On the picture Ambassadors Ole Moesby from Denmark and Moazam Ahmad Khan from Pakistan. Photography by Ann Daly.By Roy Lie A Tjam
His Majesty the King of Fruits, otherwise known as the Pakistani mango, graced the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in The Hague on Wednesday 22 July 2015.
The 12th Annual Exhibition of Pakistani Mangoes, held under the auspices of the Commercial Wing of the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague and Diplomat Magazine was once again a successful tradeshow and reception. There was ample opportunity to enjoy not only mangoes but also the catering by Anokha restaurant as well as the music.
In his welcome remarks, Commercial Counselor Zahid Ali Abbasi stressed the significant role of the Netherlands when it comes to the importation of Pakistani mangoes into Europe – the Netherlands is the continent’s second largest importer. Moreover, the country is one of the main gateways into to the EU and its single market.
For a photo album on the 12th Pakistani Mango exhibition, please click open here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157654368189164Anokha owner and Pakistani Commercial Counselor Zahid Ali Abbasi .
However, despite its popularity, the Pakistani mango still has advancements to make into the mainstream consumer market in Europe. The fruit is obtainable in the months between May and October, when there is little or no seasonal supply from competitors in the market. With the assistance of the TDAP and USAID, the shelf-life of the mango has been increased to between 35 and 40 days.
The message to the European market is simple – the Pakistani mango is King of Fruits and is here to stay.
Pakistani mango served at Hilton Hotel in The Hague.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Moazam Ahmad Khan, expressed his gratitude to the TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) for its support.
Pakistani mangoes are continuously adding their exotic flavor to the Dutch taste, he said. Increasing the shelf-life of the mango has contributed immensely to the popularity of the Pakistani mango in the Netherlands.
Matthew Blong from Vimpelcom and H. E. Moazam Khan.
Pakistani mangoes are famous for their taste, aroma and color, and are widely considered in Europe, the US and elsewhere as one of the most delicious of all exotic fruit. There are over a hundred varieties of mangoes: chaunsa, sindhri, anwar to name but a few.
H. E. Olexander Horin and his wife Natalia Tymoshenko.
Mango production in Pakistan is a huge business, and they are produced at certified farms and processed in HACCP certified facilities.
Photography by Hans Mooren.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The South African Embassy in The Hague participated and supported the 2015 edition of the Kweku Summer Festival, 17 July – 9 August 2015 at Nelson Mandela Park, Amsterdam.
H.E. Mr. Bruce V Koloane with some participants.“Honour the Life and Legacy of Mr Nelson Mandela”
The Kweku Summer Festival is a grand celebration of cultural diversity and identity. The main ingredients are culture, music, and food of Caribbean, African and Latin American heritage. The average attendance is about 15.000 people per day, and can run up towards 200.000 visitors in the whole festival period.
Kweku is one of the iconic festivals of Amsterdam City Marketing. It is of the same calibre as Holland Festival and the international documentary festival Amsterdam, IDFA.
Amsterdam has had a very special relationship with Madiba and South Africa’s struggle for liberation in that it housed one of the most active anti-Apartheid movements and as such the city was the scene of numerous anti-Apartheid demonstrations during the 1980s. The city also housed the ANC Chief Representative Office in 1989.
Ambassador Bruce V Koloane during the event.
The 2015 edition of the Kweku Summer Festival was opened by Marjorie da Cunha, board member of the festival. In her welcome remarks, Da Cunha not only warmly welcomed the Ambassador of South Africa, Ambassadors, and the MEC of Eastern Cape, but also expressed her gratitude for the very pleasant cooperation in preparing the festival with the Embassy of South Africa.
H.E. Mr. Bruce V Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa, was the next speaker. He was followed by Mr. Sakkies Somyo, MEC for the Province of Eastern Cape, who traveled to Amsterdam with a delegation especially for the festival. Mr. Nelson Mandela himself hailed from the Eastern Cape Province.
July 18th, International Mandela Day, was henceforth officially launched.
The program proceeded with literature, music ‘Berita’, dance, poetry by Diana Ferrus and a fashion show featuring traditional styles from the Eastern Cape. Guests were treated to a range of South African delicacies such as Boerewors, potjie kos, pap and sause.
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Local AD Den Haag newspaper covering Diplomat Magazine´s 2nd Anniversary at World Belair Hotel in June, 2015. Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher, Dr. Eugenio Matos, Minister Counselor at the Dominican Embassy in Buenos Aires, Roy Lie, Editor and some distinguished volunteers, contributing writers and representatives from Diplomatic Card paid a courtesy visit to commemorate this unique event in The Hague.
For a photo-album on this special occasion, please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157652929393794
On the picture Ambassador Chen Xu.By Roy Lie A Tjam.H.E. Mr. Chen Xu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Netherlands, on Thursday July 16 hosted a reception to say farewell to one Political Counselor and welcome his successor.
For a photo album please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656449345265Mr. Liu Chun.Mr. Liu Chun will soon be leaving the Netherlands after serving as the political advisor to Ambassador Chen Xu for the past two years. He is returning to the MFA in China to take up a new post. In his valediction speech, Liu Chun expressed his love of and admiration for the Netherlands and noted that the famous Dutch tulip originates from China, ending up in the Netherlands via Turkey. Political Counselor Liu Chun, Ambassador Chen Xu and the new political Counselor Chen Ribiao.His successor Mr. Chen Ribiaowas welcomed at the same reception. Chen Ribiao is no stranger to the Netherlands. He studied here some twenty years ago, and is fluent in the Dutch language. His entire speech was in Dutch.Along with the departing and arriving Political Counselors, Ambassador Chen Xu applauded the strong relationship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the People’s Republic of China. Ambassador Chen Xu also fondly referred to the historical visit of his President Mr.Xi Jinpingto the Netherlands in order to attend the NIS summit in 2014.
On the picture Ambassador Rajesh Prasad.After two years of dedicated service in The Netherlands, His Excellency Rajesh Prasad, Ambassador of India, left the country to return to his homeland and make the transition from public to private life. A lifelong diplomat, H.E. Mr. Prasad began his career in the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1980. Since then, he has faithfully served his country in Cairo, Riyadh, London, Jakarta, Geneva, Algiers and Accra – a long and distinguished period of service which culminated in his appointment to the prestigious position of Ambassador to the Netherlands.
For a photo album on H. E. Rajesh Prasad farewell, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656292434146H. E. Rajesh Prasad salutes Ambassador of Ghana, H. E. Joe Tony Aidoo.He offered a farewell reception at the Indian residence, where Head of Missions and diplomats from international organizations, academics, former Ministers and Dutch Government officials came together as friends to say goodbye. Ambassador Prasad explained in his ‘au revoir’ speech that he will miss The Hague and his colleagues but that he is willing to go back to his country and dedicate time to his personal life. No entrepreneurial projects, no political plans; he wants to take time for himself after 35 years of a successful career that has brought him from one side of the world to the other.Family and friends came to say goodbye.Even at the Head of one of the most important missions abroad for India, and with a very challenging agenda, “You always manage your very exigent life and work to be able to inspire peace and calm in every moment. We think this is a rare strength you have and the one we will remember the most,” said one of his diplomat friends.
On the picture Ambassador José de Bouza Serrano together with Vesela Mrden Ambassador of Croatia.
Every year on 10th of June, worldwide celebrations take place for the Dia de Portugal that commemorates the death of Luis de Camoes, a significant figure in the nation’s history and author of Lusiadas – the national epic poem that celebrates the achievements of the Portuguese in world exploration during the 16th century.
For a photo album on the National Day of Portugal 2015, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157655938173038H. E. José de Bouza Serrano together with H. E. Timothy Croas, Ambassador of the USA.
2015 was no exception, and a special reception was hosted by His Excellency Jose De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal to the Netherlands. Portuguese expats came in great numbers to show solidarity and affection to their country, together with countless Head of Missions and Dutch Government officials. Many friends of Portugal from the business, Catholic, and student communities were also in attendance, and the enormous Portuguese residence and its gardens were alive with people.
Ambassador De Bouza Serrano took time to talk to every guest, shake hands, and receive warm congratulations from the many attendees at his residence.
H. E. José de Bouza Serrano with the Ambassador of Irak H.E. Dr Saad Abdulmajeed Ibrahim Ibrahim.
On the picture H. E. Héctor Horacio Salvador.
On 25th May, the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina celebrated together with a crowd of Heads of Diplomatic Missions, diplomats, Dutch government officials, expats and friends a warm and welcoming National Day or May Revolution Day to commemorate a seminal moment in Argentine history – the famous May Revolution of 1810 that marked the beginning of South America’s separation from the Kingdom of Spain.
For a photo-album of the National Day of the Republic of Argentina, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653999471715H.E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong Ambassador of Thailand and H.E. Mr Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh with a guest.
In an atmosphere of hospitality, harmony, and patriotism, His Excellency Mr. Héctor Horacio Salvador and his wife Ms. Jane Berger de Salvador, together with all the embassy staff, observed the Revolution Day with music, traditional cuisine, and fine Argentine wine.
Ms. Joan McNamara, Mr. Aldo Cavalli the Apostolic Nuncio together with H. E. Ms María Teresa de Jesús Infante Caffi Ambassador of Chile and guests.
The Ceibo flower, whose spectacular blooming period takes place in May and is the symbol of the May Revolution, was in the hearts and minds of all Argentinean diplomats and staff who shook hands with guests and served chicken empanadas, ‘asado’ (top quality of Argentine beef), a selection of the best of the country’s wines, Malbec from Mendoza, and the sweet ‘dulce de leche’.
On one of the most beautiful days of the summer in the gardens of the Argentinean residence, the National Anthem of the legendary South American country rang out in Wassenaar like a symbol of friendship with The Netherlands.
With a feeling of harmony and self-respect, Argentina observes the Revolution Day with music, colorful march pasts, and traditional cuisines in every territory in which the nation has official representation.
H. E. Héctor Horacio Salvador and his wife Ms. Jane Berger receiving their guests.
This event is given the status of a public holiday in commemoration of all the happenings and major incidents in the history of Argentina leading to the May Revolution and the eventual independence of the country.
The May Revolution is widely seen as the country’s initial step towards autonomy and freedom. The Revolution itself was not a single event but a succession of historical and societal happenings that occurred in Buenos Aires, which resulted in the creation of the longest-standing non-Spanish government in the nation.
Argentinian’s wines.
There was little or no violence during the rebellion itself since many who participated in it hailed from the upper echelons of society. As a result, a self-governing administration was established in the country on 25th May 1810, and has henceforth been known as Revolution Day. In spite of the fact that it was planned as proof of allegiance to the Spanish monarch, the Revolution essentially triggered the course of independence for the country.
Ferdinand VII was reinstated in 1814, however by that time Argentina had tasted too much of Spanish dominance. In 1811, Paraguay had achieved its independence. On July 9, 1816, Argentina officially announced its liberation from Spanish settlers. Under the able guidance of Jose de San Martin, the country defied Spain’s endeavors to recapture it.
On the picture Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong during his speech.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
For the second consecutive year, the Royal Thai Embassy together with the Thai community have brought the Grand Thai Festival to the international city of The Hague.
At 12.00h sharp, Thai Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong declared the festival open. From July 11th to 12th, two days of Thai ambience reigned at the Spuiplein in The Hague.
In his opening address, Ambassador Boonpracong made mention of the various upcoming anniversaries and celebrations, including the King’s birthday and that of the Princess.
The Ambassador also referred to the relationship between his country and the Netherlands which has existed for eons.
The programme included traditional food, beverages, handicraft and more. The performances were as follows:
Thai Traditional Dance: 1) Art Association for Youth 2) Akira Dance Troop
Contemporary music: 1) Spizy Band 2) Chompoo Mhor Lum Zing
Thai Classical music: Thai Music Circle in the Netherlands
Kids show: Thai Language and Culture Foundation in the Netherlands
Kick boxing: 1) Kuemgang Martial Arts Academy 2) Mac Rakkong and Lek’s kick boxing show.
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, his colleagues, and the thousands of others all enjoyed the authentic Thai atmosphere.
Mozart in Den Haag (Mozart in The Hague), 10-15 September 2015Festival celebrates 250 years of Mozart in The Hague and pays homage to the famous composer
One of the most famous visitors to The Hague ever was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Mozart family’s visit to The Hague. The anniversary will be celebrated 10-15 September 2015 with the festival “Mozart in The Hague” in which Mozart’s music is omnipresent – original, modified, ‘applied’ and in concert.
The festival is a reflection of the diversity that characterizes the works of Mozart. Of course there is a prominent role for music. We were able to connect some wonderful performers with the festival, including Johannette Zomer, Ton Koopman and Tini Mathot, Menno van Delft, The Hague Philharmonic conducted by Jan Willem de Vriend, Residentie Bach Choir, The Hague Matrozenkoor and pianist Daria van den Bercken. During the Amadeus contest young talents get a chance to show what they can.
Residents and visitors to the city will be surprised with outdoor music. The carillon is played and wind ensembles will perform arrangements of Mozart’s opera music. There are talks and walks, there is an exhibition in the Historical Museum.
The Foundation Mozart in The Hague was founded in July 2014 and has quickly prepared a varied and contrasting program. It is the desire of the organisation to achieve co-operation and cohesion in the city. Collaboration has been sought and found with the activities of the National Heritage Day and Prinsjesdag Festival, but also existing concert series have been asked to programme their concerts in the festival period around Mozart. The festival provides a platform for professionals and amateurs. Artistic director of the festival is harpsichordist, conductor and composer Jörn Boysen (*1976). The full program and ticket information of the festival is available on www.mozartindenhaag.nl.
You can also follow the festival on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mozartindenhaag) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mozartindenhaag).
See the festival brochure via http://www.mozartindenhaag.nl/nieuws/id/13/23-6-2015/festivalbrochure-online/
In his opening address, Ambassador Boonpracong made mention of the various upcoming anniversaries and celebrations, including the King’s birthday and that of the Princess.
The Ambassador also referred to the relationship between his country and the Netherlands which has existed for eons.
The programme included traditional food, beverages, handicraft and more. The performances were as follows:
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, his colleagues, and the thousands of others all enjoyed the authentic Thai atmosphere.
In his opening address, Ambassador Boonpracong made mention of the various upcoming anniversaries and celebrations, including the King’s birthday and that of the Princess.
The Ambassador also referred to the relationship between his country and the Netherlands which has existed for eons.
The programme included traditional food, beverages, handicraft and more. The performances were as follows:
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, his colleagues, and the thousands of others all enjoyed the authentic Thai atmosphere.
The Foundation Mozart in The Hague was founded in July 2014 and has quickly prepared a varied and contrasting program. It is the desire of the organisation to achieve co-operation and cohesion in the city. Collaboration has been sought and found with the activities of the National Heritage Day and Prinsjesdag Festival, but also existing concert series have been asked to programme their concerts in the festival period around Mozart. The festival provides a platform for professionals and amateurs. Artistic director of the festival is harpsichordist, conductor and composer Jörn Boysen (*1976). The full program and ticket information of the festival is available on www.mozartindenhaag.nl.
You can also follow the festival on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mozartindenhaag) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mozartindenhaag).
See the festival brochure via http://www.mozartindenhaag.nl/nieuws/id/13/23-6-2015/festivalbrochure-online/