President of Kosovo at Diplomats meet & Greet
Her Excellency, Atifete Jahjaga, President of Kosovo,, Thursday 5 December at Diplomats Meet & Greet. an event hosted by the Embassy of Kosovo at Carlton Ambassador in coordination with Diplomat Club The Hague,  Diplomat Magazine.  Her Excellency, Ms. Vjosa Dobruna, Ambassador of Kosovo, has welcomed members of the diplomatic corps and special guests.
President Atifete Jahjaga was born 20 April 1975 and is the fourth President of Kosovo, the first female President of the Republic of Kosovo, the first non-partisan candidate, the first female head of state in the modern Balkans and the youngest to be elected to the office. President Jahjaga served as Deputy Director of the Kosovo Police holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel General, the highest rank amongst women in Southeastern Europe.
More information about this visit will be published here soon.Â
The Sultanate of Omanâs Key Economic Goals and Aspirations.
By Muhammed Harub Al Said, Ambassador of Oman to the Netherlands.
Since His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said ascended the throne in 1970, Oman has pursued a successful programme of economic development and sustainability. In just over four decades His Majesty the architect of the al nahdha (Renaissance), the Sultanate has been transformed from a geographically and politically isolated country with limited resources and rudimentary infrastructure into a prosperous modern society.
Currently the world is facing one of the worst economic recession since the great Depression of the previous century. The oil producing countries have been affected by the global economic downturn owing to the oil price volatility. Economists however, are in agreement that global demand for oil will continue to rise well into the foreseeable future.
Omanâs oil reserves are modest and current studies reveal that oil may run out in a couple of decades if new wells are not discovered. Another challenge facing the Sultanate is that oil fields are geographically complex making extraction extremely difficult and expensive. This is an area where Dutch companies can seize the opportunity to introduce or market their products that are utilizing enhanced oil recovery techniques. The Omani Government continues to provide incentives for international companies interested in obtaining licences.
Omanâs future prosperity and growth include: financial and economic stability, reduction in the role of government in the economy by encouraging and broadening private sector involvement and participation, diversifying the sources of the national income and government revenues, globalizing the Omani economy, upgrading the skills of the Omani workforce, developing and investing in human capital. Dutch companies specialising in technical and engineering or corporate management have enormous opportunities to address Omani requirements.
The Sultanate of Oman is presently looking into the potential of renewable energy. Studies reveal that Oman has among the highest level of renewable energy density in the world. The Omani Government believes that there is significant scope for developing solar energy resources throughout the country. Moreover, experts believe that solar energy has the potential to provide sufficient electricity to meet all of Omanâs domestic requirements and even enough to provide some electricity for export. The Netherlands is widely recognized as one of the leading countries in the world that is engaged in the development of innovative technologies. There is tremendous scope for Dutch companies to be involved in the development of solar energy technologies suitable for the Omani environment.
Another sector which the Omani Government recognises as a potential income earner and important source of employment to meet Omanisation goals (i.e. indigenization of the workforce) is the tourism sector. Some of the biggest tourism projects include golf courses, sport facilities and world class as well as budget hotels. The Omani Government is promoting Oman as an eco-friendly destination. Oman is the home of rare green turtle. Dolphin-spotting and swimming is very popular with European tourists.
Oman has one of the most stable regimes in the Middle East region. The Omani Government will continue to promote the Sultanate as a politically moderate Arab state that is financially secure and investment friendly.
Holland House in Colombia
By: Joel Brounen.
Senior Official on Economic Affairs
And Corporate and Social Responsibilities
Embassy of The Kingdom of the Netherlands in BogotĂĄ.
For additional pictures click here:Â http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
With 48 million inhabitants, Colombia is one of the main emerging economies of Latin America. It is categorized as one of the CIVET-countries, the new BRIC’s of the 21st century. Colombia ranks high on a global competitive survey for business sophistication and investor protection. The bilateral trade relations between Colombia and the Netherlands follow the growth trend of the Colombian economy, but also show a persistent trade surplus in favor of Colombia.
Colombian exports to the Netherlands; its fourth most important destination, increased more than tenfold since 2002. Over 80% of these exports comprise coal and oil. The Netherlands, mainly through the Port of Rotterdam, is also by far the foremost destination of Colombian exports to the European Union.
One of the main objectives of the current Dutch Foreign Economic Policy, is bringing together and stimulating investment and business opportunities with the support of capacities and knowledge of government and business communities. This has resulted in the overall interest from the Royal Netherlands Embassy and locally established Dutch and Colombian companies, in setting up a public-private business support entity in Colombia, in cooperation with the Netherlands Latin American Business Council. This so-called Holland House, serves as a hub location for different initiatives of the business community and of organizations that maintain close relations between the countries.
Holland House is the first of its kind in the world. It is considered as a new and innovative formula within the Dutch Foreign Economic diplomacy. Through means of this public-private initiative it tries to serve better the needs of Dutch companies abroad by offering a wider range of services. 
CuscatlĂĄn*
By Vladimiro P.Villalta, Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador.
Centroamericanos,
Paz no es una utopĂa,
es la sublime realizaciĂłn del ser humano,
unidos la forjaremos!
VPV
I take this pleasant opportunity that the Diplomat Magazine offers me – which I appreciate â to express our gratitude to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its continuous approach and cooperation with my country, El Salvador and with Central America.
I would like to extent more about this productive relationship between both our countries, however, the magic of The Hague, as the âCity of Peace and Justiceâ, moves me to take Justice and Peace to present three Salvadorian characters whose traces prove how the human factor distinguished and dignified our people and how it is always determined and essential to achieve universal values which are still being sought and generate hope in humanity.
Dr. Jose Gustavo Guerrero was a Salvadorian diplomat and jurist. He served as the last President of the Permanent Court of International Justice from 1937 to 1945; he was also the first President of the International Court of Justice from 1946 to 1949 and remained on the Court as a regular judge until his death in 1958. Jose Gustavo Guerrero represents âthe continuityâ in the International Court of Justice.
Consuelo de Saint-Exupery was a Salvadorian writer and artist and wife of the French aristocrat and writer, poet and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery. She was the muse of Saint-Exupery for âThe Little Princeâ; she was âthe Roseâ, the unique and special rose, whom the Prince loves. The Little Prince is the most read and translated book in the French language.
One of the beautiful message of this book is âOne sees clearly only with the heart, what is essential is invisible to the eyesâ.
San Romero de America, the Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero was shot to death while saying mass in El Salvador on March 24, 1980. Heâs seen as a hero to many because of his solidarity with the poor and his opposition to human rights abuses. Archbishop Romero was a martyr for the faith and he is one of the ten 20th-century martyrs who are depicted in statues above the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey in London.
*CuscatlĂĄn was the pre-Columbian name of the Republic of El Salvador in Central America
Royal Visit to Colombia
By Eduardo Pizarro LeongĂłmez, Ambassador of Colombia.
Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima paid an official visit to Colombia on 22 November. Their Majesties were received by the President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos and his wife MarĂa Clemencia RodrĂguez de Santos.
President Santos expressed to the King and Queen the importance that this visit symbolizes, as it will allow to advance in strengthening the relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is a traditional partner and strategic ally within the European Union.
In addition, President Santos spoke with the King and Queen of the Netherlands about the progress of the peace process, for which His Majesty the King William-Alexander expressed an eventual support to the post-conflict process.
Besides these subjects, the agenda of the meeting also included issues related to cooperation with special emphasis on environment and water resources.
The visit to Colombia of Their Majesties was also an excellent opportunity to strengthen the relations with Caribbean territories of the Kingdom, with whom Colombia has an important agenda in different areas such as in agriculture, culture and education, infrastructure, oil and gas, health and tourism.
President Santos was also accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, MarĂa Ăngela HolguĂn; and the Ministers of Industry, Commerce and Tourism; Finance and Public Credit; Mines and Energy; Environment and Development and Agriculture.
The delegation that accompanied the King and Queen of the Netherlands was composed by Frans Timmermans, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Michiel Eman, Prime Minister of Aruba; Ivar Asjes, Prime Minister of Curacao; Sarah Wescot-Williams, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten; and Robert Van Embden, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in BogotĂĄ.
Colombia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in 1829. Both States have diplomatic representation in BogotĂĄ and The Hague, respectively.
The Netherlands is a strategic partner of Colombia in water related subjects. The Netherlands supported the establishment of the National Policy for Comprehensive Management of Water Resources âPNGIRH, published in March 2010 and is currently developing a project for implementation and feedback of the planning of the PNGIRH through the formulation of the Strategic Plan for the macro-basin of the Magdalena â Cauca Rivers and the formulation and/or adjustment of four Plans for the Planning and Management of Basins.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands has historically provided cooperation to Colombia for the strengthening of the environmental sector. Such cooperation is reflected in the development of projects that have had great achievements, like the strengthening of the protected areas systems, the consolidation of planning and legislation processes in departments (provinces) and local areas, the consolidation of sociocultural, environmental and economic processes in the Colombian Amazon, the improvement of management of land in small rural communities, accompanying in the planning of coordinate use and management of the renewable natural resources.
Finally, it is important to highlight that the entrance of The Netherlands to the Pacific Alliance as an ObserverState, on 1st November 2013, will also contribute to strengthen the relations between the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the members of the Alliance and particularly with the Republic of Colombia. For additional pictures please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/ 
âUrbi and orbiâ
âUrbi and orbiâ, the Independence of Angola
By Luis Jose Almedia, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola.
Excellences,
Mister and Misses Ambassadors,
Dear Friends,
We have recently celebrated the 38th anniversary of the independence of my beloved country: Angola. Let us remember some history: Thirty eight years ago, at midnight of the memorable 11Âș of November of 1975, our late president, the great Agostinho Neto proclaimed urbi and orbi before Africa and the world the independence of Angola.
Thirty eight years later, where do we find ourselves?
Angola is a fully sovereign and independent country, respected throughout the world, and that has been paving its way through prosperity since its independence.
Reconstructing our country after several years of war has been a focal point for us: Roads, Railroads, Airports and Ports, hospitals and housing have been flourishing in the past few years, but also schools and universities as well as training centers in order to fight illiteracy and allowing our children to have access to school have raised as well.
Illiteracy for instance has gone from 99% in 1975 to 33% today to hopefully being eradicated by 2017.
The political stability has allowed us to have a fast growing economy based on the collaboration of our friends and economic and financial partners but mostly by the utilization of our natural resources and the governmental effort into reducing poverty.
We have, as a diplomatic representation, been here since 2011 and our governmentâs decision in opening the embassy in the Netherlands comes from the desire to strengthen our relationship with this great nation in the perspective of developing even more strategic partnerships between our two countries and for us to benefit from the entrepreneurship know-how and dynamism Dutch companies are known for.
To conclude, I would like to thank a great man, who also happens to be a great friend of my country, Mr. Paul Staal, a founding member of the Angolan Komitee, who supported the liberation struggle of Angola.
I would also like to thank an Angola company, ASC â Angola Steel Corporation, represented by my daughter Sanga, for helping us bring a musical band from Angola during our National Day and allowing us to share some of our culture that evening.
Long live the friendship between Angola and the Netherlands !
Guatemala Land of the Eternal SpringâŠLand for Investments
By Jorge Alfredo Lemcke Arévalo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Permanent Representative to International Organizations.
It is a pleasure for us as an Embassy to write a small article in this journal, that without any doubts has reached the attention of the Diplomatic Community in the Netherlands. We avail this opportunity to wish the Diplomatic Magazine and cooperating partners the best of success in their duties and for their future success.
The Embassy of Guatemala in The Kingdom of the Netherlands also has a permanent representation to some Courts and Organizations based in the Netherlands. With this in mind, the Government of Guatemala has reiterated its compromise to International Peace and Justice by different ways, been among them in 2012 the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, both based in The Hague.
It is also wise to say dear readers that Guatemala has held amicable and commercial relations with the Netherlands and neighboring countries since decades ago. Guatemala opened its Embassy and Permanent Representation in the year 2001, when a delegation composed of great diplomatics decided to establish an embassy to strengthen the relations with our host country.
As many of you may know, Guatemala is located in a position with access to both oceans and a free circulation of goods among the Central American countries, including Panama and some Caribbean countries. This is privileged location and with an area of 108, 889 Sq.Km (42,042 sq.mi) and more than 15 million inhabitants which account for 40% of the total population in the Central America Region, being 70% of the Guatemalan population under 40 years old.
Guatemala is the proud host of the Central American Parliament, composed by the representatives from the Central American region (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Dominican Republic) counting with the prestigious presence as observer states of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Taiwan, and most recently the State of Chiapas of the MexicanRepublic.
As stated above, due to its privileged position, Guatemala represents 35% of the Central America RegionÂŽs economy (US$50 of US$145 Billion) positioned as a business Hub in the Mesoamerican region.
The Government is firmly committed to encourage and promote foreign and direct investment, creating and maintaining a legal framework and legal certainty for investors, excellent economic performance that guarantees a competitive business climate.
Tourism is a strategic sector, being the second currency income generator of the country; as well as an important employment source for both direct and indirect jobs. In 2012 the income for tourism surpassed the US$1,400 million, with a 5% growth rate. More than 1.9 million visitors were register in 2012 and as far of April 2013, there has already been an 8.3%. increase
In other matters, is important to state that Guatemala possesses a unique cultural and abundant natural richness; which provides a broad tourist offer. The distances between the attractions are so short that one can easily visit different regions during the same trip. Guatemala Its known as the land of the eternal spring, and its pleasant weather conditions allow the visitors to travel during any time of the year. Guatemala is the Heart of the Mayan World. The Mayan Civilization legacy is still evident in the traditions and culture of its people.
for more information visit:
www.investinguatemala.org,
www.visitguatemala.com
Interview with Oger Lusink
By Bonnie Klap.
Mention the name Oger and immediately images of stylish suits and shoes come to mind. But what exactly does the word âstyleâ mean to Mr. Oger Lusink, founder and owner of the famous OGER menâs clothing stores?
âTo me a stylish man is educated. He is reliable. He is a man of the moment.â
Why should Diplomats consider wearing suits from Oger?
âAt Oger we are able to dress our clients on an international level, so they can perform anywhere and they can âdress to impress.â More impressive than say, with a Hugo Boss-suit. We can make every man look smarter in a good suit.â
It is well known that Oger dresses famous football-players from clubs like Ajax and Feyenoord. In what way do those suits differ from the ones you would suggest to Diplomats for instance?
âNaturally there is a big difference in the way we dress football-players and Diplomats. Football players like to look sharp and typically opt for black, narrow suits, Italian style. Something like Dolce and Gabbana, whereas we would advise Diplomats to opt for the traditional âLondon Tailor Styleâ.ââ
Prime-Minister Mark Rutte is known for his stylish suits and was even ranked number 3 on the Forbes-list for best dressed politicians. And the magazine Vanity Fair described Mark Rutteâs style as following: âHis classic style suggests his tailor must be as good as his optomotrist. â Is it true that Oger dresses the Prime Minister?
âCertainly. The Prime-Minister is our client. Actually we just recently took care of his wardrobe for his state visit to Indonesia. The Prime-Minister always wears handmade suits and shirts from Oger. The suits are either dark blue or, when he wants to be less formal, dark grey. When he wears a dark blue suit, he will wear a white shirt and a bordeaux-red tie, when wearing a dark grey suit, he will opt for a baby-blue shirt and usually a blue-striped tie. Naturally we give him a very special service and our tailors come to the little âTowerâ to do the fittings. Prime-Minister Mark Rutte is a loyal customer and we are very proud of having him as our customer.â
Are you at liberty to discuss any other so called celebrity-customers?
âWell, it is quite well-known that Prince Maurits is also a customer at Oger. He always looks very good and he is a perfect symbol of the way we like to work.â
Oger stores can be found in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Antwerp.
Or shop on line at:
 www.oger.nl 
Interview with Mr. Kevin OâMalley.
By Bonnie Klap
Mr. Kevin OâMalley, husband of Ambassador Mary Whelan of Ireland, warmly welcomes us in their residence in Wassenaar. He comes across as easygoing, friendly and knowledgeable, not entirely surprising, given the fact that he has sailed the world seas for decades and, in a positive way, has âseen it all.â  This Navy-man has visited a vast number of countries and seems to thoroughly enjoy living in Holland. When I gently prod him to name a favorite Dutch town or city he has visited, he diplomatically  refuses to name one in particular.
âWe have explored as many towns and cities as time permitted and a lot of it by bicycle. We made it a point to visit a different place every weekend and what strikes me is that this supposedly is a crowded country, but it just doesnât seem that way. Everything is so orderly and you have such beautiful cycle-lanes here, they are no doubt the envy of the world. Granted, the cities are bustling, but thatâs the way they are supposed to be. People are very friendly and the Dutch have a reputation for frankness, but I find that refreshing,â according to Mr. OâMalley. He does admit to being particularly impressed by Delftshaven, because of its maritime history.
âBut then again, I also like Maastricht, the islands Texel and Schiermonnikoog and even Schiedam, where you can find some beautiful canals and interesting little houses,â he quickly adds.
It is evident Mr. OâMalley really enjoys living in Holland, but surely, there must be something he dislikes about Holland, I ask him?
âWell, I do have one pet-peeve about The Netherlands. The people all speak such excellent English, that it is very difficult to learn to speak Dutch. I wish I had studied harder to learn the language, but then again, even if I had studied very hard, after 10 years my level of Dutch would still not be the same at that of the Dutch natives. If you are inclined to be lazy, this is no place to be lazy, because you wonât learn Dutch,â he answers.
Mr. Kevin OâMalley was born and raised in Massachusetts, USA. He went to naval college and joined the US-Navy and later the merchant navy, working mostly in the Pacific. He is married to Ambassador Whelan for close to forty years and the couple has two daughters and two granddaughters.
âMy career somehow fit easily with that of my wife. Of course the downside was that I was away most of the time. The good part was, that when I was home, I was home for 4 months at a stretch and then I got to catch up,â according to Mr. OâMalley, who, incidentally will be flying back to the USA the next day to attend a reunion of the Boston Marine Society and later on will celebrate Thanksgiving in the US.
In The Netherlands Mr. OâMalley is an active member of the ASA , the Ambassadorâs Spouses Association.
âIâm glad it is called the Ambassadorâs Spouses Association here in The Netherlands. During our time in Geneva, where my wife was Ambassador, it was called the Ambassadorâs Wives Association. I prefer this gender-neutral name in The Netherlands,â Mr. OâMalley explains.
I ask him to share his parting message with the readers.
â I would like to tell every newly arrived spouse: Get out there and see as much as you can. Every town here, big or small, has treasures. Time flies, so donât miss a thing. Explore everything, if possible by bicycle. The cycle paths are very safe. And donât wait! Itâs magnificent out here,â he concludes.
Celebrating St. Maarten
Celebrating St. Maarten, our national day, is one beautiful experience, where family, nationhood, culture, and traditions are key!
By Josianne Fleming-Artsen, Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary, Den Haag, The Netherlands.
Allow me to present my 37 square mile island, fantastically dutch and delightfully french, the smallest isalnd in the world with two administrations, a country on the north and a collectivity on the south,where the people have lived together in harmony and peace for over three hundred and sixty years, St. Martin. When we speak of the northern (Dutch) part, we say Sint Maarten and when we refer to the southern (French), Saint Martin. But when we speak of the entire island we call it St. Martin. Together St. Martin celebrates its birthday on november 11. It got its name from Saint Martin of tours, which is also a special day in Europe. Nevertheless, the North and South side of St. Martin celebrate this day as one nation, commemmorating our tradition, culture, foods, and customs.
Though small in size, St. Martin has a big character and receives over two million cruise tourists per year, and is noted as one of the most important cruise stops in the Caribbean. Our other port of entry, the Juliana International Airport is noted for its modern look and one and a halve million tourists per year. Our education sysytem stands next to any sysytem in the world and the government is committed and strongly supports quality education. St. Maarten expresses forward thinking policies on cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible with an outlook on an economy , based on tourism with room for development in diversified services. A country blessed by the leadesrhip of its women âthe Prime Minste rand President of Parliament, with whom I have the opportunity to lead.
With its new status as country since 10.10.10. a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, St. Maarten is growing up slowly but quickly, and experiencing the pains of any new countrty. St. Maarten is determined to ensure that its people are the prioirity and that education is the foundation of progress at all levels.