investment in scientific and technological innovation, and it will be able to make unique contributions to sharing its technologies and its lessons.
This year, China will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Going ahead, China will continue to promote Belt and Road cooperation on innovation, fully tap the potential of innovation, open up broader space for win-win cooperation, and provide more shared treasures for people worldwide to achieve common development and prosperity.
