On 8 April 2015, the newly elected President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, met with Mr Ban Ki-moon, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, at the UN headquarters in New York (USA), during her first visit to the UN in her new capacity. The ICC President expressed her appreciation to the UN Secretary-General for the UN’s continued support for the Court’s mission and activities, and reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to further strengthening relations with the UN.The ICC President also highlighted the Secretary-General’s role as an invaluable advocate for international justice and the rule of law around the globe. She stressed the need to explore opportunities for working together to ensure accountability for serious crimes, to contribute to the prevention of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as to provide redress to the victims of such atrocities.The meeting was part of the ICC President’s mission to New York where she met a number of high level UN Officials and discussed with them the role of the ICC in building lasting peace, empowering women and fighting gender-based crimes and crimes against children, as well as continued cooperation in the field and UN support for the ICC’s activities. In addition, the ICC President will meet with delegates from States Parties to the Rome Statute and Observers in the context of the New York Working Group of the Assembly of States Parties. She will also hold meetings with international NGOs and civil society organizations that have played an important role in establishing, monitoring and promoting the ICC to achieve an effective system of international criminal justice that is supported by the international community as a whole.Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi (Argentina) was elected as ICC President on 11 March 2015 for a three-year term. The International Criminal Court is a permanent international court established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, namely the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The ICC, while an independent judicial institution, concluded an agreement with the United Nations on 4 October 2004, governing the institutional relationship of the two organizations.
By H. E. Eduardo Ibarrola – Nicolin, Ambassador of Mexico to the Kingdom of The Netherlands and Permanent Representative to OPCW.
Mexico is a great country. It is a stable democracy with regular federal, state and municipal elections and respect of human rights. In geographical extension Mexico is number 14 in the world with coastlines on two oceans and a great biodiversity; the country has a majority young population, reflecting a hardworking, studious and dynamic social environment that share family and friendship values, making them a competitive labour force.For decades Mexico has had an open economy with a significant presence of domestic and foreign private investment. We have signed free trade, promotion and protection of investment agreements with more than 40 countries. The output of the country is based in a broadly diversified manufacture sector, including high-tech products (aerospace, automotive); agroindustry and commodities; energy and mining; infrastructure and a broad scope of services. Mexico has a consistent and solid macroeconomic stability with a reduced deficit, public debt under control, low inflation and strong international reserves.Cultural diversity is part of our History. Today, Mexico is the result of an encounter of two worlds, as a highly respected historian said, based on the existence of indigenous population living in its territory before the arrival of the Spaniards in the early Sixteenth Century that mixed with the culture they brought from Europe.Internationally, Mexico is a country of multiple belongings. Geographically we are located in North America and most of our trade, investments and migration is with the United States and Canada; but we are culturally Latin American with a very close relationship with Central and South America and the Caribbean; historically we have strategic relations with the Atlantic countries and we are developing intense relations with the Pacific Basin countries.With a view to achieving greater equality and maximizing the potential of the country President Enrique Peña Nieto (2012 – 2018) set five goals that are orienting his government: combating crime and promoting the rule of law; poverty reduction; improve quality education; economic growth and improving infrastructure; as well as intensifying a responsible international presence.The President, with the support of the vast majority of the political forces represented in Congress, enacted several structural reforms. Some of them are aimed at increasing Mexico´s productivity: energy, antitrust, financial system, taxes, telecommunications and broadcasting and labour. Others are focused on extending the rights of Mexicans and strengthening democratic freedoms: education, legal system and political – electoral. These structural reforms will tackle inequality and poverty and will promote growth, employment and social security.Historically, Mexico and The Netherlands have sustained good international relations. The Netherlands was among the first countries to recognize the Independence of Mexico from Spain. In 1827 both countries signed a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce. Today, both countries participate in several multilateral fora (climate change, disarmament and non-proliferation, human rights) and in several international organizations of the UN System; the courts of international justice located in The Hague, OPCW and OECD just to mention a few. For almost a century some Dutch companies have been in Mexico doing business. Shell and Philips are two good examples, and KLM just had his 60th Anniversary of daily nonstop flights from Amsterdam – Schiphol to Mexico City. On the other hand, Mexican firms are now investing in The Netherlands (telecommunications, food and beverages, infrastructure) and several Mexican products can be bought in Dutch stores.Heineken just announced an important new investment in the State of Chihuahua in the North part of Mexico where the company will build a new brewery. The Netherlands is developing a project in the State of Tabasco for water management that will help the local government and the population avoid the frequent floods that affect those low lands in México.Agribusiness is another good example of the projects that are carried out together. Wageningen University is implementing several agropark projects that could benefit the producers in Mexico and will make more efficient the commercialization of their products.Mexico has an important Embassy in The Hague. It is a medium size dual diplomatic representation: bilateral and multilateral. It is important to point out that the Embassy of Mexico in the Netherlands is in permanent coordination with the Dutch Embassy in Mexico City to develop and follow up different programs between the two countries.PROMEXICO, a federal government agency responsible for supporting the exportation of Mexican products and coordinating the attraction of foreign investments to Mexico has a permanent office of representation at the Embassy in The Hague. The business community can take advantage of these professional services of information, advice and match making.Mexico has also four Honorary Consuls in The Netherlands that help us in the promotion of business with Mexico. All of them are distinguished Dutch citizens with experience in trade and investments and an extended professional background.The Dutch – Mexican Investment Council (DMIC) is a recent informal group that holds together companies with presence in Mexico or with the intention of doing business in Mexico , in order to exchange experiences, ideas and projects.There is a Mexican community in The Netherlands. Very often you will find lovely babies in the premises of the beautiful building of the Embassy whose parents are requesting birth certificates or new passports; usually the mother is Mexican and the father Dutch. There are also young Mexican professionals working in Dutch firms, especially in the ones that have investments in Mexico or Mexican stock.Education is another good example of the interaction between both countries. NUFFIC has an office in Mexico, promoting the presence of Mexicans in Dutch universities studying a variety of programs from engineering to performing arts. The Netherlands is now a good opportunity for Mexicans to study abroad.Mexico is also a country of unique beauty. The large influx of visitors can enjoy the traditional Mexican hospitality, wonderful weather and delicious food. In addition to unique beaches, there is also a wealth of archaeological sites and colonial cities, with the ever presence of spectacular museums and all kinds of artistic expressions. You can see the multiple options for traveling to Mexico in www.visitmexico.com. European tourists do not require a visa to travel to Mexico.Mexico is one of the most competitive countries for productive investment. The business community in The Netherlands is invited to look at the changes that are taking place in Mexico, to invest and trade with a country where you will find a robust domestic market and a strategic geographical location. But most important, visit Mexico and enjoy amazing places that you will always remember.
The Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to cooperate on development aid. During her visit to the UAE, Lilianne Ploumen, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, met with H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of International Cooperation and Development, whose ministry is the first of its kind in the Gulf. ‘In a short space of time the UAE has become one of the world’s major donors. It has established an impressive development programme that has a lot in common with our own aid agenda,’ said Ms Ploumen. ‘We want to compare ideas and see where we can work together.’The UAE’s Ministry of International Cooperation and Development was established in 2013 and oversees a development cooperation budget of over €4 billion – 1.33 per cent of the UAE’s national income. The UAE is especially keen to benefit from Dutch knowledge and expertise in the area of humanitarian aid. ‘The Netherlands is at the forefront of emergency aid innovation,’ remarked Ms Ploumen. ‘This aid is greatly needed in countries like Syria, where the humanitarian system is falling apart. For us, it’s important to work with a partner who knows the region well.’Ms Ploumen also sees opportunities for the Netherlands and the UAE to cooperate on water, women’s rights and renewable energy. She has invited her counterpart to The Hague for further discussions on these areasEnergyDutch companies and knowledge institutions are currently working with UAE partners on gas technology. For her part, Ms Ploumen wishes to see even more energy cooperation between the two countries. While in Abu Dhabi, Ms Ploumen agreed with the UAE’s energy minister to organise a workshop in late April on increasing energy sustainability and reducing energy consumption. ‘The UAE government is looking ahead and wants to ensure transition from an energy-intensive economy to one based on sustainable and efficient energy use,’ said Ms Ploumen. ‘Innovative technologies from the Netherlands can help do this.’During her visit, Ms Ploumen also travelled to Masdar City, a sustainable city currently under construction. In this pedestrian-friendly environment, renewable energy technologies are being developed. The city is also investing in global sustainable energy projects. ‘Masdar City offers a glimpse of the future,’ noted the minister. ‘It aligns well with the goal of creating a greener Abu Dhabi and Dubai. They aim to obtain respectively 7% and 15% of its energy from sustainable resources by 2030. Dutch businesses and knowledge institutions can not only provide inspiration, they can also help the UAE achieve these goals.’Trade missionRepresentatives from 33 Dutch businesses and the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, accompanied Ms Ploumen on her visit. The businesses primarily operate in the gas technology, sustainable energy, waste processing and airport development sectors. One destination for the delegates was Abu Dhabi airport, where billions are being invested to increase the airport’s capacity to 40 million passengers a year.The UAE’s desire to diversify its economy also offers opportunities for Dutch businesses. There are currently 230 Dutch firms active in the UAE in a wide range of sectors, from infrastructure to innovative agriculture. Trade between the Netherlands and the UAE amounts to €3.3 billion, with 40% of Dutch exports to the Gulf region destined for the UAE. UAE companies also invest hundreds of millions of euros in the Netherlands, including in the Maasvlakte 2 and the Bergermeer Gas Storage projects.The meetings was attended by H.E. Mr Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for International Development, H.E. Ms Najlaa Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for International Cooperation and H.E. Jennes de Mol, Netherlands Ambassador to the UAE.Minister Ploumen invited Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi to continue the talks in Den Haag in the near future. Source: http://www.government.nl/ministries/bz/news/2015/03/30/the-netherlands-and-the-united-arab-emirates-partners-in-aid-and-trade.htmlFor more information: UAE Ministry of International Cooperation and Development: http://www.micad.gov.ae/En/MediaCenter/MICADNews/Pages/LubnaAlQasimiDiscussesBoostingCooperationinInt%E2%80%99lDevelopmentBetweenUAEandNetherlands.aspxRoyal Dutch Embassy in Abu Dhabi: http://vae.nlambassade.org/locaties/ambassade-in-abu-dhabi.htmlEmbassy of the UAE in Den Haag: http://www.uae-embassy.ae/embassies/nlPicture at Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (UAE)
On the picture Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi President of the ICC, H. E. Orsolya Szijjártó, Ambassador of Hungary and Judge Peter Kovacs. Ambassador Orsolya Szijjártó offers reception honoring ICC Judge Peter Kovacs
On Wednesday March 25th of March the Embassy of Hungary honoured Professor Péter Kovács with a reception in his name as the first Hungarian ICC judge, in post since December 2014.
Professor Dr. Kovács (1959) was the head of the Public International Law Department and the Doctoral School at the Peter Pazmany Catholic University, as well as a professor in International Law. Furthermore, Professor Kovács was a judge at the Hungarian Constitutional Court, holding this position from 2005 to 2014.
Her Excellency Orsolya Szijjártó together with Professor Péter Kovács. Photography George Patho.
The reception was held in the residence of the Hungarian Ambassador, Her Excellency Orsolya Szijjártó. During her speech she emphasized Hungary’s outstanding support to the ICC.
The gathering was marked by the presence of distinguished diplomats and authorities, such as the Deputy Minister of State of the Hungarian Ministry of Justice Mr. Zoltán Nemessányi. Judge Kovács was visibly touched by the honour and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to ambassador Szijjarto and guests.
Professor Péter Kovács together with the Registrar of the ICC Mr. Herman von Hebel. at the Hungarian’s residency. Photography George Patho.
From Monday, 30 March to Wednesday, 1 April 2015, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands paid a visit to the Union of Myanmar in her function as the UN Secretary-General’s “Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development”.
Queen Máxima visited Myanmar at the invitation of its government. The recently adopted Financial Inclusion Roadmap sets out how the finance and economics ministries, the central bank and the Financial Regulation Department intend to provide the country’s inhabitants with access to safe and affordable financial services. The UN believes that the country has great potential for further economic development. Good access to bank and savings accounts, insurance and pensions is essential in this regard.The visit began on Monday, 30 March in Yangon, the country’s largest city, where Queen Máxima held talks with representatives of banks, microfinance institutions and telecom providers. It is important for these organisations to work together if more people are to make use of financial services. Mobile banking is a key tool for obtaining access to financial services. On Tuesday, 31 March, Queen Máxima delivered a speech at Yangon University on the importance of access to financial services. She also visited local entrepreneurs near Yangon who have been able to expand their businesses with the help of small loans.On Wednesday, 1 April, Queen Máxima attended the launch of the Financial Inclusion Roadmap in the capital Nay Pyi Taw. There she met with representatives of Myanmar’s government, central bank and parliament, among others, to discuss the importance of access to financial services for the development of the country’s people.UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Queen Máxima as his Special Advocate in September 2009. In this capacity, she advises him on access to financial services and she also promotes access to financial services for people all over the world. This contributes to the development of low-income groups and small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. Since June 2011 Queen Máxima has been Honorary Chair of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI).Source:http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/
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By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.
Their Royal Highnesses Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands are due to leave Brussels where they reside together since they wed in 2001.
The princely couple intends to settle in Den Haag before September so that their three children, Countess Eloise, Count Claus-Casimir and Countess Leonore van Oranje-Nassau may begin the school year in The Netherlands. This move is facilitated by the fact that Prince Constantijn is now only part-time “Special Adviser to the Vice-President of the European Commission”, Andrus Ansip. The Estonian Ansip is responsible for the Digital Single Market. Previous to this position, Prince Constantijn was the Head of Office of former Commissioner Neelie Kroes in the same digital portfolio.
Currently the prince is a fellow of Eisenhower Fellowship in the USA, and is due to return to Europe in May to prepare his professional services and move in The Netherlands.
On her part, Princess Laurentien is the director of Missing Chapter Foundation, adviser to the Port of Rotterdam, President of the European Cultural Foundation as well as Honorary President of the Reading and Writing Foundation (Stichting Lezen en Schrijven) which she started in 2004. She patronises many other social organisations.
Professionally the prince uses the sobriquet “Constantijn van Oranje”, whereas the princess utilises “Laurentien van Oranje”.
For more information:
Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands: www.koninklijkhuis.nl/encyclopedie/wie-is-wie/prins-constantijn/
Missing Chapter: www.missingchapter.org/
Reading and Writing Foundation: http://readingandwriting.eu/
From 8 to 12 April 2015, two Spanish shorts films will be screened at the Go Short Festival Nijmegen.Go Short Festival Nijmegen, is the main Dutch festival for short film. Its 7th edition will take place from 8 to 12 April, screening over 300 international and national productions in all genres. In addition to film screenings, there will also be exhibitions, workshops, debates and performances.
Among the shorts chosen, two Spanish productions will be screened: the documentary “Memorándum” directed by Juan Millares and the animation movie “Ancha es Castilla/ N’importe quoi” by Sergio Caballero.
More information can be found at the Website of the Go Short Festival Nijmegen.
On March 29, 2015, an inspiring networking meeting was organized under the auspices of Omar Munie and Nazima Ramdin, in the Flagship Store of the renowned bag designer Omar Munie. Noordeinde The Hague.
Top speakers, included; Stedman Graham (spouse of Oprah Winfrey), Joseph and Charles Ruffolo Oubelkas, facinated the audience with their delivery on how to become successful. Participants were provided valuable tips and tricks, which could be implemented immediately. Furthermore, quotes such as:
“You get every day, 24 hours, this wise spending to reach your goals!”
“Find out where you are good at and what gives you passion. Apply yourself to it.
“L.O.V.E. Do everything based on love!”
“Think of co-creation, seeking cooperation with others.”
“Try to see opportunities and possibilities, even though these seem impossible”
For photo-album on this event, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157651764042261/
Nazima Ramdin, proprietor of NR Communications & Events had taken the initiative to organize this network in The Hague. She approached Omar Munie. Omar is known as someone who has realized his dream. The splendid location and Omar’s success story made the setting complete.
But who is Nazima, the lady of NR Communications & Events? Networker Nazima Ramdin calls himself Connector. She features at the 17th place on the Top 100 of the chart of a Color magazine. Nazima has been organizing networking event for the past 4 years.
The NR New Year’s Party, this stylish Gala is the perfect place for to network. The next NR New Years Gala Party is scheduled on 16 January 2016. More information is available on the website: www.nrcommunicatie.nl
Congratulations to Mr. Islam Karimov, on his election as President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.By the Missions of Uzbekistan to the Benelux countries, the EU and NATO.
Election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan held on 29 March 2015 demonstrated significantly increasing of the social and political activity of our society and the people, credibility and maturity of political parties, civic institutions of the Republic.
Nomination for the presidency of our country candidates from all political parties is a direct result of reforms to further democratization and liberalization of society, based on the Constitution and the Concept of further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society. The vote was attended by 18 million 942 thousand citizens, which is 91,08% of the total number of voters included in the lists. For the first time voted about two million boys and girls.
Unusual for Europe high level of participation of the electorate says about the growth of political activity of citizens of Uzbekistan, who are acutely aware that from their decision depends further, independent and progressive development of the country. According to preliminary data, the majority of the votes were cast in favor of the current President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Islam Karimov.
In this regard, heads of state and government, chiefs of international organizations and notable public figures in foreign nations have been sending letters with sincere congratulations to Mr. Islam Karimov on his election as President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Congratulatory letters received from: President of the United States of America Barack Obama, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Secretary of State of the United States of America John Kerry, President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, President of the Republic of Latvia Andris Berzins, President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman, Vice President of the European Parliament Ryzsard Czarnecki, President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, President of Georgia Georgiy Margvelashvili, President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun-Hye, President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of Palestine, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman of the Executive Committee – Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergei Lebedev, Secretary General of the Energy Charter Urban Rusnak and many others. Congratulations keep coming.
In his note, President of the United States of America Barack Obama, in particular, writes:
«The United States and Uzbekistan share many common interests, which have contributed to our robust and continually evolving relationship, and we have also faced common threats. Working together, our bilateral relationship can continue to expand, and our partnership can grow for the benefit of both our peoples.
In a world of many threats, long-term stability and security cannot be achieved without democratic and accountable governance, including respect for basic rights and freedoms. I look forward to working with you on these important issues during the course of your new term in office.»
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping extends earnest greetings and kind wishes on behalf of the Chinese government and people.
As it is underscored in the note, during all the years of Islam Karimov’s leadership Uzbekistan has seen political stability, economic development and rising wellbeing of the people, and the country’s influence in the international arena has been growing continuously. Xi Jinping expresses conviction that Uzbekistan will achieve new and greater successes in all the spheres of state and nation-building.
The leader of the PRC has stressed that China and Uzbekistan are good friends, reliable partners and have confidence in each other. During the 23 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, positive dynamics has been maintained in the interstate interaction between the two countries, reciprocal political trust has been consolidating on all fronts, while mutually advantageous cooperation and strategic interaction has been promoted.
President of the People’s Republic of China praised the level of Sino-Uzbek relations and conveyed willingness to make all joint efforts to boost the bilateral ties of strategic partnership to an even higher stage, for the good of our two countries and peoples.
In another letter, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin expressed sincere congratulations on the confident win in the presidential elections.
As noted in the greeting message, the results of vote confirm in full the high authority that Islam Karimov wields among citizens. This indisputably also is a proof of the wide acknowledgement of his services in the position of the head of state and achievements in addressing pressing challenges in Uzbekistan’s socio-economic development.
Russia’s President makes a special emphasis on the consolidation of allied relations and strategic partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan, and expresses his willingness to keep with friendly dialogue and joint work dedicated to further build up bilateral bonds across the spectrum and constructive interaction in regional and international affairs.
The visit began on Monday, 30 March in Yangon, the country’s largest city, where Queen Máxima held talks with representatives of banks, microfinance institutions and telecom providers. It is important for these organisations to work together if more people are to make use of financial services. Mobile banking is a key tool for obtaining access to financial services.
On Tuesday, 31 March, Queen Máxima delivered a speech at Yangon University on the importance of access to financial services. She also visited local entrepreneurs near Yangon who have been able to expand their businesses with the help of small loans.
On Wednesday, 1 April, Queen Máxima attended the launch of the Financial Inclusion Roadmap in the capital Nay Pyi Taw. There she met with representatives of Myanmar’s government, central bank and parliament, among others, to discuss the importance of access to financial services for the development of the country’s people.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Queen Máxima as his Special Advocate in September 2009. In this capacity, she advises him on access to financial services and she also promotes access to financial services for people all over the world. This contributes to the development of low-income groups and small and medium-sized enterprises in particular.
Since June 2011 Queen Máxima has been Honorary Chair of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI).
Source: http://www.
Nazima Ramdin, proprietor of NR Communications & Events had taken the initiative to organize this network in The Hague. She approached Omar Munie. Omar is known as someone who has realized his dream. The splendid location and Omar’s success story made the setting complete.
But who is Nazima, the lady of NR Communications & Events? Networker Nazima Ramdin calls himself Connector. She features at the 17th place on the Top 100 of the chart of a Color magazine. Nazima has been organizing networking event for the past 4 years.
The NR New Year’s Party, this stylish Gala is the perfect place for to network. The next NR New Years Gala Party is scheduled on 16 January 2016. More information is available on the website: www.nrcommunicatie.nl
Nazima Ramdin, proprietor of NR Communications & Events had taken the initiative to organize this network in The Hague. She approached Omar Munie. Omar is known as someone who has realized his dream. The splendid location and Omar’s success story made the setting complete.
But who is Nazima, the lady of NR Communications & Events? Networker Nazima Ramdin calls himself Connector. She features at the 17th place on the Top 100 of the chart of a Color magazine. Nazima has been organizing networking event for the past 4 years.
The NR New Year’s Party, this stylish Gala is the perfect place for to network. The next NR New Years Gala Party is scheduled on 16 January 2016. More information is available on the website: www.nrcommunicatie.nl
