By Teresa-Praskevi Angelatou, Ambassador of Greece to the Netherlands. GREECE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE NATIONAL DAY ON OCTOBER 28th. Greece is one of a small number of countries that have two National days in a year. While one, on March 25^th, is Independence Day, the other, on October 28^th, commemorating the entrance to WWII, is Greece’s testimony to liberty, democracy and human dignity. We are honored to celebrate this day in the Netherlands, a friendly country that has shown on repeated occasions it shares the same ideals and principles. On its part, Greece, despite the difficulties it has faced and still continues to face, has never diverted from its conviction that liberty, democracy and human rights form the cornerstone of our European political culture and, has always strived to contribute with all its means. Carrying a heavy responsibility and tradition, having been called the “cradle of democracy”, Greece is today more committed than ever in the safeguarding and promotion of these values which guide us to and guarantee us peace and prosperity. Through our active participation in every international and regional initiative that promotes the rule of law, human rights, democratic governance and civic society we aim to promote democratic practice and remain determined to continue doing so for many years to come.

By Olexander Horin, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands. I have honour and privilege to represent here Ukraine, one of the oldest countries in Europe with an ancient history starting from time of the formation of Kievan Rus when the capital city Kiev reached its apogee under Prince Volodymyr the Great (Vladimir II) and his son Prince Yaroslav I (the Wise) who is also known as ‘Father in Law of Europe’. Ukraine had difficult history of struggle for independence with missing opportunities and chances. In 1991 the millennium quest for independence had been successfully sealed by the national referendum. Today Ukraine as European country is making its civilizational choice, which is integration into the family of European Nations. This is a conscious choice and it is irreversible. The institutionalization of Ukraine – EU political, legal and economic partnership based on the Association Agreement incl. DC FTA is an important factor for strengthening of the democratic and market institutions in Ukraine, modernization of state, reform of the economy and society, rule of law, expansion of the common values and acceleration of pro-European transformation processes in the region of the Eastern Partnership. It is directed towards full-fledged integration of Ukraine into European Economic Area. Political association and economic integration between Ukraine and the EU will contribute to revealing full potential of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the Netherlands, boost mutually beneficial trade, investments, technological exchange and people-to-people contacts. The Ukrainian citizens, who rightfully consider and perceive themselves as Europeans, see the Association Agreement with the EU as a beacon of welfare, stability, security and independence. This is indeed the moment of truth, the choice which will determine the vector of Ukraine’s development for the next decades. Ukraine has achieved tangible progress in implementation of all the criteria for the signing of Ukraine-EU Association Agreement, which were outlined in the Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council on Ukraine of 10 December 2012. At the same time Association Agreement incl. DC FTA is an important powerful tool of reform in Ukraine. There is much work to be done on reforming the country with a view to approximating to EU standards, implementing democratic values and European norms of life. From this perspective, the signing and launching of the widest possible provisional application of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU will be the best incentive and guarantee for proceeding with implementation of wide-ranging reforms aimed at further strengthening of the democratic development, the rule of law and the development of a market economy. Taking into account Ukraine’s progress as well as the geopolitical factors the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU should be signed this year. The conclusion of this strategic document between Ukraine and the EU will be a major success not only for the Ukrainian people, but also for the East European region, which is striving for support from the EU and count on its solidarity. The successful deliverables of Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit are important also for the EU as the proof of strengthening of its own foreign policy stand in regional and global policy. At this historic stage of development of the Ukrainian state the support of the Netherlands for the conclusion of the Association Agreement with the EU during the Summit of the Eastern Partnership on 28-29 November 2013 is highly appreciated. We are completely satisfied with the dynamic development of our political dialogue as well as bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands in all spheres. The recent visit of Mr. M.Azarov, the Prime-Minister of Ukraine to the Netherlands gives a positive impetus to strengthening our cooperation in all areas of bilateral relations. Thus, we have an encouraging tendency towards serious growth of trade in goods beginning with January 2013. It is our important mutual responsibility to preserve that tendency in the run of the year. Given the current tendencies we believe that the Netherlands could really become the second largest investor in Ukraine’s economy to outrace Germany. We welcome a growing interest of the Dutch companies to the Ukrainian market and the level of the Dutch investments in the Ukrainian economy. It is my pleasure to state that in 2012 we managed to overcome a $5 billion in the volume of the Dutch FDI in Ukraine’s economy. In this regard we welcome the presence at Ukraine’s market of such prominent Dutch companies as “Shell”, “ING”, “KLM”, “Philips”, “Unilever”.  Ukraine attaches great importance to the development of constructive and pragmatic dialogue with the Netherlands in all spheres of bilateral cooperation. We fully confirm our willingness to further develop mutually beneficial partnership and convergence of our friendly countries and peoples and count on continued active support by the Netherlands of Ukraine’s aspirations on its path to our common European home.        

By Dr. Luis Arias Núñez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We are very pleased to be invited by Diplomat Magazine, in our capacity as Head of Mission to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to present a paper in this prestigious journal, where we have the opportunity to address some policy issues with regard to our diplomatic mission in The Hague. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic dates back to 1857 when the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation . In 2005 the permanent diplomatic mission of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands was created with the sending of a Head of Mission with the rank of Ambassador. In considering the meaning of the interest of the Dominican Republic in the link exchange for cooperation with the Netherlands, we must start with what the Netherlands represents in terms of economic potential, as well as its active role in shaping European Union’s policy and cooperation with developing countries. The Netherlands and the Dominican Republic agree to observe the same principles to achieve legal equality, human rights and the fulfilment of bilateral commitments. Both countries share the same concerns in an effort to obtain an international order that is more secure stable and strengthened – the fight against crime , illicit trafficking of drugs and people , protection of the environment – and above all, share the same political values , ideological and moral, such as democracy and solidarity. While trade and investment in the Netherlands are relatively limited for us, the Dominican Republic offers attractive opportunities to Dutch companies, among others, in the fields of energy, environment, water, agribusiness and tourism . Our current relationship with the Netherlands is excellent. However, we are in the process of coordinating regular business missions to the Dominican Republic to enhance foreign direct investments and bilateral trade programmes. Cooperation in multilateral forums is also an important matter to take into account in the bilateral agenda. Sharing similar purposes and values is an important asset in achieving our goals.  

By Māris Klišāns, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  A resolute nation with a strong cultural appeal During recent history Latvia has twice attracted global media attention: in 1989-1991, when it joined hands with its Baltic sisters Estonia and Lithuania to claim their lost sovereignty, and in 2008-2010, when, though hit by the gravest financial crisis, it reformed its finances and economy and returned to stable growth, which has not remitted for the fourth successive year and remains at 4-5% a year. Latvia and its capital Rīga will again be in the spotlight of international attention for two years to come, having won the title of European Capital of Culture in 2014, and preparing to host the EU Council meetings during the first half of 2015 as the presiding member-state of the EU in 2015. It will undeniably be worth visiting Rīga next year, when it will thrive with a myriad of cultural events and festivals. Latvia has produced an incredible amount of internationally acclaimed musical performers, conductors and composers in comparison with the modest size of its population of two million. Let me mention just a few: Mariss Jansons, Gidons Krēmers, Andris Nelsons, Pēteris Vasks, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Elīna Garanča, Inese Galante. Overcoming the crisis and implementing reforms. Today Latvia stands on the crucial threshold of joining the Eurozone on January 1, 2014. How is it that Latvia has come such a long way in such a short period of time? When a severe financial crisis struck the country in 2008-2009, with GDP declining by 20.5%, Latvia underwent strict measures of austerity, which actually allowed Latvia to use only part of the available IMF and EU loan (4.5 billion EUR out of 7.5 billion EUR available) after which the loan programme was successfully closed in December 2011.  The government resorted to radical adjustment measures. The Latvian people, surprisingly enough, understood the necessity of these changes, as is most notably exemplified by the fact that the current Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has remained in office through and following these harsh times. There were three main factors that helped Latvia overcome the crisis and return to economic growth: firstly, an internal devaluation approach; secondly, measures undertaken in order to stimulate the economy; and, lastly, the social safety network. The fiscal consolidation amounted to 17.5% of GDP where two thirds came from expenditure cuts while the remaining third was tax increases. Though some economists are sceptical of the method of inner devaluation used in Latvia, the budget deficit has been brought down from 9.8% in 2009 to 1.4% in 2013, and will be almost balanced in 2016 (-0.2%). The public debt has been stabilized below 45% of GDP on accrual basis. The fiscal consolidation has been supported by notable structural reforms, which make the Latvian economy better prepared for potential shocks and misbalances in the future.  An expensive price has, however, been paid for this adjustment with 10% of the population ebbing out to other EU countries in order to weather the aftereffects of the crisis. The return to economic growth has been achieved by restructuring Latvia’s economy with a view to export oriented competitive production. As a result we have achieved an annual 30% rise in exports and the annual average production growth continues at 10%. Economic growth would not be possible without Latvian companies that export innovative and competitive products. JZ Microphones designs and produces microphones and recording equipment which is used by sound engineers worldwide and well-known artists and bands such as Lady Gaga, Madonna, Janet Jackson and Aerosmith. When you visit the Louvre, the National Gallery in London or the Rijksmuseum it is likely that some of the paintings you admire are covered in anti-reflective glass produced by Latvian company GroGlass. Latvian company DARTZ has brought armoured vehicles to a new level of luxury; no wonder Kim Kardashian couldn’t resist buying one. Without companies of this kind our recovery would last longer. International recognition The EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council’s July 9, 2013, decision to invite Latvia to adopt the euro as of January 1, 2014, goes in line with Latvia’s path towards greater integration in the EU. It demonstrates that Latvia has successfully implemented reforms towards stabilizing its economy and is an additional stimulus for the future growth of the country’s economy, wellbeing, stability and regaining trust of foreign investors. The opening of official negotiations for accession to the OECD shows that Latvia’s economic development in recent years has been significantly noticed and acknowledged internationally for the country to become a member of the club of economically developed countries. Finally, I would like to outline, that all these massive steps had been taken during last two decades which is a remarkable achievement and is celebrated each year on the 18^th November, the National Day of the Republic of Latvia.