Big Improvement Day
By Bonnie Klap.
As a prelude to the Big Improvement Day, which actually takes place on Tuesday, January 21, Mr. Ralph van Hessen, Director of Winkelman van Hessen and a driving force behind the Big Improvement Day in The Netherlands, hosted a beautiful lunch at the elegant “Castle de Wittenburg” in Wassenaar. Big Improvement Day is – in short – a unique event, where the top echelon of the Government and business community get together to exchange ideas and strive for improvement in general. One of the attendees was, amongst others, the highly succesful and well known entrepeneur Mr. John Fentener van Vlissingen of BCD Holdings, as well as Mrs. Tasoula Hadjitofi, an impressive business woman from Cyprus, who is nominated to be the next European Woman of the Year. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/72157640010934266/
Passing of former ICC Judge Karl T. Hudson-Phillips
It is with great sadness that the International Criminal Court (ICC) learnt of the passing of Karl T. Hudson-Phillips (Trinidad and Tobago), one of the first judges of the ICC, on 15 January 2014. The Court presents its deepest condolences to his family and friends in this time of sorrow.
“Judge Hudson-Phillips made important contributions to establishing the judicial foundations of the Court. He chaired the first meetings of judges before the election of the Presidency and was influential in drafting the Regulations of the Court as well as the Code of Judicial Ethics. His passing is a great loss to us all and his contribution will be cherished for a long time to come”, said ICC President Judge Sang-Hyun Song.
National of Trinidad and Tobago, Judge Hudson-Phillips was elected by the States Parties to the Rome Statute from the Latin American and Caribbean Group of States (GRULAC) in February 2003 and served until September 2007. Judge Hudson-Phillips had extensive private practice experience in his home country and throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean. He also served as Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2010, he was named Chair of the Human Rights Council fact-finding mission to investigate the Gaza flotilla events of 31 May 2010
Catch by Simonis, Top Resto
Welcome to Catch by Simonis
We proudly present our new restaurant: Catch by Simonis. Catch is located directly on the water, in the most beautiful place in the second inner harbor, and offers fantastic views over the marina.
Catch restaurant is spread over 4 floors and features an indoor elevator that can take you to any floor, including the toilets in the basement. We can seat up to 500 guests, inside and outside, for a welcome breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks or big event.
On the upper floor of the characteristic property, is an exclusive venue that is ideally suited for parties, business meetings, conferences and weddings. Step outside and you are on our roof terrace with breathtaking views over the harbor and even the sea.
CATCH BY SIMONIS
- DR. LELYKADE 43
- 2583 CL SCHEVENINGEN 070-3387609
- INFO@CATCHBYSIMONIS.NL
Da Sebastiano Trattoria
Welcome to the Italian Restaurant Da Sebastiano (Da Sebastiano 1) . Located in the Hague Archipelbuurt, it aims to serve and provide real authentic Italian cuisines. Whether it is for a quick bite or an extensive dinner party, we are open every day. You start with antipasto, followed by primo, secondo and finally a dolce with caffe and limoncello.
Javastraat 138.
The Hague.
070-345-5291
www.dasebastiano.nl
RISTORANTE-PIZZERIA.
Sebastiano has the top real Italian pizza in The Hague. Please visit our Website.
Lan van Meerdervoort, 214.
The Hague. 070-392-5585
http://www.dasebastiano.nl/
RISTORANTE-PIZZERIA.
Sebastiano has the top real Italian pizza in The Hague. Please visit our Website.
Lan van Meerdervoort, 214.
The Hague. 070-392-5585
http://www.dasebastiano.nl/ Thais Restaurant Phuket
The unique and charming restaurant Phuket lies at the top of the second harbour of Scheveningen. The Thai chef guards over his ingredients, much of which is directly imported from Thailand. With the luxurious interior and friendly service, you imagine yourself to be in the heart of Thailand. Welcome.
Opening times
Mon to Fri 12.00 – 14.30 & 17.00 – 23.00
Sat to Sun 12.00 – 23.00 open throughout the day
Tables of 1-6 people may be booked online. For larger parties or same-day bookings, please contact us by telephone.
Tel: +31 (0)70 306 38 88
We also offer take-away service.
http://www.restaurant-phuket.nl/
Opening times
Mon to Fri 12.00 – 14.30 & 17.00 – 23.00
Sat to Sun 12.00 – 23.00 open throughout the day
Tables of 1-6 people may be booked online. For larger parties or same-day bookings, please contact us by telephone.
Tel: +31 (0)70 306 38 88
We also offer take-away service.
http://www.restaurant-phuket.nl/ Clingendael training courses
TRAINING and COURSES
Open Registration Courses 2014
Overview of all open courses on e.g. cyber security, EU institutions, negotiation behaviour, European Union, international security, protocol and etiquette, and nuclear security.
Clingendael Academy is responsible for all courses and training programmes on diplomacy, European affairs,security and conflict management,
and negotiation for various target groups, both in the Netherlands, as well as abroad.
For more information on all Clingendael courses, please visit
Dies natalis 2014 of the Universiteit Leiden
By Drs. Eva Maria Elisabeth Mennes-Wuesten, Key holder of Leiden University.
Dies Natalis 2014.
The celebration of the 439th Dies Natalis will take place on Friday, February 7, at 15.00 hrs. in the Pieterskerk Leiden, Pieterskerkhof 1A. The programme will commence at 15.00 hrs precisely. There will be a live video broadcast of the ceremony, and a simultaneous translation will be provided in English.
The dies lecture will be delivered by Corinne Hofmann, Professor of Caribbean Archaeology and Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, and is entitled: The Future of the Past. Subsequently, Honory Doctorates will be conferred on: Josef S. Smolen, Professor of Rheumatology, Chairman of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, for his impressive contribution to fundamental and clinical research in the field of rheumatology.
The Honorary Supervisor is Professor Tom W.J. Huizinga, Head of the Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). The Dean of the Faculty is Professor Pancras C.W. Hogendoorn. Herbert Waldmann, Professor of Chemical Biology at the Max Planck Institute in Dortmund, for his scientific work in the field of chemical biology. The Honorary Supervisor is Hermen S. Overkleeft, Professor of Bio-organic Sysnthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) at the Faculty of Science. The Dean of the Faculty is Professor Geert R. de Snoo. The guitarist and composer, Marlon Titre will perform the musical interlude.
He received his Leiden University PhD in December 2013 after having completed the docARTES Doctoral Programme in Music, organized by the Orpheus Institute in Ghent. The Chairman of the Leiden University Student Platform, Marc Newsome, will present the Leiden 2014 Teaching Prize.
Marjolein Soethoudt, master’s student of Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences and winner of the Unilever Research Award 2013, will then present her award-winning graduate research. During the reception following the official ceremony there will be the opportunity to congratulate the members of the Executive Board of the University, the Dies lecturer, the Honorary Doctors and their Supervisors, the Deans, the prize winners, and their partners. The reception will start at approximately 16:30 hrs.
The Hague Plume 2013
By Drs. Eva Maria Elisabeth Mennes.
The annual New Year’s reception of The Hague:
Director Aus Greidanus received the Hague Plume 2013
For pictures about this event please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
As every year the Municipal government of The Hague invited officials and an hour later all volunteers of the city to the annual New Year’s reception, scheduled on Thursday 2 January 2014. The evening began at 18.30 in the Atrium of the City Hall. It was nice to meet our diplomatic friends, His Excellency of France Monsieur Ménat, back from France, Her Excellency the ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, back from Rome, Her Excellency the ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia who stayed in the country and many other dear friends and officials. Happy New Years wishes were exchanged.
The Mayor Jozias van Aartsen delivered a speech first to warn about private use of fireworks and that this use has to be changed in the coming years. He thanked all the volunteers who try to make The Hague a better place every day. Then he mentioned some upcoming international events in the year to come for this beautiful city. At the end of his speech he turned back to the past, November 30 and the reminder of the landing of Prins Willem I at Scheveningen two hundred years ago. Director Aus Greidanus received the Hague Plume 2013.
The plume and the corresponding sum of 2,500 euros was handed to him by Mayor Jozias van Aartsen. Greidanus received the award for the “unique way” in which he has put The Hague and Scheveningen on the map.
Longboard training for your kids
Welcome to Sickboards
Possibly the biggest Longboard collection in the Universe.
Core Shop :
Binckhorstlaan 320
2516BL The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel : +31-70-3524805
http://www.sickboards.nl/
Open from Monday till Friday from 10:00 to 18:00
Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00
Lifestyle Store (more clothing and shoes) : Keizerstraat 70 2584BK The Hague (Scheveningen) The Netherlands Tel : +31-70-8700694 Open from Tuesday till Friday from 12:00 to 18:00 Saturday from 12:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00
For questions regarding your order call: +31-70-3524805
For general inquiries call: +31-70-8700493 http://www.sickboards.nl/2013 Diplomatic Events
Flickr Albums Diplomatic events
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
Events before Nov.2013 click here:
https://diplomatmagazine.eu/recent-events/
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Events of Nov+Dec, 2013. See below.
Festive Season at Hotel des Indes
On Saturday 7 December Hotel Des Indes, a Luxury Collection Hotel has opened the Festive Season with the ignition of the Christmas tree in the hotel (see picture above). Every year the hotel undergoes a transformation with Holiday decorations ranging from floral arrangements, Christmas lights and an enchanting Christmas pine in the hotel’s restaurant or lounge.The guests arrived along a lane of fire torches, where the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts and apples entered their noses. Hotel Manager Rem Bastiaens welcomed his guests with a glass of glühwein around ‘the Rotonda’, overlooking the hotel lounge. After a short but inspiring speech, the lights were ignited and this marked the official start of the Hotel Des Indes Festive Season.
The Rotary Club Metropolitan
From Robert Buurke. The Hague, 18 th of December 2013.On Wednesday 18th of December 2013 The Rotary Club Metropolitan The Hague organized a fundraising concert in The Our Savior Church. After an opening speech of H.E. Mr Maris Klisans the Latvian Ambassador in The Netherlands, a very beautiful concert of both Latvian as well as Christmas songs was performed. This concert has been made possible with the help of Ikea, The Underground, Sligro and Diplomat Magazine.
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Xmas Party at the Kurhaus
For pictures about this event please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
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Embassy of Korea, honoring veterans
By Bonnie Klap.
For pictures about this event please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
His Excellency Mr. Key Cheol Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, hosted a very unique lunch honoring the Veterans of the 1950—1953 Korean War. The lunch was attended by 170 guests in total, many of them veterans, proudly wearing their uniforms. Various VIP’s also attended the lunch, such as Mrs. Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister of Defense, Dr. Song, President of the ICC and Mrs. van Miltenburg, Chairman of the Lower House of Parliament. Ambassador Key Cheol Lee passionately and tirelessly strives to increase public awareness in The Netherlands for the Korean War Veterans.
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Kenya 50th Anniversary
By Robert Buurke.
For pictures about this event please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
On the occasion of the celebration of Fifty years of Independence of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mrs Rose Makena, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya invited Head of diplomatic missions and special guests to the Crowne plaza Hotel on 11 December to celebrate Kenya’s Independence Day. Ambassador Makena first requested the distinguished guests for one moment of silence on behalf of former President and anti-Apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, who passed away recently.
In the end of her speech Ambassador Makena wished happy holidays season. The event was very well attended with excellent food, drinks and canapés from Kenya.
The Hague Bridge walk in Kijkduin
For pictures about this event please click here: https://picasaweb.google.com/PersonalVietnamTravelTeam/December112013HaagseBrugWalkWithJosNusseDenHaagGreeter?authkey=Gv1sRgCNDJ5fmEser-ywE&feat=email
These beautiful photos were taken by Martin Cup, for which our great thanks.
(The best presentation is through the slide show)
Sincerely,
The Hague Bridge team
FYI / TKN
(In English) http://denhaag.nl/home/bewoners/wonen-en-bouwen/to/Kijkduin-4.htm
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Zamora, Venezuelan film
For pictures about this event please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
On Monday 9 December, H.E. Haifa Aissami, Ambassador of Venezuela, in collaboration with the Asociacion Hispanica, invited members of the diplomatic corps and special guests to enjoy the screening of Zamora. The film chronicles the life of Ezequiel Zamora, a man who fought for the dignity and the emancipation of oppressed peoples in the mid-nineteenth century in Venezuela.This is the first historical film that expose the events occurred during mid XIX century with one of the most popular Venezuelan leader of that century.
After the successful screening Ms. Aissami offered a vin d’honneur to her guests with home-made snacks and local drinks from Venezuela. A short guitar recital was also performed by Maria Marin Gordillo.
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Thailand celebrates King’s Birthday
By Bonnie Klap. For more pictures click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
His Excellency Dr. Virachai Plasai, Ambassador of Thailand and his charming wife Elizabeth, hosted a reception on the occasion of the 86th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Addressing the numerous guests present Ambassador Plasai mentioned several interesting facts about his country, such as the hugely succesful automotive industry, which currently ranks amongst the top-10 in the world. Moreover 21 million tourists visit Thailand annually. Thailand’s economic growth rate for 2013 was projected at 3%. However, the IMF has increased this number to a healthy 3,5%.
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United Arab Emirates Anniversary
By Bonnie Klap.
For more pictures click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/ 
On the occasion of the 42nd Anniversary of the United Arab Emirates National Day the young, new Ambassador Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi hosted a reception at the Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel in Scheveningen. As is well known the oil reserves of the Emirates are ranked as the 7th largest in the world. Its natural gas reserves are the world’s 17th largest. This has contributed to the success of the UAE and the fact that they are one of the most developed economies in Western Asia. The very well attended reception was followed by a lavish dinner buffet.
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National Day of Romania.
By Bonnie Klap.
Her Excellency Mrs. Ireny Comaroschi, Ambassador of Romania, hosted a reception on the occasion of the National Day of Romania and treated her guests to a concert by Romanian artists Teodora Enache and her musicians. The venue was the magnificent Townhall of Wassenaar, ‘De Paauw,’ the former residence of the Dutch Prince Frederik in the 19th century. In her speech the Ambassador mentioned the fact that The Netherlands is the biggest investor in Romania. She concluded by wishing her many guests a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season. Voluteer Pictures Robert Buurke, Publisher.
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Cocktail International Criminal Court.
By Bonnie Klap. Fridaynight His Excellency Mr. Franz Josef Kremp, Ambassador of Germany, hosted a cocktailparty in his residence Huis Schuylenburch to introduce Judge Bertram Schmitt, the candidate of Germany to the International Criminal Court 2014 elections. Many members of the Diplomatic Corps and international organizations attended. Mr. Bertram Schmitt has been an ad hoc Judge at the European Court of Human Rights and is also an honorary Professor of criminal law at the University of Würzburg. Since 2005 Mr. Schmitt is a Judge at the “Bundesgerichtshof,” Germany’s highest Court of Justice.
For more pictures about this event please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets
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Spectaculair National Day Oman
By Bonnie Klap.
Click here for more beautiful pictures of this very special National Day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
The Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Muhammed bin Harub Al Said, hosted a grand reception on the occasion of the 43rd National Day Anniversary. The Ambassador started his speech in excellent Dutch, which impressed not only the many Dutch guests, but for which he received ample praise from former Prime-Ministers Professor Jan Peter Balkenende and Professor Andreas van Agt, both guests of honour this evening. Hundreds of guests had come to congratulate the Ambassador underscoring the importance of the bilateral relations between Oman and The Netherlands. 
Independence Day of Lebanon
By Bonnie Klap.
The Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Lebanon, Mrs. Abir Ali, hosted a reception on the occasion of the Indepence of Lebanon. Although the weather outside was cold and rainy, the room in the Crowne Plaza Hotel was overflowing with guests and the reception was extremely well attended. Mrs. Abir Ali impressed some Dutch guests by bravely speaking Dutch. No mean feat considering the difficulty of the language and the fact that she arrived in The Netherlands just 9 months ago.
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Charge d’Affaires Adam Sterling and the Political-Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a Fall Borrel on November 18.
For more pictures on this very well attended event please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
King’s Day Belgium
By Bonnie Klap.
November 15 is a special day for the Belgian Monarchy. Since 1866 the day has been marked by celebrations in honor of the Belgian Monarch. The tradition was started by King Leopold II, who was the second King of Belgium. On November 15 His Excellency Mr. Frank Geerkens, Ambassador of Belgium to The Netherlands, hosted a reception at his residence to celebrate King’s Day. The reception was attended by a great number of guests, amongst whom several well-known Dutch politicians.
For more pictures about this event and other diplomatic gatherings please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
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Angola ‘Rumo ao Progresso’
By Roy Lie A Tjam. Last Monday 11 November, the Republic of Angola celebrated its independence and this important occasion marked by a night of splendour on 14th when Dr Luis José de Almeida doyen of the Angolan diplomacy, Ambassador for Angola and Mrs Almeida hosted an important gala dinner in the grandeur of the Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel. Ambassador Almeida gave an insightful update on the progress Angola has made over the past 38 years since independence. He addressed the delegates on the May preselect, including education, health and infrastructure policies. Angola: ‘Rumo ao Progresso’ she is indeed surging ahead and the Republic looks unfazed to her future! The guest of honour at the festivities was Mr. Paul Staal, Dutch consultant and a key leader in the 1960’s and 70’s of the activist movement Angola Comité, which fervently supported the Angolan struggle for independence. The special guest at the dinner was the representative of the Angola Steel Corporation, Ms.Almeida. The programme included a wonderful interactive musical performance by the renowned Angolan ensemble Kilandukilu Angola, who flew in especially for the celebrations.
Click here for pictures about this magnificent event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
Enjoy Jakarta, Roadshow 2013
By Bonnie Klap.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with Jakarta City Government and Culture Office and Garuda Indonesia organized a Press Conference in the prestigious Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam, followed by a Cocktail gathering and a fabulous Gala Dinner. Indonesian dancers in colorful costumes provided entertainment and a spectacular fashionshow was also part of the programme. Her Excellency Mrs. Retno Marsudi, Ambassador of Indonesia, delivered a speech in which she mentioned the promotion of tourism as one of the top-priorities of Indonesia.
Click here for more beautiful pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/
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