Japan Defense Day
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
His Excellency Mr.Masaru Tsuji, Ambassador of Japan, hosted a well-attended reception at his residence in honor of Japan Defense Day. A large number of members of the Diplomatic Corps were present. In his speech the Ambassador drew attention to the fact that July 1st marks the 60 th Anniversary of the Self Defense Forces of Japan. The reception was also in honor of the farewell of the Military Attache of the Embassy of Japan, Colonel Tsubaki, who is leaving. Colonel Yoshizawa will be the new Military Attaché. 
Presentation Imperial Honors Japan
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
His Excellency Mr. Masaru Tsuji, Ambasador of Japan, hosted a ceremony at his residence in honor of Mr. Hans Bax, former Chairman of the DUJAT, the Dutch-Japanese Trade Federation. Mr. Bax received the most prestigious ‘Order of the Rising Sun and Gold rays with Neck Ribbon’ for his exceptional contribution to the strengthening of the economic ties and promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and The Netherlands. In his speech Ambassador Tsuji also praised Mr. Bax for his initiatives in supporting Japan during times of great disaster, such as the earthquake, as well as for establishing the Foundation “The Netherlands helps Japan.” Mr. Bax said that – in his own words – he was honored, happy and privileged and added that he could not have done it all without the support of others. Mr. Bax also expressed his hope that the Dutch export to Japan, which now amounts to less than 2%, would be increased in the future.
Culture is the best way to present oneself.
By Drs. EVA Maria Mennes.
The French Embassy is always very strong in presenting their beautiful country by culture and The Alliance Française has a big part in this. It was founded in 1883 in Paris under the patronage of Paul Cambon and Pierre Foncin, around personalities like Jules Verne Louis Pasteur, Ferdinand de Lessesps, Armand Colin and Jules Renan. Today they represent worldwide the first cultural network, with 1040 branches in 136 countries on five continents. Every year more than 450000 people of all ages learn the French language in the Alliances Françaises and more than 6 million people participate in organized cultural activities. The coordination of the organization is ensured by the Fondation Alliance Française. Here in The Hague the energetic director Martin Beyer presented a charming ‘Jour de la Musique’ in the Museum Beelden aan Zee. Under the sharp eye of the artist Henri Laurens, who has a retrospective exposition throughout the museum, we could listen to agreeable music of a modern band with lady singer. The morning ended with four classical pieces of violin music played in an excellent way by Romy Uijttenboogaart Jullian.
Diplomat Magazine’s 1st Anniversary Party, June 27th
Come to Diplomat Magazine First Anniversary at Carlton. Support YOUR magazine with your presence.
Diplomat Magazine presents its compliments to its readers and cordially requests the pleasure of your presence to attend our 1st Anniversary Party at Carlton Ambassador Hotel, Friday 27 June from 5pm to 11pm. This invitation is valid for three persons, free admission, welcome drink and surprises. Informal.
We are grateful for the typical and national snacks that will be served to our invitees by the embassies of Russia, China, Tunisia, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, El Salvador, Angola, Burundi, Latvia, Panama, Colombia, Kenya, Cypres, Serbia, Guatemala, India, France, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, the Cabinet of Sint Maarten and academic institutions like Interconnections and Direct Languages Centre. The last but not least, is the support we are receiving from Diplomatic Card.
Diplomat Magazine avails itself of this opportunity to renew to our readers the assurances of its highest consideration and friendship.
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 ‘How to deal with the Dutch and International Protocol’, 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: 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 “De Wittenburg” 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 year’s special invitee was His Excellency Pierre Ménat, 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.
‘Success in Holland’ 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 InterConnection’s permanent expat network.