On the picture Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, EU President Jean-Claude Juncker and the Prime Minister of Greenland Kim Kielsen.By Baron Henri Estramant.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Kim Kielsen, visited Brussels on 20 March 2015 in order to ink a “Joint Declaration” on behalf of the islands’ self-government alongside Denmark’s Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and EU President Jean-Claude Juncker. Premier Kielsen wore a traditional Anorak to the signing ceremony which was confused with a simply hood by a plethora of EU observers.
The so-called Joint Declaration updates Greenland’s relations with the European Union whereto it does not belong although it is an entity of the Kingdom of Denmark. In fact, Greenland left the then EEC (European Economic Community) in 1985 (only “territory” thus far to do so) to which it had belonged since Denmark’s accession in 1973.
Denmark’s Crown Princely Couple in Greenlandic attire
Amongst other matters the declaration touches upon the geopolitical importance of Greenland for Denmark, and the EU to access resources in the Arctic, financial aid, and the framework for political dialogue amongst the three parties.
After his visit to Brussels Greenlandic Premier Kielsen travelled to Japan to join the Danish Crown Princely Couple in a visit to promote Greenland in the Empire of the Rising Sun.
The Danish and Japanese monarchies are the two oldest monarchies in the world. The Danish Kingdom dates back more than 1000 years giving it the record as the oldest in Europe, whereas the Nipponese monarchy is the oldest in the world dating back to 660 BC.
Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Princess and Crown Princess of Denmark were accompanied from 26 to 28 March 2015 by the Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dan Jørgensen, Premier of Greenland, Kim Kielsen, Greenlandic Minister for Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture, Karl-Kristian Kruse as well as a trade delegation of Greenlandic companies.
The visit’s objective was meant to heighten awareness about Greenland, its culture and products in Japan, as well as to increase Japanese people’s knowledge about opportunities that lies in Greenland and the Arctic region. In 2014, Japan became a permanent observer in the Arctic Council.
The Crown Princess Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
The Crown Princely Couple moreover opened an exhibition, “Spiritual Greenland”, in Tokyo about Greenlandic culture wherein the Imperial Household of Japan was represented by Their Imperial Highnesses The Princess Takamado and her daughter Tsuguko of Takamado. Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Mary were also hosted in a luncheon at the Imperial Palace by Their Imperial Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Greenland has a mission to the EU in Brussels that shares the building facilities with the Royal Danish Embassy to Belgium, the Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU and the Representation of the Faroe Islands to the EU. The island is an integral yet autonomous entity within the Danish Realm (rigsfællesskabet). Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Her government are represented vis-à-vis the Greenlandic government by a High Commissioner (Rigsombudsmand), the incumbent is Mikaela Engell, since 2011.
The Head of Mission is Minister Counsellor Lida Skifte Lennert. Besides the representation in Denmark, Greenland has another “mission” in Washington D.C. which opened on 24 September 2014, and is shares the edifice of the Royal Danish Embassy to the USA.
21 June is the yearly celebration of “Self-Government Day” in Greenland.
For more information:
Representation of Greenland to the EU:
http://naalakkersuisut.gl/en/Naalakkersuisut/Greenland-Representation-to-the-EU/Greenland-Representation-to-the-EU
Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of Denmark to the EU:
http://eu.um.dk/en/
Opening of “Spiritual Greenland”:
http://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelige/danmark/video-kronprinsparret-paa-job-med-japanske-prinsesser
Programme for the promotional visit to Japan:
http://kongehuset.dk/english/Menu/news/programme-for-greenland-promotional-campaign-in-japan
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, on the alleged crimes committed by ISIS
Since the summer of 2014, my Office has been receiving and reviewing disturbing allegations of widespread atrocities committed in Syria and Iraq by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham/Greater Syria (“ISIS” aka “ISIL”, “Daesh” or “IS”). Crimes of unspeakable cruelty have been reported, such as mass executions, sexual slavery, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence, torture, mutilation, enlistment and forced recruitment of children and the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, not to mention the wanton destruction of cultural property. The commission of the crime of genocide has also been alleged. In response to numerous inquiries about my Office’s activities in relation to these allegations, I have decided to provide the following clarification.
The atrocities allegedly committed by ISIS undoubtedly constitute serious crimes of concern to the international community and threaten the peace, security and well-being of the region, and the world. They also occur in the context of other crimes allegedly committed by other warring factions in Syria and Iraq. However, Syria and Iraq are not Parties to the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (“Court” or “ICC”). Therefore, the Court has no territorial jurisdiction over crimes committed on their soil.
Under the Rome Statute, the ICC may nevertheless exercise personal jurisdiction over alleged perpetrators who are nationals of a State Party, even where territorial jurisdiction is absent. On this basis, my Office has reviewed communications received alleging crimes committed by ISIS, with a view to assessing the prospect of exercising personal jurisdiction over States Parties nationals within the ranks of this organisation. In doing so, my Office took into account the scope of its policy, which is to focus on those most responsible for mass crimes.
The information gathered indicates that several thousand foreign fighters have joined the ranks of ISIS in the past months alone, including significant numbers of State Party nationals from, inter alia, Tunisia, Jordan, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia. Some of these individuals may have been involved in the commission of crimes against humanity and war crimes. A few have publicised their heinous acts through social media. The information available to the Office also indicates that ISIS is a military and political organisation primarily led by nationals of Iraq and Syria. Thus, at this stage, the prospects of my Office investigating and prosecuting those most responsible, within the leadership of ISIS, appear limited.
In this context, I have come to the conclusion that the jurisdictional basis for opening a preliminary examination into this situation is too narrow at this stage. A renewed commitment and a sense of urgency on the part of the concerned states may help identify viable avenues. The decision of non-Party States and the United Nations Security Council to confer jurisdiction on the ICC is, however, wholly independent of the Court.
It bears emphasising that under the Rome Statute, the primary responsibility for the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of mass crimes rests, in the first instance, with the national authorities. I remain committed to consult with relevant States to coordinate, and possibly exchange information on crimes allegedly committed by their nationals to support domestic investigations and prosecutions, as appropriate. My Office also remains open to receive additional information which could provide further clarity on the positions occupied by State Party nationals within the ISIS organisational hierarchy.
I remain profoundly concerned by this situation and I want to emphasise our collective duty as a global community to respond to the plight of victims whose rights and dignity have been violated. ISIS continues to spread terror on a massive scale in the territories it occupies. The international community pledged that appalling crimes that deeply shock the conscience of humanity must not go unpunished.
As Prosecutor of the ICC, I stand ready to play my part, in an independent and impartial manner, in accordance with the legal framework of the Rome statute.
By Baron Henri Estramant.Johor Darul Takzim: For the first time in 55 years the Malaysian federal state of Johor witnessed a coronation; its ruler, His Royal Highness Brigadier-General Paduka Sri Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of the State and Territory of Johor Darul Tazim, was pompously crowned on 23 March 2015.For a photo-album of this memorable event, please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157649533354873/The Sultan of Johor is the only Malaysian monarch crowned out of tradition whereas the other eight rulers are installed in investiture ceremonies much like the Dutch monarchs. Likewise in Johor simply a proclamation and an oath of sovereignty are required for the legal succession. However Sultan Abu Bakar (1862 – 1895) commissioned a crown for himself in 1886 to be used at the coronation of his successors; making Johor the first state to have a crown. Celebrations are stretching up to one month; including visits to all the ten districts in the state. Johor is a constitutional monarchy belonging to the Federation of Malaysia. The ruler is mostly ceremonial whilst political power rests on the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, 15th as head of government of Johor. The state’s capital is Johor Bahru whereas the “royal city” is Muar. The Temenggong Dynasty rules over Johor since 1855 though the Sultanate dates back to 1528. The Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris (b. 30 June 1984) is Sultan Ibrahim’s eldest son through his consort The Permaisuri Raja (Sultana) of Johor, Zarith Sofiah, who hails from the Sultanic House of Perak. Malaysia is a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories, out of them nine hold hereditary rulers, these are, Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu. Amongst them a “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” or “Paramount Ruler” is elected every five years to hold the headship of state. The incumbent is the 27th Sultan of Kedah, and 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim. All Malay rulers and their spouses attended the coronation ceremony, likewise the neighbouring Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam and his spouse The Raja Isteri who are good friends of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor. Also Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Najib.Sultan Ibrahim is an avid automobile collector. Allegedly HRH The Prince of Wales gifted a BMW i8 with license plate number “GV64 FKW” to His Royal Highness The Sultan of Johor in honour of his coronation. For more information: Coronation ceremony: http://kemahkotaan.johor.gov.my/galllery/coronation-ceremony-gallery/?lang=enState of Johor Tazim: http://www.johor.gov.my/kerajaan/page/dymm_sultan_johor/
On 15 April, Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael, together with ICT4Peace and funded by the Netherlands’ ministry of Foreign Affairs, will organise a ½-day training course as side-event to the Global Conference on Cyber Space.
The training will provide a helicopter view of the most imminent Foreign Policy considerations regarding Cyber Space. Participants have the opportunity to identify further capacity-building needs for their respective organisations and get acquainted with leading academics and practitioners.
Hacks in utility services and banks, identity theft, virus infections in software, Big Data tracking by Secret Services and cyber-jihad. Just a few headlines from the news. Cyber in Foreign Policy is dominated by concerns over security, however cyber has penetrated Foreign Policy in a much broader manner.
Governments react by setting up crisis centres, consultancy firms offer expensive support whereas every minor piece of information continues to be exchanged by email or smartphone. Considerations of Foreign Policy, strategic consequences and international cooperation follow only cautiously. Consider the social media during the Arab Spring, cyber as economic growth market, cyber as new dimension in warfare, and terrorists and criminals using cyber irrespective of borders and jurisdictions.
For more information and your registration, visit www.clingendael.nl/cyberdiplomacy
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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The Sultan of Johor is the only Malaysian monarch crowned out of tradition whereas the other eight rulers are installed in investiture ceremonies much like the Dutch monarchs. Likewise in Johor simply a proclamation and an oath of sovereignty are required for the legal succession. However Sultan Abu Bakar (1862 – 1895) commissioned a crown for himself in 1886 to be used at the coronation of his successors; making Johor the first state to have a crown. Celebrations are stretching up to one month; including visits to all the ten districts in the state.
Johor is a constitutional monarchy belonging to the Federation of Malaysia. The ruler is mostly ceremonial whilst political power rests on the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, 15th as head of government of Johor. The state’s capital is Johor Bahru whereas the “royal city” is Muar.
The Temenggong Dynasty rules over Johor since 1855 though the Sultanate dates back to 1528. The Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris (b. 30 June 1984) is Sultan Ibrahim’s eldest son through his consort The Permaisuri Raja (Sultana) of Johor, Zarith Sofiah, who hails from the Sultanic House of Perak.
Malaysia is a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories, out of them nine hold hereditary rulers, these are, Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu. Amongst them a “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” or “Paramount Ruler” is elected every five years to hold the headship of state. The incumbent is the 27th Sultan of Kedah, and 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim.
All Malay rulers and their spouses attended the coronation ceremony, likewise the neighbouring Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam and his spouse The Raja Isteri who are good friends of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor. Also Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Najib.
Sultan Ibrahim is an avid automobile collector. Allegedly HRH The Prince of Wales gifted a BMW i8 with license plate number “GV64 FKW” to His Royal Highness The Sultan of Johor in honour of his coronation.
For more information:
Coronation ceremony:
http://kemahkotaan.johor.gov.my/galllery/coronation-ceremony-gallery/?lang=en
State of Johor Tazim:
http://www.johor.gov.my/kerajaan/page/dymm_sultan_johor/
The Sultan of Johor is the only Malaysian monarch crowned out of tradition whereas the other eight rulers are installed in investiture ceremonies much like the Dutch monarchs. Likewise in Johor simply a proclamation and an oath of sovereignty are required for the legal succession. However Sultan Abu Bakar (1862 – 1895) commissioned a crown for himself in 1886 to be used at the coronation of his successors; making Johor the first state to have a crown. Celebrations are stretching up to one month; including visits to all the ten districts in the state.
Johor is a constitutional monarchy belonging to the Federation of Malaysia. The ruler is mostly ceremonial whilst political power rests on the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, 15th as head of government of Johor. The state’s capital is Johor Bahru whereas the “royal city” is Muar.
The Temenggong Dynasty rules over Johor since 1855 though the Sultanate dates back to 1528. The Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris (b. 30 June 1984) is Sultan Ibrahim’s eldest son through his consort The Permaisuri Raja (Sultana) of Johor, Zarith Sofiah, who hails from the Sultanic House of Perak.
Malaysia is a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories, out of them nine hold hereditary rulers, these are, Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu. Amongst them a “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” or “Paramount Ruler” is elected every five years to hold the headship of state. The incumbent is the 27th Sultan of Kedah, and 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim.
All Malay rulers and their spouses attended the coronation ceremony, likewise the neighbouring Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam and his spouse The Raja Isteri who are good friends of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor. Also Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Najib.
Sultan Ibrahim is an avid automobile collector. Allegedly HRH The Prince of Wales gifted a BMW i8 with license plate number “GV64 FKW” to His Royal Highness The Sultan of Johor in honour of his coronation.
For more information:
Coronation ceremony:
http://kemahkotaan.johor.gov.my/galllery/coronation-ceremony-gallery/?lang=en
State of Johor Tazim:
http://www.johor.gov.my/kerajaan/page/dymm_sultan_johor/
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.