The Hague Political Academy
Mrs. Tjernenko , spouse of  H.E,  Olexander Horin, Ambassador of  Ukraine, together with Dr Bob van den Bos, Director of the Hague Political Academy. Mrs. Tjernenko received the certificate of the course âHow to deal with the Dutch and International Protocolâ, which was held last May. The Hague Political Academy organises in November again courses on Dutch Domestic and Foreign Policy, Dutch media, Dutch culture and International protocol.
Photographer: Eugene M. De Lara.
Embassy of Burundi hosting its first National Day in the Netherlands
On the occasion of  Burundi National Day and the opening of the new embassy, H.E. Vestine NAHIMANA, invites head of diplomatic missions and members of the diplomatic corps to attend a reception on July 1st 5pm – 7pm. at Carlton Ambassador Hotel, Sophialaan 2, The Hague. Info ambassade.burundi.nederland@gmail.com
For the invitation please click here:Â BURUNDI.NATIONAL.DAY
Diplomat Magazine at Bijenkorf Sport Fashion show
An exclusive sport and fashion night, an event with networking opportunites, held last Thursday 12 June at Bijenkorf City Cafe. Diplomat Magazine covered the event with beautiful and colorful pictures from our photographer Henri Arvidson. 
Farewell Ambassador of Georgia.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
After having served his country as Ambassador to The Netherlands for four years, His Excellency Mr. Shota Gvineria will be leaving. He hosted a farewell-reception at the magnificent Castle âDe Wittenburgâ in Wassenaar. The well-attended reception was followed by a unique concert by famous Georgian musicians, who were especially invited to perform for this occasion. Georgian wine could also be enjoyed. It is noteworthy to mention that, at the time of his accreditition as Ambassador to The Netherlands in 2010, Mr. Gvineria was the youngest Ambassador of the Diplomatic Corps in The Hague. Ambassador Gvineria will be posted in Washington DC, a posting both he and his wife are looking forward to.  
Herring festival at the Crowne Plaza hotel
By Amelia Baxter.
The sun beat heavily down on the crowd on the Crowne Plaza terrace, sipping champagne and snacking on appetizers offered by waitresses in modernized typical Dutch outfits, as they waited in line to try the main attraction: delicious herring with onions. In the midst of the party stood a white symmetrical sculpture, a preview of the exhibition to be opened on June 17th. More information can be found here: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2014/06/06/france-diplomats-meet-greet-huge-success/ As per tradition, an empty barrel is handed over to the guest of honour. This yearâs special invitee was His Excellency Pierre MĂ©nat, Ambassador of France, who gave a bilingual speech to formally commence the gathering.
Dutch Culture Courses for Diplomats
InterConnection helps international organisations, companies and investors to establish strong relationships with businesses and partners in the Netherlands. We do this by offering trainings and services focussing on Dutch culture and effective behaviour.
âSuccess in Hollandâ course
This two-day course is specially designed for diplomats and highly educated expats that work or will work in the Netherlands. The course is aimed at staff members of embassies and international companies and organisations.
The course includes the following topics:
The course includes the following topics:
- All aspects of Dutch culture, such as history and society, the political system and common Dutch views.
- Knowledge of Dutch ethical and moral values and specific aspects in the areas of science, art, public holidays, the royal family, sports and entertainment.
- Insights into the relationship between your cultural background and Dutch culture so that you can understand where your particular points of attention lie.
- Knowledge of Dutch etiquette and dealing with the media.
- Skills in carrying out effective preliminary talks and discussions involving a sensitive issue or difficult situation.
- Skills in building up a network in the Netherlands. At the same time, you will also become part of InterConnectionâs permanent expat network.
National Day Philippines
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
The National Day of the Philippines commemorates the Philippine Proclamation of Independence from Spain in 1898. His Excellency Mr. Jaime Victor B. Ledda, Ambassador of The Philippines to The Netherlands, hosted a reception to celebrate the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence. In his remarks Ambassador Ledda expressed his gratitude towards the people of The Netherlands and the international community as a whole for their generous support of his country, particularly the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Ambassador Ladda also asked the development partners to remain confident in the bright prospects of The Philippines. He concluded by raising his glass and proposing a toast to The Philippines-Netherlands friendship. Mabuhay! For complete photo-album click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/
For complete photo-album click here:Â https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/
For complete photo-album click here:Â https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/ Terrace opening at Hilton
Cocktail SPARK opens terrace Mauritskade
 Mooring with a boat at a cocktail bar in the centre of The Hague
 Complete photo-album of the event click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/
The Hague, June 12, 2014.
 Yesterday, the new terrace of the trendy cocktail bar SPARK (Hilton The Hague) opened. SPARK has the first terrace in the centre of The Hague, which is located directly at the water of the Mauritskade, and where you can moor with a boat for a snack and a drink. SPARK has opened its doors a year ago and became 7th in the award Most Beautiful Bar of the Netherlands 2013. Currently the trendy cocktail bar of Hilton the Hague is in the race for the ‘Best Hotel Bar Award 2014’. SPARK is known for the “after work drinks” with special cocktails, fine wines and delicious bites. This summer, one can order the SPARK ‘All-in-one” Bento box for the boat SPARKS culinary dishes, âsandwich boardsâ and Green Egg BBQ specials. For more informationwww.facebook.com/sparkthehague According to Jolijn Zeeuwen, Hotel Manager Hilton The Hague, the opening of the new terrace means a next step in the total concept that Hilton The Hague offers: “With our beautiful restaurant Pearl and cocktail bar Spark with the new terrace, we now offer something for every everyone! We look back on a successful first year with SPARK, where a mixed crowd not only enjoys the delicious cocktails from our famous cocktail shakers, but also jazz performances, DJs and especially the Friday afternoon Aperitivoâs with free bites. It is clear that the centre of The Hague has a need for such an entertainment concept. I am very proud of our team in accomplishing the beautiful terrace at the waterfront. The first boats already moored!”
  Complete photo-album of the event click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/ Dia de Portugal
Dia de Portugal.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
His Excellency Mr. Jose de Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal, hosted a reception at his beautiful residence to celebrate the National Day of Portugal, or â as it is also known in the native tongue â Dia de Portugal. Dia de Portugal commemorates the death of the national literary icon Luis de CamĂ”es on June 10th, 1580. Close to 400 guests came to congratulate Ambassador de Bouza Serrano and due to the lovely weather most of them mingled outside in the garden, while enjoying Portuguese wine. Inside the Portuguese singer Melissa Oliveira performed Jazz-music with the group âJam.â
For a complete photo-album of this event please click here:Â https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/
For a complete photo-album of this event please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/
For a complete photo-album of this event please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/ OPCW. Norwegian Cargo Ship Departs with Chemicals
Norwegian Cargo Ship Departs with Chemicals
The Norwegian vessel Taiko, which is participating in the multinational maritime operation to remove chemicals from Syria, departed today for Finland and the United States to deliver its cargo of chemicals for destruction in those countries.
This is in accordance with the schedule of the Taiko, which was notified to the OPCW at an earlier stage. The Danish ship Ark Futura will take over the remaining 8 percent of chemicals for transportation to their destination.
âI commend Norway and Denmark for their vital support for the maritime operation,” said the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet ĂzĂŒmcĂŒ. “We remain focused on removing the last consignment of chemicals from Syrian territory and urge the Syrian authorities to complete the removal as soon as possible.”
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW oversees the global campaign to permanently eliminate these weapons. Since its entry into force in 1997 the Convention has become the fastest growing arms treaty in history with 190 States Parties, and 82% Â of all declared chemical arsenals have already been destroyed under OPCW verification. For these unprecedented achievements the OPCW was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2013.