Friday, 7 July 2023, Berlin, Germany: The French Ambassador in Germany, François Delattre was received for a bilateral meeting with the Premier of Schleswig-Holstein, Daniel Günther (CDU) at the Representation of the Federal State in the German capital.
The tête-à-tête served as the first encounter between the two dignitaries since Delattre was accredited to Germany on 27 September 2022. The two officials discussed possible manners to enhance the cooperation between France and Schleswig-Holstein.
Paper presented at the conference held on 29 June at the European Parliament to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief. The FORB Roundtables Brussels-EU and Netherlands as well as HRWF contributed to this event hosted by MEPs Peter van Dalen and Carlo Fidanza.
By José Luis Bazan, Legal adviser, COMECE (Commission of Catholic Episcopal Conferences of the EU)
HRWF (29.06.2023) – On 24 June 2013, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief. Three years later, in May 2016, the President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker adopted the decision to create the function of Special Envoy for the promotion of the freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. Again, three years later, on 6 of September 2019, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy announced a new EU-sponsored “Global Exchange on Religion in Society” (1). If it were not a coincidence, I would say that every three years, the EU has got us used to seeing an institutional project concerning religious freedom outside the EU. I understand, unless I am mistaken, that in the coming months we should, perhaps, await something new in this area.
Expectations were high in 2013 with the EU Guidelines, which were hailed by many as a good first step in the right direction, disregarding certain limitations. Just to mention a couple of examples: the lack of explicit recognition of the right of parents that their children are educated according to their moral and religious believes that goes beyond “the right of parents to teach their children in the tenets of their religion or belief” (2); and of the fundamental right to conscientious objection beyond military service, in areas such as health or education. (3)
The appointment of Jan Figel’ as the first EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom, despite the scarcity of human and financial resources provided for the post – which was also criticized by the European Parliament – (4), was a success thanks to the commitment of the appointee, which created a school, and paved the way for the proliferation of “Special envoys” and “representatives” on freedom of religion in EU members states.
However, the good prospects for the EU’s engagement in the promotion and protection of religious freedom have been progressively dimmed. First, there are many doubts about the actual implementation of the EU Guidelines in EU delegations around the world: there is a perception that in some cases they are not even properly known by the staff in those delegations, as the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Religious Freedom pointed out in its 2021 report (5).
The fact that no information is published or shared on their actual implementation does not help to dispel these doubts. We are aware of training activities that try to increase the knowledge and awareness of EEAS staff in this area, but knowledge does not seem to be enough to reach a sufficient level of commitment.
Photo credit: EU Brussels FoRB Roundtable – THIX Photo. — 10th Anniversary of the EU Guidelines on FoRB co-organized by the Eu Parliament Intergroup on FoRB&RT, with HRWF, EU Brussels FoRB Roundtable and Netherlands FoRB Roundtable.
Secondly, after the end of the Jan Figel’s mandate in 2019, the EU didn’t show much appetite in appointing his successor, and, except for the brief period in 2021, the Special Envoy position was left vacant for almost three years (again), until December 2022, when the senior Belgian diplomat Frans van Daele was appointed. But, once more, enjoying very limited margin of maneuver and with little resources at disposal.
Regarding the “Global Exchange on Religion in Society”, it can be a useful instrument to reach the attempted goal “to connect civil society practitioners inside and outside Europe working on faith and social inclusion” (6), if it is properly done and the autonomy of religious communities is respected. However, this would be more on the side of “prevention” than “protection” of those suffering religious freedom violations. Looking at the reports about religious freedom worldwide, the threats and trends that are endangering this fundamental human right, and the biblical proportion of the number of victims, the EU position can’t be neither cosmetic nor anecdotal: the response to these massive violations, where Christian are the most persecuted religious community as highlighted by the European Parliament (7), should be firmer and more explicit.
The credibility of the EU’s commitment depends on it acting with determination to protect and promote religious freedom. More resources are needed, greater awareness of the importance of religious freedom outside the EU as an essential factor in understanding the society and politics of the countries with which the EU has relations. But also, a firmness that is lacking in many cases: for example, responding to the massacres of more 50,000 Christians in Nigeria, at the hands of radical Islamists (8); or implement the EU’s own rules for the renewal of the GSP+ system with Pakistan, currently under negotiation.
Moreover, the external discourse cannot be detached from the reality in Europe of flagrant and, unfortunately, increasingly frequent violations of religious freedom and other fundamental rights of believers: for example, their possibility to educate their children according to their convictions or not to be forced in their professions to perform acts against their conscience. We cannot be critical without being self-critical: any moral authority derives from incoherence.
We should recognize that some EEAS staff members (as well as others in the European Commission and the EU Parliament) show a laudable openness and commitment to the cause of freedom of religion and offer the opportunity to religious and non-religious actors to engage in conversations and bring their respective concerns to the attention of the institution. However, the commitment should come also from the leaders of all EU institutions. It is in the interest of the EU to understand better the world, which is massively religious, and to avoid the temptation to consider as a universal paradigm that religion is purely a private matter.
I hope that the EU won’t wait three more years to take the decision to avoid the progressive postponement of religious freedom to a de facto status of a second-class human right, which must always yield to others, or to artificially promote non-consensual new “counter-rights”, breaking the natural harmony of the human rights ecosystem, as recognized by the international community in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 New York Pacts.
This month, the Dean of ambassadors in The Hague, H.E. Ms Adia Sakiqi, ambassador of Albania to the Netherlands, hosted at Leonardo Hotel a farewell ceremony for the six ambassadors who will leave the Netherlands this summer. Over a glass of wine, the guests had the opportunity to enjoy once more each other’s’ company.
On this distinguished occasion, the Dean held a speech, to honor the work and efforts of her colleagues.
‘It is a pleasure we are gathered together once more. Today we do not only celebrate the first Bi-Annual Farewell event of 2023, but also, and most importantly, the tenures of our esteemed colleagues here in the Netherlands’.
Ambassadors attending the farewell ceremony.
In her speech, Ms. Sakiqi addressed each of the guests of honor, underlining their special qualities and contributions to diplomatic life during their mission in The Hague:
Armenia – H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan – your energy, your determination and your drive will be remembered. You will be missed in The Hague, and especially in Scheveningen, the North Sea will miss your daily morning dives.
Permanent Representative of Belgium to OPCW and to the International Organizations – H.E. Mr. William Roelants de Stappers – we thank you for all your solid contributions in international organizations. Your leadership in International law will be remembered.
Brazil – H.E. Mr. Paulo Roberto Caminha de Castilhos França – was lovely to have you among us in The Hague. Special thanks go to your contributions in assisting the Deanship in important matters dear to us all in this room. We wish you and your family every success!
Czech Republic – H.E. Ms. Katerina Sequensová – Katerina, you are not only a professional diplomat, but also a great manager who held 2-3 hats at the same time and never complained. I am positive that we will hear from you and your future successes. Lovely to know that you will assist ICC in the future months and come back to The Hague!
Latvia – H.E. Ms. Aiga Liepina – Aiga, I would like to thank you on behalf of all of us, for your engagement, solidarity and professionalism. It was great to cooperate with such a reliable professional like yourself. Wish you all the best in your future posting, knowing that you will mark your mandate there as it happened here in The Hague.
Luxembourg – H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit – among many high characteristics that you embody, I would like to emphasize your sense of humor. I do not know if it comes from experience, but I am sure it is a personal characteristics which we so much enjoyed in our circles.
Tunisia – H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, I would like to thank you on behalf of all colleagues for your professionalism, your bridge building and your leadership not only for the Francophonie, but for where-ever you were invested’.
The Dean added that although their diplomatic mandate was marked by lock-downs and pandemics, they managed to overcome shortcomings and are leaving a significant mark in the Netherlands, with their hard work and dedication.
H.E. Ms. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of The Hague and H.E. Ms. Katerina Sequensová, Ambassador of Czech Republic.
She concluded:
‘It has been a joy to work alongside every single one of you with such astonishingly accomplished profiles, to exchange experiences, to cooperate and to learn from each other. These cheers go to you, to all the amazing things you have accomplished, and to all the many amazing things you will continue to accomplish.
On behalf of the Diplomatic Corps we thank you and celebrate you!’
The recent mutiny of the mercenary Wagner Group in Russia concluded abruptly in less than two days. Through the intervention of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, the military personnel of the Wagner Group ceased their advance towards Moscow and retreated to their bases. Media reported that Lukashenko successfully obtained assurances from the Russian government regarding the safety of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, and that Prigozhin and his private armed forces will be deployed to Belarus and stationed there.
Although the immediate crisis has been resolved, the repercussions of this event will have long-lasting consequences.
First of all, the prospect of reconciliation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prigozhin is highly improbable. During a crucial phase of the war in Ukraine, Prigozhin’s rebellion not only posed a threat to Russia but also caused humiliation to Putin. Such incidents are utterly unacceptable to the Russian president. Indeed, Putin has already vowed to bring Wagner rebellion leaders “to justice”.
The forthcoming period presents notable challenges to Putin’s authoritative control. Wagner Group openly challenged the Russian state and, by extension, Putin himself, compelling the president to acquiesce. This submissive reaction to adverse circumstances unveils the vulnerability of the Russian president’s wielded power in the presence of unforeseen contingencies.
The precise factors underpinning the Wagner incident remain elusive, and information disseminated through social media platforms is deemed untrustworthy, yet it appears that the principal catalyst resides in an internal confrontation between the Wagner Group and the Russian Ministry of Defense. In all likelihood, it was Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s endeavor to assimilate the Wagner troops that exerted considerable pressure on Prigozhin, prompting a precarious situation. The Russian Ministry of Defense, under Shoigu’s stewardship, acts as a representative body for Putin. Consequently, when Prigozhin confronts Shoigu and challenges the Ministry of Defense, he effectively challenges Putin’s authority directly.
The prospect of non-governmental cooperation between the United States and Prigozhin appears unlikely, although there remains a possibility of the United States extending some form of support. Considering the prevailing conditions, Ukraine still finds itself lacking the requisite capabilities to mount a robust counterattack. Recent intelligence suggests that the Russian military has effectively neutralized Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts. It is worth noting that Ukraine’s offensive capacities remain relatively constrained.
The significance and potential implications of this event on China should not be underestimated. The Chinese public’s perception of the Ukraine conflict is notably influenced by the interplay between China and the U.S. Initially, there was a prevailing belief among the general Chinese public that Russia, as a nuclear-armed nation, would endure the collective pressure exerted by NATO countries despite its internal challenges. However, the sudden internal turmoil in Russia introduces an element of unpredictability, potentially upsetting the expected equilibrium.
Should Russia encounter setbacks or internal divisions during the conflict, it may trigger structural changes in the prevailing international geopolitical landscape characterized by the Ukraine conflict (Russia vs. NATO + the West) and the ongoing U.S.-China competition (China vs. the U.S. + some allies). Consequently, a reduction in pressure on the West from Russia could lead to an escalation of pressure on China from the U.S.
A better option for China is to refrain from entanglement with Russia. In light of the complexity of the situation, maintaining a rational perspective would be crucial for China.
About the author:
Kung Chan is one of China’s renowned experts in information analysis. Most of his academic research activities are in economic information analysis, particularly in the area of public policy. Kung Chan is the founder of ANBOUND Think Tank, an independent think tank based in Beijing, specializing in public policy research covering geopolitics and international relations, urban and social development, industrial issues, and macro-economy.
Tuesday, 27 June 2023, NRW, Germany: Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the Ruhr region and the southern Münsterland with around 150 foreign ambassadors working in Germany and high-ranking representatives of international organisations.
The information and meeting tour with the diplomatic corps began in Mülheim an der Ruhr at the Siemens Energy company, whose centre of excellence for energy transition technologies stands for transformation in the Ruhr region. The Federal President and the diplomats subsequently visited the Zollverein – Tariff Union Coal Mine Industrial Complex, where Premier Hendrik Wüst invited the Federal President and his guests to a luncheon. In the afternoon, they continued to Dortmund to the German Football Museum. On the way there, the Federal President and the diplomatic corps learned about the conversion and renaturation of the Emscher river. The day ended with a reception for the Federal President at Nordkirchen Castle.
Ministerprsident Hendrik Wst besucht mit Bundesprsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier und Diplomaten am 27.06.2023 Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG in Muelheim an der Ruhr. Foto: Land NRW / Bernd Thissen
Since 1996, the federal presidents have organised an annual information and encounter trip with the heads of mission of the diplomatic corps and international organisations to one of the 16 federal states. The aim is to present Germany and the diversity of its regions to the foreign diplomats.
Last year, Bavaria was the destination of the trip.In total, the field trip included stopovers in Mülheim an der Ruhr (visit of Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG); Essen (Customs Union, allocution of the German Federal President in the framework of a luncheon hosted by the Premier of NRW); Castrop-Rauxel (visit of the Natural Reserve „Emscherland“); Dortmund (visit of the German Football Museum); and Nordkirchen Castle (evening reception).
The 2023 theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” – Freedom. Future. History
By Roy Lie Atjam
The Embassy of the Philippines in the Netherlands joined Filipinos around the world in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and Nationhood with a Diplomatic reception at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, on 15 June 2022.
In a celebratory message, H.E. Ambassador Eduardo Malaya, reflected on the past, presence and future developments of his beloved Philippines. “ He stated: maraming salamat, dank u wel, thank you for joining us this afternoon to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The 125-year milestone is being commemorated because by proclaiming independence from Spain, Emilio Aguinaldo and other revolutionaries triggered the creation of a national consciousness among the different peoples and ethnic groups across the Philippine archipelago, and for a shining yet brief three year period, gave birth to Asia’s first republic, securing the Philippines’ place in history as the earliest modern democracy and republic in that part of the world.
Among the contemporaries of Aguinaldo was Jose Rizal, a medical doctor, sculptor and writer. He lived for a time in Madrid and Paris, travelled across Europe and published two influential novels – the Noli Me Tangere in Berlin and the El Felibusterismo in Ghent, Belgium, which contributed to that national consciousness and together are taken as the country’s national epic.”
Though Rizal advocated for autonomy and peaceful reforms for the then colony, he was charged with rebellion and made to face a firing squad. The embassy will inaugurate the profile bust of Rizal on July 4 in honor of the Philippine national hero.
Ambassador Eduardo Malaya went on to say, “Filipinos look back to 1898 and not 1946 as the most glorious period of our history, and are grateful to Rizal, Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio and numerous others for their patriotism, courage and supreme sacrifice.
Pardon this brief excursion on the meaning of today’s event. It happens to be one of the subjects dealt with in my book on the Philippine presidents and their inaugural visions, whose second edition was published five years ago.
In addition there is a second part in celebrating this year’s Philippine National Day, the introduction of Philippine cuisine, for which we brought in two celebrity chefs from Manila, we also would like to thank many of you for the friendship, support, and partnership that you and your embassies, agencies and organizations have extended to me and my team these past two and a half years:
Firstly, dank u wel to the Government of the Netherlands for the friendship and the productive partnership, which have grown each year. Our two countries marked 70 years of fruitful diplomatic relations in 2022. The meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Mark Rutte in December boosted our cooperation, along with a number of high-level visits and exchanges, including the visit of the Philippine Trade and Industry Minister next month. Thanks in particular to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Asia and Oceania (DAO), represented here by Max Valstar, for their constant eagerness to work with us to strengthen relations.
Thanks as well to the multilateral organizations here in Hague, starting with the OPCW with which many of us in the diplomatic corps are deeply engaged in addressing threats from chemical weapons and towards strengthening capacities on the peaceful uses of chemistry. We thank especially the members of the Asia Group of the OPCW, many of whom are here today, who we serve as regional coordinator, for their cooperation in ensuring that the Asia group is able to reach consensus on matters before it.
We thank the Hague Conference on Private International Law, specially Secretary General Bernasconi, for the many productive collaborations, notably possible the conduct of the HCCH Asia-Pacific Week in Manila in October last year, which was attended by over 450 experts and legal practitioners, as well as guiding us in the Philippine accession to HCCH Conventions, including the Child Support Convention last year. Thanks also to the HCCH Member States for their support to the recent election of one of the embassy’s officer, Marisar Cabatingan, this program’s emcee, as chair of the Standing Committee of the HCCH Council of Diplomatic representatives.
Finally, our profound thanks to the Contracting Parties of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and Secretary General Czepelak for the trust and confidence in me to serve as the Acting President of the Administrative Council for term 2023-2024. I also wish to thank the Contracting Parties for their support to the initiative to preparate and conduct meaningful yet cost-effective activities in commemoration of the PCA’s 125th anniversary – that is something in common between the PCA and the Philippines. The Secretary General and I are proceeding to New York at the end of this month to serve as resource persons on the proposed adoption of a U.N. General Assembly Resolution on the PCA’s 125 year milestone. We hope that all these will further highlight the PCA’s contributions to world peace through the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
As the Filipino nation chart its future and shape its history, we at the Philippine Embassy are committed to contributing to this mission through meaningful engagements and proactive diplomacy, both bilaterally and multilaterally. We will work tirelessly with many, if not all, of you in pursuit of shared aspirations.”.
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines.
In concluding, Ambassador Malaya proposed a toast “– to our partnership and cooperation; to the continuous success of our host country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and of the international organizations based here; to the good health of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and His Majesty King Willem Alexander; and to the prosperity and abiding strength of the Philippines and its people!
Mabuhay! Long life! Maraming salamat. Dank u wel. Thank you.”
The celebration of the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and Nationhood provided an interactive experience, allowing attendees to experience the rich heritage of the Philippines.
Le 26 juin 2023, à l’Hôtel Royal Leonardo (La Haye), l’Ambassade du Vietnam aux Pays-Bas a célébré solennellement le 50ème anniversaire de l’établissement des relations diplomatiques entre les Pays-Bas et le Vietnam.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà.
Le Vice-Premier Ministre vietnamien Tran Hong Ha et Son Altesse le Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Envoyé spécial des Pays-Bas pour le climat, les vices ministres vietnamiens de l’Office du Gouvernement, des Ministères des Affaires Étrangères, des Ressources naturelles et de l’Environnement, de la Planification et de l’Investissement, de l’Agriculture et Développement rural, du Transport, les représentants des ministères néerlandais des Affaires Étrangères, de la Défense, des Infrastructures et de la Gestion de l’eau, de l’Agriculture, de la Nature et de la Qualité des aliments, ainsi que les représentants des entreprises, des associations de la communauté vietnamienne aux Pays-Bas, de nombreux anciens Ambassadeurs, experts et des chers amis de longue date du Viet Nam y ont assisté.
De nombreux Ambassadeurs, chefs de missions diplomatiques à La Haye sont également venus pour partager le moment important des deux pays.
H.E. Phạm Việt Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam
Dans son discours d’inauguration, S.E. M. Pham Viet Anh, l’Ambassadeur du Vietnam aux Pays-Bas, a souligné que ce sont le partage de circonstances naturelles, les similitudes d’idée, de perception et la confiance mutuelle qui ont rapproché les deux pays et créé le fondement solide de la coopération et motivé les deux pays à resserrer et à élever leurs relations.
Et en plus, les deux pays ont une bonne vocation: cette coopération vise non seulement leurs propres intérêts mais encore les progrès de la communauté internationale.
His Royal Highness Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme.
S.E.M Tran Hong Ha, Vice-Premier Ministre vietnamien a bien souligné l’histoire de plus de 400 ans de relations entre les Pays-Bas et le Vietnam et de grandes réalisations de coopération de 50 ans. La 8e réunion du Comité intergouvernemental Pays-Bas-Vietnam à La Haye co-présidée par lui-même en est l’une des étapes importantes de la coopération en matière de partenariat stratégique sur l’adaptation au changement climatique et la gestion de l’eau.
Pour sa part, Son Altesse Royale le Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme a confirmé que la base durable de la relation entre les deux pays est l’amitié et la confiance mutuelle ainsi que la relation commerciale de longue date, lorsque les flottes marchandes néerlandaises ont accosté au port de Hoi An au Vietnam. Il a rappelé ses vives impressions de son voyage au Vietnam il y a quelques mois. Son Altesse Royale est heureuse de voir le Vietnam florissant d’une façon spectaculaire et avec un grand potentiel. Il était également fière que les Pays-Bas aient apporté un soutien efficace au développement du Vietnam et exprimait le grand souhait des Pays-Bas de renforcer davantage ce partenaire complet des deux pays, en particulier dans les domaines où les Pays-Bas ont des atouts.
Some of the ambassadors attending the 50 Anniversary of Vietnam / Dutch diplomatic relations.
La combinaison créative d’instruments de musique des ethnies vietnamiennes tels que t’rung, k’longput, nhi, ding pá… et du violon, les plats vietnamiens et néerlandais mis côte à côte contribuaient à compléter une atmosphère d’amitié et de compréhension mutuelle des invités.
S.E.M. Tran Hong Ha et Son Altesse Jaime de Bourbon de Parme ont inauguré la série d’expositions de photos et de films documentaires sur le thème «Exploration du Vietnam » d’ici la fin de l’année anniversaire 2023 aux Pays Bas.
On 26 June 2023, at the Royal Leonardo Hotel in The Hague, the Embassy of Vietnam in the Netherlands solemnly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà and His Royal Highness Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Netherlands Special Climate Envoy, Vietnamese deputy ministers from the Government Office, the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Natural Resources and Environment, Planning and Investment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Transportation, representatives of the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Infrastructure and Water Management, Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, as well as representatives of businesses, associations of the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands, numerous former ambassadors, experts and long-time friends of Vietnam were present.
Many Ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in The Hague also came to share the significant moment between the two countries.
H.E. Phạm Việt Anh, Ambassador of VietnamSome of the ambassadors attending the 50 Anniversary of Vietnam / Dutch diplomatic relations.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Mr. Phạm Việt Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam to The Netherlands, emphasized that it was the sharing of natural circumstances, similarities in thought, perception and mutual trust that brought the two countries closer and created a solid foundation for cooperation, encouraging the two countries to tighten and elevate their relations. Moreover, the two countries have a good vocation: this cooperation aims not only at their own interests but also at the progress of the international community.
His Excellency Mr. Trần Hồng Hà, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the history of over 400 years of relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam and the great achievements of 50 years of cooperation. The 8th meeting of the Netherlands-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee in The Hague, co-chaired by him, was one of the important steps in the cooperation in strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management.
His Royal Highness Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme.
For his part, His Royal Highness Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme confirmed that the enduring basis of the relationship between the two countries is friendship and mutual trust as well as the long-standing trade relationship, dating back to when Dutch merchant fleets docked at the port of Hoi An in Vietnam. He recalled his vivid impressions from his trip to Vietnam a few months ago.
His Royal Highness is pleased to see Vietnam flourishing spectacularly and with great potential. He was also proud that The Netherlands have provided effective support for the development of Vietnam and expressed The Netherlands’ great desire to further strengthen this comprehensive partnership of the two countries, especially in areas where the Netherlands have strengths.
His Royal Highness Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme and His Excellency Mr. Trần Hồng Hà.
The creative combination of Vietnamese ethnic musical instruments such as t’rung, k’longput, nhi, ding pá…and the violin, Vietnamese and Dutch dishes placed side by side contributed to complete an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding of the guests.
Vietnamese delegation with his Excellency Mr. Trần Hồng Hà, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Ambassador Pham Viet Anh.
His Excellency Mr. Trần Hồng Hàand His Royal Highness Jaime de Bourbon de Parme inaugurated a series of photo and a documentary film exhibitions on the theme “Exploration of Vietnam” that is on display until the end of the anniversary year 2023 in The Netherlands.
HRWF (03.07.2023) – In Europe, freedom of religion or belief is generally treated as a poorer relation of the human rights family, even though its protagonists consider it to be the mother of all other freedoms: freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of expression; freedom of association; freedom of assembly; freedom to share and spread one’s beliefs and to make new members. All these freedoms are not specific to the right to hold beliefs, whether they are theistic, non-theistic or philosophical. They are concomitant and intimately intertwined with other human rights.
At a conference organized at the end of June to mark the 10th anniversary of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief at the Baha’i Centre in Brussels, the recently appointed EU Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, Frans van Daele, stated that, on the one hand, the defense and promotion of religious freedom faces some major obstacles in Europe: indifference and ignorance.
On the other hand, EU institutions are fragmented, have their own agendas and must follow their own procedures, which makes it difficult to promote freedom of religion or belief in a consistent and coordinated way or to denounce violations of that freedom, let alone take steps to remedy them.
The UN also has its own institutions and mechanisms but collaboration between the EU and the UN is both possible and complementary, according to Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief who took part in the same conference organized in Brussels by the European Platform against Religious Intolerance and Discrimination.
In some countries, there are tensions between well-established majority religions and newly established ones but sometimes also with historic religious minorities because the state is identifying itself with the contemporary dominant religion. In such conditions, the European Union’s public diplomacy has to promote tolerance, respect and non-discrimination through education, appropriate school and public education, according to EU Special Envoy on FoRB Frans van Daele. This EU vigilance strategy is already in place in countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with varying degrees of progress. The EU strategy is to promote a more inclusive society and to purge negative stereotypes concerning religious and ethnic minorities from the schoolbooks.
Another aspect of public diplomacy involves prioritizing the countries to be targeted, according to certain criteria. Frans van Daele contends that confrontation should be avoided with the selected country, as it is unproductive and even counterproductive. Priority should be given to countries whose centers of power can be considered open to the EU’s message and which are ready to move in the right direction. Most countries that harshly repress the freedom of religious minorities and their members lack the political will to align themselves with international standards despite their formal commitments and are not prioritized in the EU’s strategy.
The EU’s public diplomacy is therefore highly complicated since it has to operate both within its own internal complex fragmented architecture and externally, through the political and social arcanes of the target countries where it has to identify potential leverages to be activated with some chance of success, or at least progress.
Human Rights Without Frontiers considers that, if the EU wants to do more and more efficiently, it needs to staff and to fund appropriately the EU Special Envoy on FoRB, the EEAS unit in charge of FoRB issues, the Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief at the European Parliament, just to name a few of its advocacy mechanisms, but political will has been missing after the end of the mandate of the first EU Special Envoy.
On the bright sunny day of 24 June 2023, the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in the Netherlands, H.E. Caroline K. Chipeta, hosted the first edition of Tanzania Cultural Day in The Hague.
The objective of the day is to present and create awareness of elements of the Tanzania culture as language, clothing and food to our Dutch friends and others. But it is more than that.
The Ambassador of Tanzania, H.E. Ms. Caroline Kitana Chipeta with guests.
Ambassador Chipeta declared: “I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Tanzanian Community in the Netherlands and those from the neighbouring countries to express my appreciation for taking your time on this beautiful day and joining us in celebrating our culture.”
Ambassador Chipeta cordially welcomed her fellows Ambassadors and diplomats from Algeria, Angola, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda and Sri Lanka, all delighted in the festivities.
“Balozi, Karibu sana. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to take a minute, to specifically welcome my dear colleague H.E. Ambassador Wiebe de Boer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Republic of Tanzania, who just arrived this morning from Dar es Salaam he is here with us now.
When I told Ambassador Wiebe what I was planning to do and invited him, he was happy to be here and encouraged me on my plans. Ambassador, your presence here today means a lot in terms of the relationship between our countries. Nakushukuru Sana. Ambassador De Boer, welcome home.”
Ambassador Wiebe de Boer lauded his colleague Ambassador Caroline Chipeta for her achievements in the short space of time since her arrival in the Netherlands. De Boer also praised the long-standing excellent relationship between Tanzania and the Netherlands.
Ambassador Wiebe de Boer declared; Honorable Ambassador Caroline Chipeta, I am happy to join you all today in this first Tanzania Cultural Day in the Hague. It was a happy coincidence that I am here in the Netherlands to attend another conference and when I heard of the ambassadors initiative I immediately volunteered to be with you this afternoon.
H.E. Mr. Wiebe de Boer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Republic of Tanzania
I am ambassador in Tanzania since August 2021. The Embassy is concentrating on working together on Agriculture, Logistics and Sustainable Tourism. But not in the traditional way with big Government to Government projects. The Embassy is now a platform to bring together government agencies, universities and companies from both countries together to facilitate knowledge transfers, exports and investments.
Next to hard work I enjoy Tanzania’s beautiful nature, beaches, food, its language, and its diverse culture. I love sailing and kayakking over the weekends in the Bay of Dar es Salaam and the islands.
I am happy to see you enjoying this cultural day by embracing local dances, variety of foods like ‘ugali’ and unique traditional clothes made out of Khanga and kitenge here in the Hague.
Mabibi na mabwana,
When I look at Tanzania, it has a lot to offer
The Swahili languange is quite unique. I congratulate the Tanzanian Embassy in The Hague for recently being recognized as the Center of Kiswahili and Culture by the Council of Kiswahili.
We are following with a lot of interest the democratization process headed by president Samia, as diaspora you will surely follow the ongoing political, legal and constitutional reforms happening back home.
We see a great future for Tanzania with the present economic policy. Tanzania will become the food basket for East Africa and important vegetable and fruit provider for the Middle East, Asia and Europe. In 8 years time you will have a bigger economy than Kenya ………and with the right choices on the port of Dar es Salaam the DAR corridor for Tanzania and the neighboring countries will grow tremendously.
In 2022, the Tanzanian diaspora sent over $1.5 billion in remittances to Tanzania. I see Tanzania Investment Center (TIC) and CRDB are here. We have worked with TIC over the last 18 months and I want to underline our very positive experiences with TIC.
H.E. Ms Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and the Ambassador of Tanzania, H.E. Ms. Caroline Kitana Chipeta.
Mabibi na mabwana,
The Netherlands is the leading EU country for FDI inflows to Tanzania with $753 million.
Mabibi na mabwana,
I would like to end by congratulating the organizers of this Cultural day, especially my friend Your Excellency Chipeta.
Today, you all get a taste of Tanzania but in The Hague. You may be far away from home but feel at home. ENJOY. ASANTE SANA“
Ambassador Chipeta went to say: “On behalf of the Diaspora, I would like to recognize the presence of special guests and express our appreciation for taking your time and join us in celebrating our culture. On a special note, we have representatives from the Tanzania Investment Center, who will have an opportunity to inform us of the investment opportunities in Tanzania. I’d like to call all those interested in investing in Tanzania to make time and meet the TIC representatives. CRDB is the Bank that listens.
I would also like to acknowledge the presence of the representatives of different Dutch Companies who are with us here today, we highly value the importance you have attached to this event by sparing some time to join us.Thank you so much!”
Kwa nini siku yua utamaduni wa mtanzania? – why Tanzania (cultural) day?
“The celebration of Tanzania Cultural Day is in conformity with the strategy of the Sixth Phase Government led by H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan,President of the United Republic of Tanzania, to ensure that every Tanzanian, wherever he or she is, respects, promotes and develops Tanzania traditional values and culture.
Tanzania Cultural Day food corner.
First and foremost, we are going to taste Tanzanian cuisine. Though we do eat more or less the same type of food, in actual sense, as we say in Tanzania, “mapishi hutofautina” which literally means, the same food, with a twist of a recipe, brings out a completely different taste. We welcome you to get a taste of ours and who knows, you might leave with some recipes to try at home.
We will have Ugali, our main staple food, Pilau, wali mweupe, Green banana, kisamvu, vitumbua, mandazi, chapati, sambusa, name it.
All in all, the Tanzanian food corner cannot be complete if we do not have the famous nyama choma, which goes well with a glass of wine, beer or Konyagi.
I urge you not to leave before you have a taste of nyama choma, kuku choma, or even Samaki choma for that matter.
We can enjoy Tanzania Coffee and chai. Tanzanian wine and beer will be there to taste and Konyagi will be of plenty.
Today, 26 June, we are celebrating Tanzanian culture, which is diverse in nature as it is a combination of about 120 ethnic groups, with different languages and dialects but brought together by a common language, Kiswahili.
Language is part of any culture. Tanzania is so rich in languages. However, despite having more than 112 indigenous African languages in Tanzania, the majority of them (101 languages) belonging to the Bantu language group and 4 Nilotic languages included Maasai and Tatoga, 5 Cushitic languages such as Iraqw, and 2 Khoisan languages, Hatsa and Sandawe/Hadzabe, Kiswahili is the language of Tanzania. It is our national language, and one of our Official languages.
Tanzania Cultural Day 2023 – Joining the dancers.
Kiswahili is spoken all over Tanzania it is our language of Unity. We will have the opportunity to hear the importance of Kiswahili in promoting culture and economic diplomacy.
Kiswahili is one of the main attributes in celebrating our culture, I will now switch and address the diaspora in Kiswahili, as it is only fair that we give you the flavour of the language so that you can tell how easy it is to learn and speak Kiswahili.”
AmbassadorChipeta further stated, “I believe it will not be difficult to understand what I am saying, especially as the diaspora speaks Dutch and a good number of our Dutch friends speak Kiswahili.”
Tanzania Cultural Day – Artist interact with the public.
The cultural item of clothing –Khanga was introduced.
“We will have the opportunity to see what is worn by some of the ethnic groups in and what is worn by ordinary men and women. I am sure you have witnessed several different clothing as Tanzanians go up and about around here.
However, in terms of what we wear, our focus today will be on khanga. The most important piece of cloth for a Tanzanian household, specifically a Tanzanian woman.
You will see different uses of khanga, and realize the value put on this simple cloth. As a Tanzanian woman myself, I never get enough of khangas.
In fact, Khanga is a piece of cloth introduced to the East African coast in the 19th century, and in Tanzania replaced most of the traditional costumes worn before then.
Khanga, the talking cloth of Tanzania-east Africa is a cultural jewel.
Khangas are colourful, and beautiful and have messages printed on them.
It could be romantic messages men can buy for their wives, faith messages and words of encouragement that are given and used in times of sorrow.
At political rallies, Khangas can be used to motivate voters. They can even be used by rival football clubs to send messages when mocking each other.
As said by some, khangas are never enough for a Tanzanian woman. There are women with more khangas than dresses.”
Ambassador Caroline Chipeta concluded her clothing presentation by observing that a Khanga compliments a woman. “As a Tanzanian woman I never get enough of khangas. No Tanzania woman can have enough khangas, manufactures always come with beautiful patterns that will lutre you back to the shop. That was Khanga, one of the most important cloth for Tanzania. I hope you enjoyed watching how different we use Khangas and hence its importance to Tanzania.
Dear friends and visitors, you can buy yourself a pair of khanga and experience how best you can use it. Khanga, the cultural jewel of Tanzania!
Music – entertainment.
We have with us today the Wanne Star Arts group, all the way from Tanzania to lead us in cultural dancing, the diaspora cultural group will be showing how different ethnic groups in Tanzania dance to different beats. We will be entertained and dance together to the Bongo flavas by Tanzanian DJs amongst the Diaspora.
Karibuni sana, feel and enjoy the Tanzanian ambiance! Nawashukuru sana.”
The attendees left the marvellous Tanzania Cultural Day 2023 in high spirits.
