36th anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran

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36th anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran
  Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in The Hague, hosted a reception on the occasion of his country’s 36th anniversary, which took place at the Ambassador’s residence in Wassenaar.   Dr. Alireza Jahangir delivered a speech which is hereto attached.   ”In the Name of God, The Compassionate, the Merciful Excellences, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen; It is a great honor and deep privilege for me, as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to cordially host and receive you distinguished guests on the occasion of 36th anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Despite all the ups and downs and imposed crisis, the great Iranian nation has been able to demonstrate their capability in the establishment and fortification of an independent, Islamic and democratic political system under the leadership of late Imam Khomeini and wise guidance of the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, over the past 36 years. In order to achieve brighter horizons in their progressive direction, people of Iran, by their vast presence in the presidential election in June 2013, voted to the government of prudence and hope of Dr. Hassan Rouhani with the approach of constructive interaction with the world and other countries.   BW IR 02 web   Ladies and Gentlemen, Following the long and historic relationship between Iran and the Kingdom of The Netherlands, which date back to four hundred years ago, under Dr. Rouhani’s foreign policy and the widespread welcome of international community toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, new and tangible developments have occurred in our bilateral relationship in the political , economic and cultural areas. In January 2014, president Rouhani and Prime Minister Rutte had talked and conferred about bilateral, regional and international issues on the sideline of Davos Forum. Exchange delegations in political and economic arena have followed up and in particular visits of Dutch Nationals tourists to my country to see and enjoy Islamic architecture, beautiful and diverse nature, delicious foods, culture and historic sites and get acquitted with the well-known Persian civilization have almost been tripled last year. With regard to trade and economy between the two countries in 2014, the Kingdom of the Netherland enjoyed the fourth economic partner of Iran in European Union. Distinguished Guests, Please allow me to brief you shortly about the latest developments in the negations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and p5+ 1 on my country’s peaceful nuclear program. As you are well aware, the two sides ( Iran and p5+ 1 ) have made a significant progress over the last 15 months by concluding the Joint Plan of Action on 24 November 2013 in Geneva and holding several rounds of intense negotiations to reach to a comprehensive agreement. The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown its firm belief in constructive engagement and exhibited its good faith in seeking mutually beneficial win -win solution and open new horizons to collectively address much more serious and pressing regional and global challenges in particular violence and terrorism which are threatening our children future across the world. In conclusion, I want to appreciate for your presence and wish you all the best. Thank you very much.”   For pictures please open the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650700822506/     BW IR 20 webRoy Lie Tjam BW IR 04 web  

New In-House Scanning service for Diplomats

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New In-House Scanning service for Diplomats

Diplomatic Card Company introduces In-House Scanning service for diplomats.

Special Report from Diplomat Magazine. Diplomatic Card Company (DCC) specializes in advanced services for diplomats such as a Tax-Free Fuel service and a VAT-service. The company’s main goal is to make the Diplomat’s stay in the Netherlands as comfortable and as hassle-free as possible, by reducing the administrative paperwork to a minimum for the diplomat. Diplomat Magazine had a chat with Manolis Arvanitis, General Manager at Diplomatic Card Company, to explain the In-House Scanning service DCC is providing. “With our fuel card and VAT-free card, diplomats are already able to fuel up VAT- and Tax-free and to purchase goods VAT-free if the amount exceeds the minimum of € 225.00 per quarter. In addition, diplomats and international organisations asked us if we could develop a service system in order to take care of the handling of the VAT-reimbursement of their small tickets and invoices. Before, this reimbursement process was very complicated and time consuming,” Arvanitis explains. “We looked into it with our IT-department and developed a new service which we called In-House Scanning. After the Ministry of Finance approved the principle, we could finalise the system, which is now fully operational.”New Diplomatic Card “The In-house Scanning completely unburdens the diplomats and their staff from the reimbursement process,” Arvanitis continues. “DCC developed the system and takes care of the complete installation at the Diplomat’s or International Organisations’ office after which the Diplomat can get rid of the paperwork by the simple push of a button. They only have to scan their small tickets and they are automatically processed. With this service there is no more need to send invoices or small tickets back and forth in order to get the VAT back. This is not only easier for the diplomats, it also reduces the risks of losing documents. With the In-house Scanning system administration is reduced to a minimum and diplomatic staff is now able to work on more useful matters. Moreover, like with the VAT-free card, we reimburse the diplomat within 48 hours after approval”. “User-friendliness and safety are the main focal points in our services and we make use of the latest technology to put these into practice. We also attach great importance to dialogue and personal contact with our clients and other stakeholders. We try to involve them as much as possible to develop the best services fit for diplomats”. For additional information visit: http://www.diplomaticcard.com/nl/  or contact Diplomatic Card at: Call our Card Centre +31 76 54 87 344 or email info@diplomaticcard.nl

Ottawa receives German Chancellor at the Hill

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Ottawa receives German Chancellor at the Hill

By: Eugene Matos De Lara

Photographer: Brendon Dawson

I had the pleasure of attending the press conference delivered by the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Angela Merkel, upon her arrival to Parliament Hill from Washington D.C. In the magnificent parliamentary press room adorned with German and Canadian flags, Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed the German Chancellor to Canada.

The session focused mainly on the mutual decision to tackle issues in the Ukraine as well as diplomatic relations with Russia.

“Unfortunately, to this point in time Putin has rejected diplomatic means, he seeks to move his agenda forward through military violence,” said Harper.”We have provided a whole range of aid to our friends in Ukraine…we’ll look at all options, but obviously we’ll proceed extremely cautiously in partnership and in collaboration with all of our allies.” Meanwhile, Merkel noted that Germany and Canada have been cooperating on the issue and that she is grateful today’s diplomatic tour has resulted in Canada and the United States’ support in pushing for a diplomatic solution in the Ukraine.

Moreover, the discussion of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis will continue during the G7 meeting in Munich this coming June.

The press room was filled with both Canadian and German news reporters who all took turns asking both leaders questions ranging from issues with ISIS to domestic concerns. In addition, Canada’s encouragement of youth involvement in politics was seen by the large presence of the University of Ottawa Campus Conservative group thatsat in the second row during the welcoming conference.

Dutch government promotes sustainable business in Bangladesh

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Dutch government promotes sustainable business in Bangladesh
    Dutch SMEs that would like to undertake international corporate social responsibility can make use of various services that are made available by the Dutch government. Entrepreneurs were given an overview of the latest developments and opportunities in the rapidly developing country at a well-attended networking event in the Bangladesh House in Wassenaar, the Netherlands, on January 28. Also an investment fund of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs was presented which SMEs can use to finance their trade initiatives. The network gathering had been organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague and the Netherlands Bangladesh Business Platform. This platform is an initiative of the Dutch Embassy in Bangladesh and Nyenrode Business University. The activities of the Business Platform include organizing trade missions for Dutch SMEs. The platform’s website, www.nbb.org, provides information and research reports on doing business in Bangladesh. At the networking event Dutch entrepreneurs were able to meet diplomats from Bangladesh, to discuss best practices and to exchange experiences.   IMG_3686   Opportunities SMEs Through the Business Platform SMEs can benefit from government programs and the extensive network of the helpful embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Which recently was awarded with the Fenedex Embassy Price from various business organizations. Due to excellent information availability and relatively low investment thresholds, trade missions to Bangladesh are a great opportunity for SMEs. SMEs often don’t have the expertise to carry out the process to international trade on their own. The involvement of dignitaries creates opportunities and results in contracts to be signed more quickly. The Dutch SMEs possess much knowledge where Bangladesh companies can benefit from and with which Dutch companies can make profit – for example in the field of IT, logistics, agro-food and water management.   DSC_0701 Investment fund The Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) has been presented at the networking event. This financing fund has been set up by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is designed to support SMEs who do business with developing countries and emerging markets such as Bangladesh. These entrepreneurs often make a major contribution to the economic and social improvement in these countries. Through a revolving fund the DGGF offers tailor made financing to complement private investments or when entrepreneurs aren’t able to get financing through banks.    DSC_0718   From aid to trade   The relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands shifts from traditional development aid to sustainable trade and investments, as declared by Nyenrode’s Professor International Business Strategy, Désiree van Gorp: ‘Research shows great opportunities for Dutch companies in the food production and processing, water management, logistics and IT outsourcing. Due to strong economic growth Bangladesh is less dependent on development projects. Bangladesh offers increasing opportunities for a sustainable economic relationship. Outsourcing with care for people, planet, and profit is a good example of the Dutch agenda for aid, trade, and investments.’      

Suriname Appeals to Diaspora Community

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Suriname Appeals to Diaspora Community
From Carlton Ambassador Hotel. The diaspora plays an important role in Suriname’s ambitions for further economic development. At a seminar in The Hague on 7 February 2015, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Lackin appealed via skype to the diaspora community to contribute to the future development of his country: “Suriname needs you to strengthen its position in the Latin American region. Agriculture, infra, ICT, water management and tourism are priority sectors in which we want to invest your knowledge and expertise.” The well-attended event, organized by the Government of Suriname in cooperation with IOM, was the launch of an appeal by Suriname to engage its worldwide diaspora community. The diaspora has the knowledge, expertise and the financial network Suriname effectively needs to strengthen the country’s development. IOM’s Director General William Lacy Swing stressed diasporas become more important with their contributions to growth in skills and knowledge, trade and investment. “In this era of unprecedented mobility we should remove obstacles and foster fluidity between states. This encourages our transnational citizens to stay engaged in both home and host countries.” To engage the diaspora community, the Embassy of Suriname in the Netherlands will match the availability of the diaspora community in the Netherlands with the needs identified in Suriname. A special website will be set up by the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs.images[1]

Dutch Ministers of Foreign affairs and OPCW’s decision

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Dutch Ministers of Foreign affairs and OPCW’s decision
Diplomat Magazine’s news on MINBUZA. Foreign minister Bert Koenders has expressed support for the decision by the member states of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to condemn the use of chlorine gas in Syria as a violation of international law. He is also pleased with the OPCW’s statement that the perpetrators of the attacks must be held accountable. ‘This is the first time that the OPCW’s Executive Council has reached a consensus on issuing a condemnation. This is a positive development that we can build on,’ said Mr Koenders. The minister had previously expressed his concern about Syria’s repeated and systematic use of chlorine gas as a weapon, arguing that such actions contravene international agreements and cannot be allowed to go unpunished. The European Union has also condemned the use of chlorine gas by the Syrian regime. The use of chlorine gas (or any other chemical substance) as a weapon is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Syria has been a party since October 2013. It is also a violation of UN Security Council resolution 2118. The Netherlands has called on the OPCW to do more to expedite the process of dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons programme. There are a number of former production facilities that must be destroyed, and Syria still has to submit a final report. While satisfied with the destruction of the chemical weapons stocks in Syria, Mr Koenders also stresses the importance of completing the final steps in the process. ‘We have to monitor Syria closely until we are convinced that the chemical weapons programme there has been completely eliminated,’ said Mr Koenders.  

Impact of Ending Dutch Development Support

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Impact of Ending Dutch Development Support

Direct from MINBUZA. In 2010, the Dutch government decided to reduce budgets for development cooperation. Budget cuts had to be realised by reducing the number of countries receiving aid. In addition, the ministry intended to enhance the effectiveness of support by focusing on sectors where the Netherlands would have the highest value added. The minister decided to reduce expenditure to social sectors (especially health, not including SRHR, and education) and to focus more on productive sectors. In November 2012 the government announced new budget cuts as part of a package that aimed at reducing the Dutch budget deficit.

In December 2012, a resolution from Parliament (TK 2012-2013, 33 400-V, no. 45) requested the ministry to analyse the effects of the budget cuts in bilateral aid for developing countries. In a letter to Parliament (TK 2013-2014, 32 605, no. 134) the minister announced that IOB would evaluate the effects of the discontinuation of development cooperation partnership. The evaluation seeks to comply with the request of Parliament, and a positive reaction of the minister, to evaluate the effects of the budget cuts in bilateral aid and complete withdrawal for the countries and programmes involved. The evaluation will focus on the effects of the Dutch phasing out on exit countries, including the impact on programmes and (larger) projects. In addition, the evaluation will assess the impact of budgetary reductions in the health and education sectors.

ICC separates Dominic Ongwen case

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ICC separates Dominic Ongwen case
  ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II separates Dominic Ongwen case from Kony et al. case Single Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, on behalf of Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), severed the proceedings against Dominic Ongwen from the case of The Prosecutor v. Joseph Kony, Vincent Otti, Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen. As the three other suspects in the case have not appeared or have not been apprehended yet, the Chamber deemed it necessary to separate the case so as not to delay the pre-trial proceedings against Mr Ongwen. After having consulted the Prosecutor, the Chamber decided not to proceed against the other three suspects in absentia. Joseph Kony, Vincent Otti and Okot Odhiambo remain at large, almost ten years after the issuance of the warrants of arrest. This decision does not in any way affect the rights of the victims accepted to participate in the case of the Kony et al. case. The Chamber will, in due course and in a separate decision, address the issue of victims’ participation in the Ongwen case.   Decision Severing the Case Against Dominic Ongwen On 16 January 2015, Dominic Ongwen was surrendered to the ICC’s custody and transferred to the ICC Detention Centre on 21 January 2015. His initial appearance before the Court took place on 26 January 2015. The beginning of the confirmation of charges hearing – a preliminary step to decide whether the case will be referred to a trial or not –  in respect of Dominic Ongwen was provisionally scheduled for 24 August 2015. Dominic Ongwen was the alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). On 8 July 2005, ICC Judges issued an arrest warrant against Mr Ongwen for 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder; enslavement; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 4 counts of war crimes (murder; cruel treatment of civilians; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging) allegedly committed on or about 20 May 2004 at the Lukodi IDP Camp in the Gulu District.     
                

            


        

            

            

                

                    
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By George M. Ammerlaan, Chairman Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands.


 


Dutch Consul General Wilfred Mohr Presents Update on Hong Kong in The Hague.


More than sixty guests joined a luncheon meeting at the head office of NIBC Bank on Carnegieplein in The Hague on Monday 2 February to listen to a presentation by the Dutch Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr. Wilfred Mohr. The meeting was organized by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands in cooperation with the Netherlands Hong Kong Society and the NIBC Bank.


 


Click here for photo-album:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650680024461/

 

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Mr. Machiel Jansen Schoonhoven, Director of NIBC Bank, welcomed the guests in their impressive auditorium. In his welcoming remarks he mentioned that the bank performed well in 2014, by focusing on its relationships with customers.

Mr. Hemmy Wong, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, welcomed guests and especially to its members. It was established in 1978 and is world’s oldest Hong Kong association of its kind.

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The Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, George Ammerlaan, briefed the audience about the trade flows between Hong Kong and the Netherlands in 2014. The Netherlands continued to be the third largest market for Hong Kong goods in Europe, after Germany and the UK. Hong Kong’s total exports in 2014 to the Netherlands represented a value of US$ 6.05 billion, up 12.7% compared with 2013.

Ammerlaan also mentioned that Dutch exports to Hong Kong decreased by just 1.7% in 2014 to a value of US$ 3.33 billion. The largest export commodity by far was milk and milk powder (not including butter and cheese). Exports of these products alone represented a value of US$ 1.02 billion.

Given the volume of trade between the Netherlands and Hong Kong, it is clear that the port on the South China coast has not lost its importance or relevance, said Ammerlaan, who added that about 25% of China’s total exports and imports leave or enter China via Hong Kong.

In his well-received keynote speech, Dutch Consul General to Hong Kong Mr. Wilfred Mohr addressed the political developments in Hong Kong in 2014. He focused on the demonstrations in the city that captivated the world for 79 days. Mr. Mohr emphasized on the peaceful and orderly nature of the events. Furthermore, he stressed the framework the new law on universal suffrage must fit in.

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The meeting at the NIBC Bank was concluded with a networking lunch in a meeting room overlooking the Peace Palace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        The Netherlands, my first priority                    
                


                

                    

                    

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                            The Netherlands, my first priority
                        
                    

                
                

                    By Janet Lowe, Ambassador of New Zealand.

Photography: Sharon Reyes, Jurjenz Productions.

I am delighted to be living in The Hague.

In addition to being responsible for New Zealand’s relations with the Netherlands, I am also accredited to Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Holy See, as well as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court and other international legal institutions in The Hague. With just two seconded New Zealand diplomats including myself, we are a small but busy post.

Previous overseas assignments have included Tokyo, Suva and Brussels. Prior to coming to The Hague, I was the Deputy Head of Mission in the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Over the course of my diplomatic career, I have worked on a wide range of issues including trade, human rights, development and the environment as well as New Zealand’s relations with Japan, China, the European Union and Pacific island countries.

The Netherlands is my first priority in The Hague. It is one of New Zealand’s closet and most important partners in Europe. The excellent bilateral relationship is based on shared values underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.

Over 150,000 New Zealanders claim Dutch heritage. There is also a sizeable New Zealand community in the Netherlands. This makes us natural partners and our close ties are exemplified by the fact that we are co-located in Myanmar.

New Zealand also has well-developed economic and trade links with the Netherlands which is an important source of FDI into New Zealand. Working closely with the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Office in Hamburg which covers trade and investment relations for the Netherlands and Nordic region, I hope to see these links develop further.

On 1 January this year, New Zealand took a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. New Zealand’s terms on the Security Council places us at the heart of international decision-making for the next two years. We live in challenging times and the Security Council is currently considering some of the most pressing issues the international community faces including the humanitarian crisis in Syria and other parts of the Middle East and Africa, Ebola and counter-terrorism.

This adds another exciting and challenging dimension to my work as ambassador as New Zealand will be engaging even more closely than before with our Dutch friends and other partners in the region on foreign policy and security issues over the next two years.

It has been 21 years since New Zealand last served on the Security Council. We are ready to serve again and to provide an independent voice at the world’s top diplomatic table.

To learn more about the New Zealand Embassy’s work, visit our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NZthehague

 

 

                 

            


        

    
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