Vietnam – Netherlands, by Ambassador Huynh Minh Chinh

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Vietnam – Netherlands, by Ambassador Huynh Minh Chinh

 By Huynh Minh Chinh, Ambassador of  Vietnam to the Netherlands.

 VIETNAM – NETHERLANDS, FORTY YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS (1973 -2013)

Forty years ago, 2 years before the war ended in Vietnam, Vietnam and the Netherlands officially established diplomatic relations. The last 40 years proved to be the most fruitful and inspiring period in 400 years of bilateral relations that dates back as early as the first contact in 1601 in a commercial habour of Vietnam.

VietnamSome people would still relate Vietnam to wars. In fact, after a long period of severe war to fight for and regain its independence, in 1975 Vietnam came out in ruins and ashes but soon has since rapidly rebuilt and developed the country from a battle field into an emerging market economy. Over the last 20 years, Vietnam was recognised as one of the fastest growing economies in the world with the average growth rate of about 7.5% a year. In spite of the present economic downturn, in most recent 3 years, Vietnam has been able to maintain its sustainable growth at more than 5%. Some of the main impressive indications of the development of the country are: Vietnam achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals in 2008, long ahead the final deadline of 2015; in 2012, Vietnam got out of the group of least developed countries and entered the group of medium income countries with GDP per capita of about 1,200 USD; Vietnam has also gained a number of top positions in the world’s export. For example, in 2012 Vietnam was the world’s No. 1 in export of black pepper with 110,000 tonnes worth 800 million USD; No. 1 in export of cashew nuts worth 1.6 billion USD; No.2 in export of rice with 8 million tonnes worth 3.7 billion USD, 1/3 of the world rice export market; No.2 in export of coffee with 1.6 million tonnes worth 3.2 billion USD; No.5 in natural rubber with 1.02 million tonnes worth 2.8 billion USD etc…  Vietnam now is an internationally open, hospitable and attractive market. Until the end of 2012, foreign investment in Vietnam has reached about 210.5 billion USD; annual export of Vietnam accounts for about 170 billion USD. This is also a market of 90 million inhabitants with skilled, young and hardworking labour force. Centrally located in South East Asia, with long coastlines near the strategic sea lanes of communications connecting the Pacific and the Indian oceans, the country is an ideal hub of trading development. Bilaterally, in undertaking its commitment to actively promote international integration policy, making itself a responsible member of the world’s community, a good friend and partner of every country, in order to materialize the country’s industrialization and modernization strategy, Vietnam is committed to further enhance and deepen its good existing relation and cooperation with the Netherlands. Vietnam always remembers with gratitude to the Netherlands that, prior to the establishment of the bilateral relations, the Dutch people had taken to the streets to demonstrate their strong support for the peace in Vietnam and then afterwards, had been much kind as to receive many Vietnamese migrants to come and settle down here in the country. The present excellent relations between the two countries have been clearly reflected in a number of high level visit exchanges over the last 20 years, most importantly the visits of the Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok to Vietnam in 1995, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Phan Van Khai to the Netherlands in 2001, H.R.H Crown Prince Willem Alexander and H.R.H Princess Maxima (now H.M. the King and H.M. the Queen of the Netherlands) to Vietnam in 2005 and 2011, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung to the  Netherlands in 2011. The highlight of the bilateral relations was the Vietnam – Netherlands Joint Statement issued on the 1 October 2011 in the Hague which stated, among other things, that “The two sides welcomed the robust development in the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands and agreed to further broaden and deepen this relationship. In this spirit, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in five prioritized economic areas, adaptation to climate change and water management, agriculture, maritime industry, energy, and logistics. The two sides also agreed to broaden potential cooperation in other areas of mutual interest”. Yet, the two countries also enjoy close cooperation at many international fora such as United Nations, ASEM etc… Development assistance from the Netherlands for Vietnam has been playing an important role in the reconstruction and building up the latter country, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, water, forestry, environment etc…and is considered “a successful model”. The last 20 years have evidenced an incredibly rapid growth of effective and mutually beneficial business cooperation between the two countries leading to the great achievements such as: the Netherlands has been the biggest European investor in Vietnam since 2010 with about 163 projects and  the total of about 6 billion USD capital invested; a leading European trade partner of Vietnam with the annual turnover reaching 3.2 billion USD, increasing by 15-20% every year; the Netherlands is an important “gate way” to Europe for Vietnam. Most of the Dutch businesses in Vietnam, including Unilever, Shell, Friesland –Campina, Heineken, Akzo Nobel, Damen and many small and medium size companies are successful and create good mutual profits. Vietnam is well positioned to be the “gate way” to the East and Southeast Asia for the Netherlands in term of trade and industrial production. Especially, Vietnam and the Netherlands have become strategic partners in climate change adaptation and water management since 2010. Some other strategic partnership arrangements are under consideration with regards to agriculture, maritime industry (port development, shipbuilding, commercial shipping). There has appeared a good ground to elevate our cooperation from development assistance onto the level of economic and trading cooperation between equals.  Inevitably, the two countries also have close cultural relation and educational cooperation, reflected by the combined image of lotus and tulip flowers and common fascination of football. A large number of Vietnamese students studying in the Netherlands could well be a good workforce source and bridge for the bilateral economic and scientific cooperation. The achievements in the bilateral relation and cooperation have been resulted in by sharing many things in common: the traditional struggles against water and for independence, the maritime and agricultural backgrounds of the economy, the hardworking, kind peoples etc… Despite vicissitudes that any relation could come across, there is always a very strong willingness to connect Vietnam and the Netherlands which has been built up on the basis of humane respect and sympathy, and the economic cooperation is also the backbone of this relationship. As a Vietnamese King put it in his letter to a Dutch Governor-General in 1670: “…that we shall remain friends for ever for as long as the sun and the moon will shine”, this is strongly believed that the good bilateral relationship and economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands will be carried on and deepened significantly in years to come.    

Syria, a Dutch perspective

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Syria, a Dutch perspective
By Peter Knoope. The situation in Syria is one of these regular items that has slowly become a constant factor in our daily news diet. Such even that we would almost come to ignore it, and maybe we should to a certain extend. The Dutch press especially impresses me with its coverage of the issue. More specifically the fighters that leave their own quite village, like Gouda and Delft (you should go and see these places, really nice quite places where nothing really exciting ever happens) to go and join one of the dirtiest and confusing conflicts in recent history. Every single traveling fighter has been interviewed and has talked to several journalists. We now know these people and their personal stories. So much for “one minute of fame”. This week there was even the result of a research into the opinion of Muslims compared to non-Muslims about these brave young people going to war. And (surprise surprise) our Muslim youngsters feel more sympathy for them than our non Muslim population. This is lesson number -1- from the book on “how to effectively divide a country into two opposing groups: the “us” and the “them”. And all this press coverage almost creates the idea that Syria is invaded by the Dutch. That without the Dutch fighters the conflict would soon be over and done with. Nothing of that kind is the case obviously. The reality is that most of the active foreign fighters are not made in Holland; on the contrary. Only a rough ten percent of the total number of foreign fighters in Syria are European; out of this ten percent few are Dutch. The majority are from the region itself and from Northern Africa. Recently Hezbollah announced officially that they have people on the ground. But Hezbollah is not the only faction involved. We know for a fact that many fighters come from Tunisia and Libya, to mention just two countries of origin of these self-proclaimed heroes. And here is the real issue: Syria has become the attraction of the decade. The place to be for heroic action and some real life violence. Even though the FSA has asked not to come, even though war is a dirty business, even though the presence of the fighters is not contributing to the solution but rather aggravating and adding to the issues. The Dutch press may want to make us believe that this is a bolder issue. One would even almost start to hope so. But the reality is that Syria has become a playground for many and that at least part of the attraction is the attraction itself. The real questions remain to be answered. Why do individuals want to lose their life in vain? What do they think they contribute to peace and reduction of human suffering. And may be for the press to contemplate on: why make it look as if this is a Dutch issue instead of picturing the full reality? Syria is an international top attraction for youngsters looking for instant fame and a cause to live and die for. May be, just may be, because “most people do what most people do”. Which means that the more we give it a platform and expose it, the more it happens. Which implicates that we should consider to reduce the talk and pay as little attention to it as possible. We know that our press can do it, since they have no radar when it comes to the majority of the foreign fighters in Syria: the non Dutch.

Andrew Carnegie, “the dreamer”

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Andrew Carnegie, “the dreamer”
By Willem Post. They called him a dreamer. The Scottish-American Andrew Carnegie built his way up from humble origins to becoming a steel magnate. The American Dream in a nutshell. But for Carnegie it was not a dream about materialism. The richest man on earth, the Bill Gates of his era, gave away a fortune to build libraries and other useful institutes, in order to educate people about world peace. He funded the building of the PeacePalace in The Hague. In utopian way Carnegie called the new building ‘The Temple of Peace’. He was convinced that the dedication on the 28th of August 1913 was one of the most important events in world history. But was he naive? A year later the First World War broke out, creating misery on an immense scale. My answer to the question is ‘NO’ with capital letters. This so called ‘first modern war’ was from a moral and realistic perspective a disaster. Literally the destruction of almost a generation in several countries. And an enormous waste of money and capital goods in the newly industrialized world.  In Carnegie’s days the consensus in diplomatic circles was to talk about peace after a war. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles can be placed in this tradition. In our times there is a vivid, intelectual discussion, influenced also by the withdrawal of the military from Iraq and Afganistan, to implement the principles of ‘Responsibility to Protect’ as adopted by the United Nations in 2005. One of the key principles of this very human doctrine is that we have to invest more in averting war. So the PeacePalace with its courts is a very modern phenomenon. The peaceful settlement of disputes, the core ‘business’ of the Palace is nowadays more important than ever. Therefore, this Mr Carnegie is a true ‘The Hague world icon’. A man we still have to thank for his inspiration and foresight. Willem Post is a senior fellow on international affairs at the Clingendael Institute in The Hague and a commentator for several European, American and Australian media

Peace Palace Centenary

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Peace Palace Centenary
By Steven van Hoogstraten, General Director (Carnegie Foundation) On the 28th of August 2013 the Peace Palace will celebrate its 100th anniversary. This is an important moment for us that we would like to share with you. During the last century, the PeacePalace has become a symbol of the universal strive for peace and justice, and we are still very proud to be the defenders of this ideal. The five institutions in the PeacePalace join their efforts in this regard: the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, the Peace Palace Library, the HagueAcademy of International Law and the Carnegie Foundation. Peace through law was the dominant theme in 1913, and it very much is the same in 2013. Everywhere in the building we are called upon duty by the works of art that recall the importance of the harmony that peace and justice bring. The refined art nouveau craftsmanship of the interior demonstrates in an exemplary way how important the work of man is in the pursuit of this universal ideal. The international character of the works of art, many of which are donations by countries that support this ideal, as well as the diversity among the people that come here, demonstrate how international to the core this building is. It is therefore not surprising that this official national monument has also been nominated for the European cultural heritage label. And heritage is something to treasure and to share. The newly opened Visitors Centre gives tourists from all over the world, in nine different languages, the possibility to learn about the history of the PeacePalace, the ICJ and the PCA. There they can discover the important role of the peace movements, how the Courts operate but also how The Hague became the legal capital of the world. However, to be considered “heritage” is also a challenge, as one should not dismiss its role today. As is the case with all processes within society, change is a continuum, and adaptation to new circumstances often required. The last 100 years have seen many changes in international relations and these are reflected in the large number of legal instruments developed in international law. The need to continuously improve our efforts is also reflected in the program of activities that we are organizing this summer together with the municipality of The Hague and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which the topic will be both the history and the future of our activities. On the 28th of August we hope to hear a speech by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the rule of law in the world. That day a bronze bust of Bertha von Suttner, leader of the European Peace Movement in the late 19th and early 20th century, will be unveiled and a book on the first century of the PeacePalace will be presented. In September, we will organize a debate on the Future of International Justice, a conference on Peace Philanthropy and together with the universities of Utrecht and Leiden, a two day symposium called Lessons learned from the making of peace treaties. On the 9th of September, a reflective moment is at the heart of an interreligious debate. Furthermore, a number of cultural activities will be organized on the premises of the PeacePalace and in the city, such as a series of concerts, a musical by local high school students and a live streamed concert by Peace One Day on the international day of peace, 21 September. So far, several embassies have expressed an interest to organize an event in order to celebrate the role of the PeacePalace. And in autumn, the ICJ and the PCA will both run a conference. On our website www.peacepalace.nl you will find the updated calendar of all events organized to celebrate our centenary. Through these activities we hope to obtain a stronger sense of awareness about the important role that the PeacePalace can play in today’s world. A role which is not limited to international law, but which embraces the general hopes and aspirations of a more peaceful world.      

Learning the art of violin maker in Den Haag

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Learning the art of violin maker in Den Haag
FINE-VIOLINS MEET FINE-ART: RUSSIAN TOUCH TO NOORDEINDE 31 May 2013, The Hague — Violinmaker Dmitry Badiarov will open an art-gallery and violin atelier on Noordeinde – The Hagueʼs most popular high-street famous for its royal Noordeinde Palace, art galleries and all-things-refined. The opening of Badiarov Violins galleryatelier will take place on the 1st of June at 17:00. It is expected to attract the art and music community of the city. 1 The gallery will be dedicated to the contemporary art of violinmaking and the art inspired by music. It will also host permanent exhibition of instruments created by Dmitry Badiarov as well as violin-making school for beginners and professionals. The founder believes in the cultural value of violin-making and its profound connections with European art and music traditions. It will be the place where art, music and violins are an inseparable whole. Apart from violins by the founder, it will promote the work of other violin-makers as well as art inspired by music. The first temporary exhibition will feature fine instruments by Russian-Italian violin-maker Vladimir Cubantsev from Cremona (Vladimiro Cubanzi). There will also be a selection of paintings by a reknown Polish artist Helena Olewicz. The two artists enjoy international careers, presenting their works in a number of international shows. Badiarov Violins Ltd. Dmitry Badiarov – director, Noordeinde 117, 2514GE The Hague, The Netherlands. bv@badiarovviolins.com www.badiarovviol

YU ZU TANG SPA in Den Haag, Traditional Chinese therapy

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YU ZU TANG SPA in Den Haag, Traditional Chinese therapy
Yuzutang offers preventive health care and wellness under one roof, based on traditional Chinese health science and reflex zone therapy. BANNER.YU ZU TANG 4,5 million people visit Yuzutang’s 65 local stores in mainland China each year. team.Yu Zu Tang A first time visit at Yuzutang begins preferably with a health check. This is an analysis of you as an individual for your own preventive treatment advice. Our experts then map your meridian system to be able to design an individual plan that will balance your body, mind and energy flow consistently. http://www.yuzutang.nl/

Powerboat in Scheveningen

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Powerboat in Scheveningen

Powerboat and Rib boating activities in Scheveningen

If you are looking for a spectacular activity at sea in Scheveningen, The Hague, for example, for your corporate event , group outing, bachelor party, or a nice day out, then you have Powerboat Scheveningen to the right place. We ensure you a memorable trip in one of our rib powerboats experience in the North Sea off the coast of Scheveningen, The Hague.

PowerBoat.logo

Boarding Place

2nd inner Scheveningen Dr. Lelykade for No. 24 2583 CM The Hague

061 458 5475

Send your mail to info@powerboat-scheveningen.nl http://www.powerboat-scheveningen.nl/

PC Refresh for diplomats

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PC Refresh for diplomats
PC Refresh – The cost-effective and sustainable alternative to buying new computers The current economic climate calls for an innovative approach to save on costs in a sustainable way. The Hague-based company PC Refresh employs a smart way to extend the lifespan of computers; it has specialized in refreshing, or reinstalling, PC’s and laptops to return them to brand-new condition. The approach is not new, but is often seen as a hassle and is therefore mostly avoided by computer users and specialists. If done right, however, it is the most thorough way to clean up a computer, removing all traces of viruses, unwanted software and other left-overs that slow down or destabilize a computer, without losing important data. PC Refresh works for both consumers and businesses in The Hague area. Ben van den Dungen is a Dutch Jazz musician and managing director of the Jazz & World music Agency. For him, the benefits are clear: “We have an office with six computers, and were about to replace them with new equipment. That’s until we heard about PC Refresh. Reinstalling our PC’s turned out to be a great alternative. We saved thousands of euros and will be able to use our current infrastructure for a few more years. In the current economic situation, that’s the only way to keep up-to-date with our IT.” In just over a year, PC Refresh has already ‘refreshed’ over 300 PC’s and laptops in The Hague, thereby optimizing the process for speed and cost effectiveness. Reinstallation usually takes 24 to 48 hours, with costs varying between 100 and 200 euros, considerably less than a new PC. On top of a reinstallation, older PC’s can be made faster even by adding system memory and a faster hard drive, in which case the computer speed can match or even exceed that of a new PC. Together with a network of partners, PC Refresh also offers additional services like hardware repairs, network management, backup services and tailor-made computer lessons and workshops.

PC Refresh was founded by Sander Vayez Maatman Msc., who has a 15+ year track record in IT and business development, mostly as an entrepreneur, but also with a telecom operator and a research institute. If you are in need of computer services, repairs or advice, you can contact PC Refresh on +316 330 36 596 or at info@pcrefresh.nu The website (in Dutch) is available at www.pcrefresh.nu

The Hague Canal Tour

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The Hague Canal Tour
The Hague Canal Tour, for English speaking people. From July till September you can see The Hague from a different perspective in an open boat. The Hague Canal Tour takes you through old and new parts of The Hague, including under low bridges and through narrow tunnels. From July till September Foundation De Ooievaart gives you the opportunity to buy one or more tickets for this Boat Trip.   The Hague Canal Tour. Few people know that The Hague also has lovely canals and that a boat tour of these canals, De Ooievaart, is available. The canals on The Hague are almost 400 years old and were created for the city’s defenses around 1612. maliestraat You will see a variety of beautiful buildings and special places, among them the Royal Stables and the Royal Gardens. You will also see the former houses of famous Dutch historical figures such as the 17th century artists Paulus Potter, Jan Steen and Jan van Goyen and the Jewish Pantheist Benedict (Baruch) Spinoza. Information and Booking. Price for The Hague Canal Tour for the duration of 90 minutes on an open Boat:
  • Adults (13 years and older) € 11,00 per persoon.
  • Children (from 4 to 12 years old) € 7,50 per persoon.
  • Little Children / babies (younger than 4 years) Free of charge, while seated on the lap of an Adult.
  http://www.ooievaart.nl/ooievaart/speciale-rondvaarten/the-hague-canal-tour/      

Exploring the Maltese Islands

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Exploring the Maltese Islands
By Martin Valentino, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta. The Maltese Archipelago consisting of mainland Malta, and the two sister islands Gozo and Comino, are situated at the centre of the Mediterranean between Europe and Northern Africa offering a unique holiday destination which is truly a Mediterranean experience for all. With a population today of 420,000, with just 316 square kilometres in area and its 7,000 years of history, Malta has seen successive civilizations from the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians to the Ancient Romans, the Byzantines, the Normans, the Aragonese, the Knights of St. John, the French and the British. Malta offers to its visitors not only sun, sea, sand and a mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year, but also a rich history, architectural wealth, archaeological sites and many cultural treasures. The seven megalithic temples found on the islands of Malta and Gozo are the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, some of which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Valletta, the capital city of Malta is built on a peninsula, encircled with fortifications and bastions and has several Auberges that today house various government offices and museums. Following the Great Siege in 1565, the Knights of St John decided to build a city that could withstand future threats. DSC_9957Francesco Laparelli, one of the finest exponents in the art of military fortification at the time, was commissioned to help design the new city. The foundation stone was laid on 28th March 1566 by Grand Master de La Vallette. It took less than five years to build the main fortifications, a venture that involved 8,000 persons. After World War II, there was a considerable decline in Valletta’s population, however, people are now flocking back, partly due to the city’s unique characteristics. Valletta has become a hub of commerce, civil administration and business activities, abounding with quaint cafes, restaurants and international brand shops. In Valletta one finds a host of churches together with the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral, considered unique for its treasures. In fact it incorporates a gem of Baroque art and architecture, as well as a Museum that displays the beheading of St. John, considered as one of the greatest masterpieces of Michelangelo Merisi, better known as ‘Caravaggio’. Last May, Valletta has been declared European Capital of Culture for the year 2018 by the Councils of Ministers of the European Union during a meeting of the same Council of Ministers responsible for Culture. Malta’s beautiful year-round weather makes it ideal for a number of sports and outdoor leisure activities. Deep sea diving is quickly becoming more and more popular not only with local enthusiasts but also with tourists who visit the island to witness Malta’s stunning underwater world of dive sites. To this extent, this year the MalteseIslands have once again been awarded 3rd place in the category of ‘Best Diving Destination of the Year’, in the international Diver Magazine voting poll, making the Islands the top diving location in the Mediterranean. One can also opt to board a yacht and sail around the islands or else take a special tour of Malta’s countryside on a bike adventure. Cultural attractions on the islands are abundant. Cities such as Valletta, Mdina, Rabat and the Three Cities hold cultural gems and sites found only in Malta. Brave the Mdina Dungeons, explore Malta’s religious history, take a Medieval pilgrimage or experience an unforgettable night of Maltese folklore and Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy the village festas especially during the summer months. Whether you’re in or above the water, the Maltese Islands are full of natural wonders and distinctive beauty. Explore the picturesque cave of the Blue Grotto, and the tranquil and open spaces in the countryside of Malta’s sister Island in Gozo by taking just a 25 minute ferry crossing from the Cirkewwa port or else by seaplane from the Grand Harbour. Retrace part of Homer’s Odyssey at Calypso’s Cave, where the beautiful nymph Calypso is said to have kept Odysseus as a prisoner of love for seven years, and marvel at the spectacular natural Azure Window, which is a giant doorway through which you can admire the blue expanse beyond the cliff. In addition, explore the tiny Comino just a stone’s throw away from Gozo, with the glistening jewel of the Blue Lagoon and its own share of bays to enjoy. The MalteseIslands are renowned for being a fun and cosmopolitan destination. With many top-notch hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and budgets, one is spoilt for choice. Eating out is a treat, not only for the quality and freshness of the food, but for the location of some restaurants with spectacular views and backdrops. The islands are not short of entertainment either, with an events calendar packed with activities for people of all ages; concerts like the Isle of MTV Malta Special, theatrical and musical performances, sporting events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race and a myriad of exhibitions, to mention a few, are on all year round. Whatever the reason you choose to visit Malta, rest assured a warm Mediterranean welcome awaits you!
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