Mike Pompeo: Greece is a vital strategic partner and friendly country of the US for cooperation

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Mike Pompeo: Greece is a vital strategic partner and friendly country of the US for cooperation

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta


In a climate of euphoria and positive acceptance for investment opportunities, Greece can play a leading role in the geographical region of the Southeast Mediterranean. The country is shedding its evil self and the previous decade seems now to be a bad dream that is finally in the past.
The occasion for this foreword was an important Forum which was organized for the first time in Greece at the initiative of the Joseph Sassoon Group on Wednesday, September 27, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center entitled “Creating Links” and highlighted the importance of multi-level partnerships between Greece, USA, Cyprus and Israel. Host of the Joseph Sassoon Group, former US Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo.


The Forum aimed to re-attract US businesses and investors to the region, while providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs, startups and micro, small and medium-sized businesses to engage with investors, global industry leaders and senior government officials and to explore possible cooperation and financing opportunities. Mr. Pompeo was the keynote speaker and offered a positive vision for the future in Greece in terms of economic security and stability.
The organization of the American Mediterranean Investment Forum took place at a time when there is a rapid increase in Foreign Direct Investments in Greece, with the result being evident in the overall development of the Greek economy and the confidence shown by foreign investors. Leading figures from Israel and Greece in business, investment and politics attended the Forum. The event was also honored with their presence by the Ambassador of the United States of America to Greece, Mr. Giorgos Tsounis, the Ambassador of Israel, Mr. Noam Katz, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyriakos A. Kenevezos. It was also attended by leading ministers of the government, parliamentarians and officials from the opposition parties, representatives of institutions, organizations, businesses and structures that support the investment and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Greece.
At the core of the topic, which was structured in three panel discussions, were the investment relations between the USA, Greece, Israel and Cyprus in key sectors such as energy, tourism, real estate and technology. The development of business networks in the Mediterranean basin and the encouragement of trade, investment and new business transactions were also at the center of public discussions.


David Sasson, president of the Sasson foundation: the investment world of the West will come to Greece – two major projects will take place in the country
The Forum was opened by David Sassoon, who announced that the project for the construction of an innovation park, with laboratories and offices, in Thessaloniki, next to the city’s airport, is in the final stretch. The construction will start by the end of the year and will be completed by the first half of 2026. In particular, it became known that Sasson will build a research center in Greece, focusing on artificial intelligence, computing, while an invitation was sent to Israeli entrepreneurs with companies innovation, so that they have access to the European market. As he said, this is an investment of 15 million dollars.
The group’s second investment in Greece will be in collaboration with the University of Maine and will concern technological products related to construction and infrastructure, such as bridge support, etc. Investment worth $5 million, as reported.
Then, referring more broadly to the investment opportunities of the Mediterranean region, David Sassoon proceeded to estimate that the investment world of the West will come to invest. He underlined the need to create an investment vision for the region and suggested solving issues of double taxation and harmonization of tax incentives across the region, training human capital with modern skills.
As he said, the countries of the region represent 15% of the world’s GDP and 52% of the world’s population by 2050 and that they were not on the “radar” of Western investors in previous years. He also noted that there is scope for investment as there is a low level of development. If the per capita income doubles by 2030 we will reach a GDP increase of 25%. Capital investments are very low, he additionally observed. In this context, he underlined the need for foreign investments on the one hand and the utilization of investment opportunities and financial tools on the other. Finally, he identified as a risk for investors the inflationary outbreaks in many countries of the region.

It is noted that David Sassoon’s family originates from Thessaloniki. “My grandmother and my father were born in Greece” he said and brought to his memory moments from his childhood and his visits to our country. The ties between Greece and the USA are close, said former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaking at the 1st American Mediterranean Investment Forum, organized by the Joseph Sassoon Group at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. “We have always considered Greece a NATO center for the region” he said and underlined that Greece is the best place for someone to invest and bring prosperity.

George Tsounis, US Ambassador: Greece a pillar of stability in a region that has a lot of instability

Afterwards, the American ambassador to Greece, Mr. Giorgos Tsounis, spoke, who expressed the belief that strong economies lead to prosperity and ultimately to peace. Regarding Greece, he said that it has recorded great economic progress and that it has attracted significant investments. In particular, he said that Greece has recorded a 6 billion dollar surplus in the first 8 months of the year and is a country open to investment and said that there is great investment interest from American companies. He made special reference to the energy and logistics sectors. In fact, he appeared confident that Greece’s best days are ahead.
Focusing on the energy role of Greece, he said that it is a hub of the region and announced that the US will continue to support Greece. As he said, “Greece will be the energy access country that will allow Europe to get off Putin’s back.” Extending his reasoning, he said that Greece is a guarantor of stability in the region. He emphasized the energy role of Greece. It is an energy hub in Europe, which is very important, he said. Finally, Giorgos Tsounis emphasized that Greece can be a gateway with its ports which play an important role and help the regions that need it.



Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State: The ties between Greece and the US are close – Greece is an amazing place to invest.

The ties between Greece and the USA are close, emphasized former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaking at the 1st American Mediterranean Investment Forum, organized by the Joseph Sassoon Group at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. “We have always considered Greece a NATO center for the region” he said and underlined that Greece is the best place for someone to invest and bring prosperity.
At the same time, the 70th US Secretary of State did not fail to mention trade relations and emphasized the energy prospects of the region. He suggested the need to observe rules in bilateral and international relations. At the same time, he sent the message that “we should be ready, faster , in proper ways to protect any sovereign state, so that no one bad can usurp a country.”
In particular, he referred to the need to resolve conflicts through diplomatic channels and recounted the role he had as foreign minister. “Collectively, we did a good job,” he said, giving a brief account of his tenure at the helm of the State Department. He made special reference to economic development, saying it guarantees security and prosperity. “Everything is connected to the GDP of the countries,” he added. Referring to his contacts with Putin, Mike Pompeo confided that they joked about the KGB and the secret services.
He said Putin had the vision to rebuild the great Russian empire, while expressing confidence that normalcy would return. “Our allies know that we will always be by their side,” he emphasized.
He further said that Russia and China have stronger ties today than they did three years ago, noting that it is a relationship of necessity. However, he estimated that there are so many frictions between them that they will move in the opposite direction as soon as the opportunity presents itself and they will not remain friends. “These two leaders will not be able to become close friends,” he said.
Finally, he referred to tonight’s debate of the Republican presidential candidates, saying that he is glad to be in Athens and the time will not be convenient to watch it. to speak at the first American-Mediterranean Investment Forum (1st American Mediterranean Investment Forum) organized at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation by the Joseph Sassoon Group. Referring to US relations with Greece and the Mediterranean, he characterized them as important and emphasized not only issues security but also economy and spoke of common prosperity.
Asked about the EastMed project, the 70th US Secretary of State said significant progress has been made but much work remains to be done. However, he emphasized that the good news is that the opportunities he saw as foreign minister have not changed, they still remain, for the Eastern Mediterranean. In particular, he said that the people of this region work hard, the geography, the infrastructure present huge economic opportunities, creating many jobs, much wealth
Furthermore, he expressed the hope that the President of Turkey would follow the path of dialogue, pointing out that this expectation was also during his tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that is, for dialogue and not confrontation. He added that Erdogan was re-elected and has economic challenges and said he hopes to face them and become a good partner not only in the region but also in NATO. He has the ability to do so, he pointed out.
Asked about the F-16s, the former Secretary of State said he tries to stay out of politics, stressing that the US has excellent cooperation with Greece and Cyprus and that NATO has an important role. Finally, answering a question about the case with Sen. Robert Menendez, said the Justice Department will clear it up, noting that the allegations are very serious when a senior American official is accused of these things.

States ensure peace when they cooperate, emphasized US Ambassador George Tsounis in his greeting at the 1st American Mediterranean Investment Forum organized by the Joseph Sassoon Group, with the 70th US Secretary of State as the keynote speaker. A. Mike Pompeo. At the same time, he underlined the need for international cooperation and declared that “we must be on Ukraine’s side” because another Putin should not follow.


Noam Katz, ambassador of Israel: Greece and Cyprus are valuable partners of Israel
Greece is a gateway to Europe and Israel is a powerful force in the Middle East, emphasized Israel’s ambassador to Greece Noam Katz, speaking on a panel at the 1st American Mediterranean Investment Forum organized by the Joseph Sassoon Group.

He characterized Greece and Cyprus as Israel’s valuable partners in the region. He stated that Greece-Israel relations are strategic and strong. Regarding energy, he said that today liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the preferred alternative and the interest of Israel is focused on finding a safe port for its entry into Europe and in Greece there is infrastructure, while referring to the electrical interconnection plan of the three countries. According to Noam Katz, there is a growing business potential in Greece and Israeli investors have given Greece a vote of confidence.

Türkiye and the Netherlands: Long History, Strong Future

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Türkiye and the Netherlands: Long History, Strong Future

By H.E. Mr. Selçuk Ünal, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Netherlands

Diplomatic relations between the Dutch Republic and the Ottoman Empire was initiated when the States-General of the Dutch Republic sent its first resident envoy, Cornelius Haga, to the Sublime Porte in Istanbul in 1612. The Ottoman Empire reciprocated over two centuries later by sending its first resident envoy to the House of Orange-Nassau, Yahya Karaca Pasha, in 1859.

However, Turkish-Dutch relations go way back than 1612; perhaps as much as by a hundred years. Dutch tradesmen were frequently visiting the Ottoman shores long before the establishment of diplomatic ties. Thus, the first tulip was brought from Istanbul to Amsterdam by one of these merchants in 1560. The first diplomatic mission was sent to Istanbul in 1561 whereas the first envoy had arrived to Ottoman Empire in 1569. As a result, in the second half of the 16th century, history recorded the assistance given by the Ottoman Navy during the Dutch War of Independence. A hamlet in the municipality of Sluis in Zeeland was named as Turkeye by Prince Maurice of Orange in 1604, in recognition of those Ottoman sailors helping the Dutch. Following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1612, Turkish-Dutch relations have witnessed a steady growth in the following centuries.

Türkiye has always attached special importance to its relations with the Netherlands. It was not a coincidence that following the establishment of the modern Republic of Türkiye in 1923, one of the first friendship agreements was concluded with the Netherlands in 1924.

In post war era, Türkiye and the Netherlands shared common perspectives regarding cooperation in multilateral fora. Our nations founded the Council of Europe, became staunch NATO Allies, worked together in the OSCE and the OECD, among others. Two countries promoted a vision of international peace, security, stability and development on a global scale.

Turkish-Dutch Labor Agreement was signed in this era in 1964. Thanks to this agreement, Turkish guest workers which founded the Dutch-Turkish community started to contribute significantly to the Dutch economy in transforming it into the welfare state of today. Based on this strong history, today Türkiye and the Netherlands have come a long way in their relations since 16th century for a strong future.

Our countries share the political will and determination to overcome issues arising not only among themselves, but also on a broader scale. We have a variety of dialogue mechanisms, bringing several ministries and agencies together regularly. Turkish-Dutch Bilateral Wittenburg Conferences commenced in 2008 provide an important additional platform for the two countries to exchange views, have consultations and further enhance their cooperation.

We share a bilateral trade volume exceeding 10 billion Euros. In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), the Netherlands is the biggest investor in Türkiye. Likewise, Turkish investments in the Netherlands are also at the top in terms of worldwide Turkish FDI.

We are also proud to have hosted 1.2 million Dutch friends in their holidays last year.

Türkiye and the Netherlands today stand side-by-side in international missions such as Afghanistan, the Balkans, and UN peace keeping missions worldwide like Somalia and work together in international fora. Their shared vision is based on effective multilateralism, and prevention of conflicts through diplomacy. Türkiye is determined to exert every effort not only for our common interests, but also for mutual solidarity, dialogue and cooperation. In face of multitude challenges like armed conflicts, terrorism, radicalism, racism and discrimination, Türkiye and the Netherlands are cognizant that no single country is able to overcome those issues on their own. That is why, we are working together with a vision of a rules-based international system.

The EU member Netherlands and a candidate country for full membership Türkiye, could cooperate more on sustainable development, energy, green transformation, climate change, food security, poverty, cross-border crime and irregular migration in the face of global challenges to secure a more prosperous future.

Last, but not the least, I would like to thank for the support and solidarity that Netherlands has extended to Türkiye in the immediate aftermath of my arrival to the Hague – 5 days before the devastating earthquakes of 6 February 2023. Dutch participation to the relief efforts, aid to the victims of the disaster by deployment of the Urban Search and Rescue Team, military airborne Medevac Unit and numerous NGOs were welcomed with gratitude. Like the Turkish aid to the Dutch during the floods in 1916, 1953 and 2021, the gracious donations of the Dutch government, business circles and public, including those of the Turkish-Dutch community, will never be forgotten.

This year the Republic of Türkiye is celebrating its centennial anniversary. Just like the steady growth of Turkish-Dutch relations throughout centuries, the Republic of Türkiye has come a long way in every sense since its founding in 1923. We are determined to further utilize the enormous potential existing in our relations with the Netherlands, both in terms of mutual bilateral benefit and cooperation on the global scale.

Preserving Heritage: The Porcelain Tower, Nanjing, China

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Preserving Heritage: The Porcelain Tower, Nanjing, China

By Richard T. Griffiths

Whilst teaching a summer course at Ocean University, Qingdao, I took a road-trip with my archaeologist colleague, Sarah Ward, to Nanjing to see for ourselves the city portrayed in the first site in the Silk Road Virtual Museum.

Nanjing was famous for its Porcelain Tower, described as one of the wonders of the medieval world, commissioned by the Yongle Emperor (1402-1424 CE) to honour his mother and eventually destroyed during the Taiping rebellion in 1856. We had heard mixed reactions to the rebuilt tower and the museum surrounding it, so decided to see for ourselves.

The site of the tower was on the south banks of the Qinhai River, just beyond the city walls. There had been a Buddhist temple on or near the site continuously since the third century CE and, since the eleventh century CE the temple had boasted a nine-storey pagoda/tower. In 1406, however, the tower was destroyed by fire and six years later, the Yongle Emperor ordered the construction of its replacement on the site, also known as Bao’ensi (meaning “Temple of Gratitude”).

It took 100,000 labourers seventeen years to complete the entire project. The Yongle Emperor died before its completion. The octagonal tower was almost 80 metres high and constructed of white porcelain bricks and decorated with colourful Buddhist tiles. The tower shimmered in the sunlight and, at night, the oil laps, hanging from the eves, twinkled in the dark. By all accounts, it was sensational. In 1665 readers in the West were able to see the building for the first time.

Entrance to the Museum

Entrance to the Museum

The rebuilt tower is still an imposing structure as you approach it from the road. We were pleased to see that although the structure of the tower remained faithful to the original, no attempt had been made to imitate the exterior decoration. The exterior netting allowed it to glow in the evening sun, as we viewed it during a short river ‘cruise’ and I was quietly pleased we left before the ‘light show’.

There was a short queue to enter the museum and it was interesting to see that some people still ‘dress-up’ for a museum/temple visit, though evidently there was no consensus on what constituted an appropriate style.

‘No agreement on appropriate style’

Once inside, passing by the water course and bridge, it was clear that we were in an archaeological site. The one remaining stele made clear the difference between the original and reconstructed elements, and no attempt had been made to replicate the missing stele on the opposite side of the complex. All the uncovered surfaces over what had been temple halls were left in situ, and glass passage ways allowed visitors unencumbered access to all the exposed public areas.

Every effort was made to avoid compromising the original, to the extent that, when providing visitors the impression of a colonnaded hallway, the columns were hung from the roof to avoid them touching the floor. Sarah was fulsome in her appreciation – fully consistent with best archaeological practice.

The colonnaded hallway

The contextualisation of the site was also excellently done with explanatory panels (also in English) maquettes, models, and multi-media presentations. The problem came with the historical artefacts on display. Let’s take the example of the entry portal to the original tower, beautiful and large as life.

Entry Portal to the Porcelain Tower

The problem with this is that there is an identical one in the Nanjing Municipal Museum. Which one is real? Judging by the state of the tiles on display, actually recovered from the site, probably neither. But once doubt is fostered over the providence of one artifact, doubt begins to spread. Knock on the side of the impressive ‘jade’ fountains and you discover that they are made of resin – OK, no signs says they are actually jade, but what are they doing there? We are looking at some Ming porcelain on display, with no explanation as to why it should be there, when a visitor walks past and murmurs ‘all fakes’ in a loud voice and gives us a huge wink.

The next part of the museum was devoted to Buddhism. I am not a Buddhist and what I write in the paragraph is not intended to be offensive. I am simply telling what we saw. The panels explaining the main elements in the religion and their symbolism is accurate and reflective, and the bronze and gold statues are well presented. In the next room there are several white, oversized, seated and reclining Buddha statues, alternately lit in blue and white gaudy lighting that reflects off the mirrored walls. To reach the ‘partner’ room of the other side, you walk through a brightly lit tunnel with ‘silk road’ type scenes and pastel ceiling, evidently catering for children.

A winter wonderland paradise

And it is the children who can offer the only plausible explanation of what came next – winter wonderland paradise with mother-and-babe statues nested in the rolling countryside, unthreatening and at peace, while a computer graphic changing universe is projected on the back wall. The final stage in the trail of Buddhist representation comes underneath the tower itself. There, in an impressive octagonal space is a gigantic lotus-leaf cupola, protecting a golden shrine. Below, several people are in deep contemplation or prayer. Real or not, it offers peace and solace to some seeking it.

The lotus canopied room

It is difficult to know what to make of the museum. The state of archaeological preservation is first class and the historical context is well and imaginatively presented. I could even accept the use of replicas, if only they were clearly presented as such. The second part of the museum was clearly not designed for me. If people get understanding or pleasure from it, it evidently serves its purpose for them. And the tower itself – magnificent. Our last memory was observing it from the river, basking in the evening sunset.

A final view. In the evening sunset

The Porcelain Tower is featured in the Virtual Museum. I will be replacing the existing video with one of my own.

You can see everything at https://silkroadvirtualmuseum.com

Everything happens for a reason

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Everything happens for a reason

By Alexandra Paucescu

‘Everything happens for a reason’… I always believed that… and it is one of Beatriz Piza’s sayings too, by which she guides her life, while embracing the wisdom and sense of purpose within it.

From her Dutch home she talked to me about her life now, together with her diplomat husband, Arnoldo, and 24 year-old daughter, Sofia, but also about how she sees her future.

She proudly portraits herself as a ‘mom, wife, architect and site developer’. Born in Madrid from a Spanish mother and a father from Costa Rica, she grew up within a fun, large, loving family, who still see each other weekly. She studied architecture/urbanism while working since she was 17. She opened her own consulting firm before graduating and got involved from architectural projects and coastal resort development, to real estate mega-projects and tourist marinas.

Ms. Piza tells me that architecture has been her lifelong passion: ‘I always wanted to be an architect. My 3rd   grade notebooks were full of house plans and I was fascinated with buildings and how people moved and lived within them. I strongly believe spaces should inspire people to function at their best, to grow and evolve. But I did think of astronomy at some point’.

She enjoys travelling, writing, playing the guitar, drawing, ballet, learning about ancient civilizations, philosophies and religions, but most of all, she enjoys getting to know people. She lived in New York during her teenage years, while her father was ambassador of Costa Rica to the UN. New York is dear to her heart and so is Spain, but she is totally in love with Costa Rica, home to family and friends, ‘with its beaches, volcanoes, forests, fauna, the “Ticos” (Costa Ricans) and “Gallo Pinto” (rice & beans)’. She adds: ‘Home is also where your heart is, so first and foremost, mine is always where Arnoldo and Sofia are’. 

When it comes to talking about The Netherlands, her current country of residence, she says candidly: ‘we arrived here almost three years ago and we have enjoyed it immensely’. Although it is her first time as a diplomatic spouse, she fully enjoys her role and understands its dynamics. As part of the Administrative Committee of the Ambassador’s Spouses Association (ASA) for over 2 years, she is a very active member of the diplomatic community in The Hague. Having the former recollections of being a diplomatic child abroad, she reflects on both experiences: ‘I feel that the international diplomatic community is very open, friendly and warm.

Communication and conflict resolution are the keys. We support each other, building wonderful friendships along the way, lasting beyond our posts. If I compare it to my father’s post at the UN, I believe that now diplomatic life is less formal and more agile, due to technological advances in IT, which facilitate communication at all levels. I also admire that now there is more participation of female ambassadors. Meanwhile, I think people should know that diplomatic spouses are down-to-earth persons, who struggle just like anyone else. Spouses support and respect the key roles their diplomat partners play. Most of them sacrifice and leave behind brilliant professions and careers, so I would like people to admire their adaptability, their intelligence and comprehension of the world we live in, as well as the challenges we all face’.

Sophia, Beatriz and Arnoldo Brenes, Ambassador of Costa Rica.

Arriving in The Hague during Covid times, Ms. Piza also found time and determination to finish a Master´s Degree in Project Management, studying online, most of the time at late hours into the night. ‘It was a life-long dream of mine. I strongly believe it is never too late, so I was able to graduate with the incredible support of my family and so many others, as well. Having completed that dream, I see myself in the future teaching others about my passions: site analysis and master planning, sustainable design and development’.

Ms. Piza enjoys her time in the Netherlands and she considers herself incredibly lucky to be living this experience together as a family. ‘I am grateful that our daughter is able to be with us, to share in person our experiences and anecdotes, while she grows and evolves on her own path. It is a blessing we do not take for granted. But I do have one regret though, about not learning to speak Dutch as soon as we arrived, since I had to focus on my Master’s Degree. To me, learning the local language of the country that so kindly hosts us is a sign of respect, but it would also allow me to connect more with its people, enriching my understanding of the Dutch culture. Thankfully, it is never too late to begin’.

In the wisdom of her life motto, she understands there is a purpose in all things that happen to us, while being aware that sometimes some may not be convenient as well. She states: ‘In the end, it is up to us, we need to work hard to make dreams a reality and not just expect that they will come our way’.

As the saying goes… ‘Happy are those who dream, and are ready to pay the price to make dreams come true…’



About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu

Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

IWA’s 45th ‘Sapphire’ anniversary

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IWA’s 45th ‘Sapphire’ anniversary

By Alexandra Paucescu

The story of IWA Bucharest (International Women’s Association), one of the oldest and most respected charity associations in Romania, began in 1978, at a time when contact and friendships with foreigners were closely monitored and generally discouraged by the communist regime in the country.

The brave and visionary initiative of Evelyn Zivetz, the wife of the US cultural attaché at the time, saw the light of day and laid the foundations of what IWA is today. While at the beginning the main function of the informal association was to provide a social network among the diplomatic spouses posted in Bucharest, it also offered the framework to get in touch with Romanian society, even if it was strictly monitored by the communist regime of those days.

Though IWA was not granted legal status until 1999, it also had, from the very beginning, a humanitarian component, making donations and charitable contributions in the name of its members.

Today, IWA (a charitable, non-profit and apolitical organization), continues this proud legacy of cultural and charitable practices, where its more than 100 members, women coming from different countries, can find unity in friendship and common goals, while also contributing financially and voluntarily to different charity projects.

Delia Sfetcu, the first Romanian to ever be President of IWA over its 45 years of existence, talked about the past, present and future of the association.

‘The purpose of IWA is to promote friendship, to give our foreign members the possibility to share their cultural values while offering also a unique experience about Romania, introducing them to the life and culture of my country’.

Romania IWA’s Anniversary

‘I first joined IWA in 2015, after I had participated as a volunteer and sponsor to the annual Christmas Bazaar, our main yearly event, which raises significant amounts each time. After seeing firsthand how the funds raised for charity were used and how much good could be done for so many people, I decided to get more involved and become a full member of the association. IWA has this gift, to win your heart and make you want to help, to take initiatives, to get more active. Over the years, IWA has helped and sponsored social projects of some of the most notorious foundations and associations in the country. OvidiuRo, Hospice Casa Sperantei, SOS Children’s Villages, Casa Ioana are just a few of those. It’s a long way from the first projects, 45 years ago, when money was sent to help some needy children in India…  

IWA is now one of the longest-lived associations in Romania, with a prestigious reputation, hard to match. I am proud of everything the association has achieved in all these years and I wish that in my mandate we lay the foundations for long-lasting projects and practices, which will remain for years to come. “Coffee mornings” became some of the most attended events and we are so excited to see that the speakers that we have invited had such a great impact! “Cultural Kaleidoscope” is one of my initiatives, which I wish to be maintained even after I will no longer be president of the association. ”Discover Romania “is also a project very dear to my heart. Romania is so beautiful and deserves to be discovered and appreciated at its true value!’

IWA Romania

In fact, it is also one of the reasons why, in recent years, the association established a committee consisting of 3 permanent members (Delia is one of them), to ensure the stability and continuity of the association in time and respect for its values, long-term goals and vision, regardless of board and management members, who keep changing regularly.

During her term as president, together with her team (especially, IWA’s vice president, Gillian Adamson and Carmen Barta, Treasurer and Membership Chair) , Delia put all the past professional training and entrepreneurial experience to work and contributed significantly to the growth of the association’s presence in the local media and its overall results and reputation. 2022 had the most successful Christmas Bazaar in the history of IWA, with over 3,000 visitors.

In order to properly mark the 45th anniversary of the association, the IWA board decided to organize on October 7th 2023, a large charity gala, with more than 130 international guests.

‘It is intended to be a special celebration, with the participation of numerous members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Bucharest, a long list of ambassadors but also with the participation of guests from abroad, from other similar associations in Europe. Meanwhile, the event is designed to be a grand charity gala. The funds we raise will then be donated in full to “Casa Ioana” foundation in Bucharest. It will be a charity auction but also an occasion for good cheer, celebration of international values ​​and friendship, a black-tie party in a select setting hosted by Grand Hotel Bucharest (the former iconic Intercontinental Hotel) in the city center. I would especially like to thank our sponsors, Kultho Diamonds and Bentley, who contributed, together with IWA and the hotel, to the realization of this ambitious project. It will definitely be a memorable evening!’

Happy anniversary, IWA Bucharest!


About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu

Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

Commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of the Establishment of the People’s Republic of China

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Commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of the Establishment of the People’s Republic of China

Reception of the Chinese Embassy for the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Athens.

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta

On September 26, the Embassy of China in Greece held a reception for the National Day of China on the occasion of the celebration of the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The event was attended by the former President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the former Prime Minister George Papandreou, the Minister of Development Konstantinos Skrekas, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece and coordinator of China’s cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe Costas Fragogiannis, the President of the Academy Athens Michael – Konstantinos Stathopoulos, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Spyros Kapralos et al. officials, a total of more than 500 people from the circles of shipping, science and technology, culture, media, members of foreign diplomatic missions and representatives of the Chinese community in Greece.

In his speech, H.E. Ambassador Xiao Juncheng said that over the past 74 years under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have successfully followed a new path – the Chinese road to modernization – and freed the country from poverty by transforming in the world’s second largest economy, it is now moving towards the realization of the second goal of the centenary, namely the building of a modern and strong socialist country in every respect.

Today’s China has emerged as an advocate of world peace and a driving force for mutual development. In recent years, President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Culture Initiative, offering Chinese solutions to effectively address global challenges, innovate global governance, and advance human progress. culture. Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping proposed building an all-human community with a shared future, offering Chinese wisdom at the service of all people so that they can walk together to protect the planet and build a bright future of shared prosperity.

Today, the Chinese government released a white paper entitled “Working Together to Build an Inclusive Community with a Shared Future: China’s Initiatives and Actions” which details the ideas and actions for building an inclusive community with a common future. future, with the aim of better understanding on the part of the international community and the achievement of a wider consensus. China and Greece, two ancient civilizations, must further join forces to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning between cultures, contributing to building a universal human community with a common future. Today’s China is still a driving force of global growth.

In response to the recent noise created by some Western media and institutions defaming the Chinese economy, Ambassador Xiao Juncheng presented concrete economic data, stressing that despite the uncertainty that characterizes the global economy and complex geopolitical phenomena, the Chinese economy has the confidence and capabilities to ensure stable and long-term growth, contributing once again to global economic growth.
Ambassador Xiao Juncheng pointed out that this year is the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the 5th anniversary of the signing of the cooperation agreement between the governments of China and Greece under the Initiative.

From January to August this year, our countries’ total trade volume exceeded $9.6 billion, an increase year-on-year, with Greece remaining China’s fourth-largest trading partner among Central Asian countries. and Eastern Europe. There are great prospects for bilateral cooperation in transportation, renewable energy, information technology, green development and other fields, as well as excellent cultural exchanges. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to continue to strengthen the alignment of its development strategies with Greece, build together the high-quality One Belt One Road Initiative, promote bilateral and mutually beneficial cooperation so that it yield richer results and together upgrade their overall strategic partnership.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for economic diplomacy and external affairs, Costas Fragogiannis, also addressed a speech on behalf of the Greek government and warmly congratulated China on its national holiday, while he specifically referred to Sino-Greek relations and the achievements of our mutually beneficial cooperation in recent years, looking forward to further strengthen practical cooperation in the future in trade, energy, tourism, agriculture, science, technology and other fields. He also stated that the “One Belt, One Road” Initiative, which has its roots in the ancient Silk Road, has enriched the overall strategic partnership of our countries, offering new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations and economic and trade cooperation.

He also expressed confidence that based on mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual understanding we will continue to work to expand and deepen our partnership for the benefit of our peoples.

The reception took place in a warm, friendly and festive atmosphere. Chinese and foreign guests and friends expressed their warmest wishes for the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and wished China and Greece prosperity, Sino-Greek relations to flourish and friendship between our peoples to live long.

The reception took place in a warm, friendly and festive atmosphere. Chinese and foreign guests and friends expressed their warmest wishes for the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and wished China and Greece prosperity, Sino-Greek relations to flourish and friendship between our peoples to live long.

Saudi Arabia 93rd anniversary in the Hellenic Republic

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Saudi Arabia 93rd anniversary in the Hellenic Republic

Reception of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 93rd anniversary

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta

On September 25, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Greece held a reception for the National Day of Saudi Arabia in Athens on the occasion of the celebration of the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the country.

The event was attended by a large number of people from the political world such asthe Minister of National Defense Mr. Nikos Dendias, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Costas Fragogiannis, the Chief of the General Staff of National Defense Mr. Konstantinos Floros, the former Minister of Justice and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Costas Tsiaras as well as guests from the state world and the area of culture.

In his speech the ambassador of Saudi Arabia H.E. Dr. Saad Alammar, stated that the theme of this year’s National Day is “We dream and achieve”. The phrase is a strong reflection of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which covers far-reaching economic, social and cultural reforms, providing a better quality of life for those living in Saudi Arabia and a supportive business environment for local and foreign investment.
It is the story of the transformation of the Kingdom that is reflected in the Mega projects that the Kingdom is betting on in its Vision.
The reforms have touched every aspect of the social life of the people of the Kingdom, both public and private. It is a journey towards a future full of opportunities for the citizens of the Kingdom and for international companies and investors.

And he continued by saying:
“Your Excellency, our distinguished guests, It is indeed my privilege to welcome you all this evening to celebrate our 93rd National Day.

Every year Saudi Arabia celebrates this day to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom on 23 September 1932 and its establishment at the hands of His Majesty King Abdulaziz bin Abdulahman Al Saud. Dear guests, we are here tonight to celebrate our National Day and our historic and close friendship that has bound Greece and Saudi Arabia for years.
Three years from now, Saudi Arabia and Greece will celebrate a century of diplomatic recognition that began in 1926 when the first Greek diplomatic delegation was sent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since then, the two countries and their peoples have enjoyed friendly relations and interaction.
This year, in 2023, we celebrate another milestone in our diplomatic relationship and cooperation. It is 60 years since our Embassy opened in Athens in 1963. With the opening of the Embassy, our bilateral relations and mutual cooperation grew and continue to develop.
In recent years, bilateral relations between our two countries have gained tremendous momentum. The visit of the Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Riyadh in 2021, and the visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Athens in 2022 confirmed the strategic nature of the Saudi-Greece relationship, his best level.


The strategic character of our bilateral relations is clearly seen in the close and continuous coordination and support in international organizations. As we know, Saudi Arabia has officially submitted its bid to host the World Expo 2030. This is a strategic priority for Saudi Arabia and we really appreciate the support we received from Greece in this matter and we are grateful for the support of its bid of Saudi Arabia.
Dear friends, I would like to conclude by emphasizing the fact that Saudi Arabia highly values its relations with Greece. There are great opportunities and huge gain for both countries to cooperate and be closer.
This will not only be good for the two countries, but also for the region as a whole. Thank you so much for joining us on this special occasion and God bless you all.”

At the reception, videos with tourism content from Saudi Arabia were shown. The festive atmosphere was completed with musical sounds from the East and the distinguished guests enjoyed varieties of rich culinary meals worthy of the country’s name.

Orange Grove is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is under the patronage of the Dutch Embassy in Athens.

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Orange Grove is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is under the patronage of the Dutch Embassy in Athens.

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta

Orange Grove, an initiative of the Dutch Embassy in Greece, is going to celebrate its ten years of success, on Thursday 5 October 2023, 14.00 – 19.00, at the Auditorium of the Vassilis and Eliza Goulandris Foundation (Eratosthenous 13, 11635 Athens) with a discussion panel entitled “Working together on a sustainable and innovative future”.

It has been ten years since the start of operation of the Orange Grove innovative entrepreneurship incubator, a decade of empowerment and support for the Greek startup community. Many were the really interesting and innovative initiatives of the new startups that “passed” through Orange Grove during this time and managed to evolve and continue their upward trajectory until today. We want to share with you the joy of our success and our plans for the future, in a special event with eminent guests of the field.

The event (14:00-19:00), with the theme “Working together on a sustainable and innovative future”, will include interesting discussions in 4 panels in total and at the same time, will offer the opportunity to network with executives and companies from the community of innovation and sustainability. Discussions will focus on building business ecosystems, creating impact through entrepreneurship, networking with universities and the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The Ambassador of the Netherlands in Greece, Susanna Terstal, will address a greeting, while the presenter of the anniversary event will be the Deputy of the Dutch Embassy, Maurits ter Kuile.

The first panel (15:00-16:00) will highlight the evolution of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Greece over the last ten years. The panel speakers will be: Alexandra Choli – Partner at EPAGON.VC, Serena Davis – Co-founder of HippoSeeds & lead trainer at Orange Grove, John Fox – Senior UI engineer iOS at Netflix, Miltiadis Gouzouris – CEO at HVA International (Est . 1879), Yiannis Nikolopoulos – Co-founder & CEO at Clio Muse S.A. The discussion will be moderated by the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Greece, Susanna Terstal.

The next discussion panel will follow (16:00-16:45) on the purpose of entrepreneurship, its impact and the role of technology in climate change, with the following participants: Christos Apostolopoulos – Total Quality (SHEQA), Food Safety & Dairy Affairs Manager at FrieslandCampina Hellas, Yiannis Georgakellos – Communications & Corporate Affairs Director at Athens Brewery, Spyros Kouvelis – Team Leader EU-GCC Cooperation on Climate Change & Energy / Senior Associate at the Institute for Sustainability Leadership of the University of Cambridge, Giorgos Stegos – Founder & CEO at Cyclefi, while the coordinator will be Marissa Antonopoulou – COO at Action Finance Initiative.

The third panel (17:15-18:00) will focus on connecting research with entrepreneurship by delving into the importance of university ecosystems. The speakers of the panel will be: Christina Deligianni – Policy & Programs Director at the EPLO Institute for Sustainable Development, Nikos Efthymiadis – Chairman & CEO at ThessINTEC, Fai Orfanou – Co-founder & Managing Partner of SCIENCE-2-BUSINESS LLP, Betty Tsakarestou – Associate Professor, Director of ADandPRLA and Scientific Manager of CREATIVE+ of Panteion University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Structure. The coordinator of this panel will be Lina Ioannou – Director International & Institutional Affairs at Enterprise Greece.

The anniversary event will conclude by highlighting the key issue of the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The fourth panel (18:15-19:00) will be attended by: Konstantinos Hambidis – Director of the Office of the Minister of Education and Religion and former Minister of Digital Transformation, Yannis Kanellopoulos – CEO & Founder of Code4thought, Yannis Noussis – Co-founder of Travelmyth , Poly Palaiogeorgou – Director of Business Programs – Microsoft Digital, Robin Schuil – Founder of Vendora. The discussion will be moderated by John Fox – Senior UI Engineer iOS at Netflix.

To participate in the event, online reservation is required via the following link: http://bit.ly/46os59W. The event will be held in English.

Orange Grove is a pioneering startup incubator and ecosystem that promotes the empowerment of innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship. It supports the creation of startups and innovative SMEs, through intensive trainings, access to international know-how and good practices, as well as interconnection with a global network of mentors and partners.

It is an initiative of the Dutch Embassy, managed by the non-profit Ithaca, and since 2019 has been operating as a remote-first incubator. For more information about Orange Grove you can visit our website www.orangegrove.eu, while you can follow our news on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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A Tribute to the National Poet: The Embassy of Bangladesh’s Concert Featuring Dr. Nira Rahman

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A Tribute to the National Poet: The Embassy of Bangladesh’s Concert Featuring Dr. Nira Rahman

On the evening of Friday, November 10, 2023, the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague will welcome admirers of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh, to a concert that celebrates the poet’s profound legacy. This enchanting event, organized by the embassy, will be held at the Humanity House and feature the remarkable Dr. Nira Rahman, a renowned Nazrul Song singer-researcher, and academic at Arts Teaching Innovation, Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne. The evening will unfold with captivating melodies and thought-provoking insights, highlighting the enduring significance of Nazrul’s work.

Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976) remains an iconic figure in Bengali literature and culture, celebrated for his versatility as a poet, writer, and musician. His life story is one of resilience and commitment, as he fearlessly advocated for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed. Even in his youth, Nazrul ventured onto the battlefield, symbolizing his unwavering dedication to the causes of humanism and liberty. Nazrul’s legacy is further marked by his strong belief in secularism and pluralism, transcending religious boundaries, and promoting unity among all people. His songs, steeped in themes of love and rebellion, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Dr. Nira Rahman, a dedicated vocalist and musician, brought Nazrul’s compositions to life with her exceptional performance. Her musical journey is deeply rooted in the principles of the Agra Gharana, and she is renowned for her semi-classical renditions and interpretations of traditional Bangla songs, particularly those composed by the “Ponchokobi” (the five poets). Dr. Rahman’s music is a fusion of her passion for literature and culture, influenced by her illustrious gurus, Dipali Nag and Wahidul Haque.

For Dr. Rahman, music is not just a performance; it is a form of prayer that allows her to express her innermost feelings and connect her physical and spiritual worlds. Her music is a celebration of her Bengali heritage, intertwined with the rich musical traditions of Indian classical music. She attributes the uniqueness of her music to the profound influence of her mentors and her academic work, which explores themes of language, culture, and identity representation.

In her role as an academic specializing in Educational Design and Student Engagement at the University of Melbourne, Dr. Rahman is committed to enhancing the inclusivity, applicability, and internationalization of arts and humanities education. Her work transcends the boundaries of the classroom, reflecting her dedication to fostering discussions on diverse and intersectional identities within the community and promoting inclusivity.

Dr. Nira Rahman’s contributions extend beyond the stage and the lecture hall. She is a published author in the Bangla language and a regular contributor to international media outlets, where she shares her insights on culture, language, and identity in both English and Bangla. Her multifaceted career is a testament to her commitment to bridging the gap between academia, music, and community engagement.

As His Excellency Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, expressed, “This concert is a testament to the enduring spirit of Nazrul’s work and the power of music to transcend borders and promoting unity.”

ICC Office of the Prosecutor partners with national authorities and international experts in the forensic identification and restitution of remains of victims in the Central African Republic

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ICC Office of the Prosecutor partners with national authorities and international experts in the forensic identification and restitution of remains of victims in the Central African Republic

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been involved in supporting the return of the remains of victims of alleged atrocity crimes in the Central African Republic (CAR). These remains were recovered during recent exhumations in the country, which were conducted in collaboration between the OTP, national authorities, and international partners.

The OTP has been conducting exhumations and forensic examinations as part of its investigations into crimes committed in CAR during the 2013 conflict. This work has been made possible through partnerships with organizations such as the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team and the Columbia Law School Human Rights Clinic.

The effort has involved deploying more than 20 technical experts to CAR, including archaeologists, pathologists, odontologists, anthropologists, ballistic experts, and morgue technicians.

ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC emphasized the importance of returning human remains to families as a crucial step in the process of human identification and as a tangible outcome of delivering justice. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and communities and highlighted the fundamental right of families to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing loved ones.

The OTP’s support for the identification and return of victims’ remains is part of a broader range of assistance that the Office is providing to CAR authorities, including the Special Criminal Court established to address alleged international crimes committed in the country.

The OTP expressed its gratitude to its partners, as well as national and local CAR authorities, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and other collaborators who facilitated this important work. This effort not only contributes to justice but also provides closure and peace to the families affected by these alleged atrocities.

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