US-Europe World Affairs

Secretary of Defense Carter expressed his gratitude to the Netherlands on its expansion of Air Campaign Against ISIL

“I want to commend the government of the Netherlands for its announcement today that Dutch Pilots will expand their current mission over Iraq to participate in coalition air strikes against ISIL in eastern Syria. I also appreciate the announcement of additional funding to support moderate armed Syrian opposition groups with civilian means and medical assistance, consideration of additional support to the Iraqi security forces and the Peshmerga, and additional funding for the restoration of damaged hospitals, schools and other infrastructure.”

Secretary of Defense concluded:

“I am grateful for Minister Hennis-Plasschaert’s immediate action following last week’s meeting, and for the continuing commitment from the Dutch people to this fight. They have provided a strong example for the 26 Nation Military Coalition which will gather in Brussels along with Representatives from the Iraqi government in two weeks to discuss the progress of the campaign and what additional capabilities are needed from every member Nation.” WASHINGTON, January 29, 2016 ©DoD News/Media

See more on the Netherlands Leadership in NATO

Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2016

In the Statistic Global report of 2015 by Transparency International Organization Denmark is ranked the best and the least corrupt Country in the World followed by the second best Finland, 3 Sweden, 4 New Zealand, 5 Netherlands, 6 Norway and 7 Switzerland. 

“I am pleased to see Denmark ranked as the least corrupt Country in the World for the fourth time. It recognises our public sector as both transparent and well-organized, and it shows that Denmark offers a Safe and Stable environment for both People and Businesses,” elaborated the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kristian Jensen  ©The MFA Denmark

In 2015 Denmark was also recognized for the second time, number 3 in the World and number 1 in Europe as the best place for Business and Investments in the Statistic Global report of the  World Bank Group.

Related documents:

See the Global Report of 2015, by Transparency International organization

Denmark the Ideal Place for Business and Investment, World Bank’s recent Report 

Denmark the top European States for Business

But equally important–Denmark has been also the Leading Force in many aspect of (the Real) Human Rights issues at the International levels.

Denmark the Leading force in UN for Human Rights November 2015

Among other crucial measures that the Dutch Government is going to apply during its Presidency of Council of Europe, is also helping the European Aviation Industry to become more active and competitive in the changing World. 

Responding to Global Developments

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment has organised this international meeting during the Netherlands Presidency of the EU. European civil aviation is facing major challenges. And the global aviation industry is changing rapidly due to the expansion of non-European airports and airlines. This means new opportunities, but at the same time tests the ability of European Airports and Airlines to compete. ©EU 2016 NL

See the  Summit  European Aviation Summit at Schiphol, 20-21 January 2016

See more The Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union

October  2015 ©MoD of the kingdom of the Netherlands

The Netherlands stands ready to play its part, by the Prime Minister Mark Rutte

       His Majesty King Willem-Alexander met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. NATO Headquarters,17 Dec 2015 ©NATO 

Secretary General expressed NATO’s gratitude to  the Netherlands for its significant Active Role in the Alliance.

 “This is a critical time for our Nations. A time when the entire European Security order, and the core values that underpin our Democratic societies are being challenged. We need a Strong, Capable NATO to ensure our common Security. Allies such as the Netherlands are essential to the effectiveness of this Alliance, Politically and Militarily,” elaborated Secretary General Stoltenberg . 17 Dec 2015 ©NATO 

Follow more news from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

The Netherlands EU Presidency 2016

On his official trip, the U.S Secretary of Defense met with high level Defense Official from U.S and the Coalition Troops stationed in Middle East and expressed his praise for their service and sacrifice to keep the Region and the World safe.

U.S. Defense Secretary Carter visited the Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle, 19 December 2015 ©DoD/U.S Army Sgt. 1st Class Clydell Kinchen

On the same trip on December 19,  Secretary Carter met with the Minister of Defense of France for an official discussion,  and visited the Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle, stationed in the Arabian Gulf.

“Speaking as an American, it is magnificent for me to be out here on this strong Ship with a strong ally like France. France is America’s oldest friend and ally. We’re very proud to be your friend and your ally,” stated the U.S Defense Secretary

“France not only has contributed to the efforts to defeat ISIL,  but being in the Arabian Gulf with the Charles de Gaulle means that the Nation is on a broader mission — protecting the Region’s Security.”  and continued “That’s a reminder to us of the global reach, global strength and the global reputation of France as a Force for Civilization,

…….This is the Civilized World defending itself and defending what we stand for.” concluded the U.S Defense Secretary.

Read more la France the Majestic Land, that in history, stands above all

HDMS ABSALON and FGS Hamburg  in the Port of Haifa/Israel  7 Dec 2015 ©NATO Maritime Command Public Affairs Office

On December 7th, the NATO Standing Maritime Group-2 (SNMG2), with its current Flagship of FGS HAMBURG of Germany and HDMS ABSALON of the Royal Danish Navy visited port of Haifa in Israel. The visit was part of their mission in their journey to the Mediterranean Dialogue Partner-Nations.

During the visit the Crew from the NATO SNMG2 met, for an official discussion, with the Israelis Naval Force. Before the Flagships depart the port– there was a joint Military Exercise, designed to bring the NATO and Israeli Armed-Forces to the higher interoperability level at the Sea.

As a Mediterranean Dialogue Partner Nation with NATO, Israel has been  playing a vital role, in the framework of NATO mission in the region, particularly in:

• Search and Rescue
• Humanitarian Relief Operations
• Counter-Terrorism
• And Emergency Planning

The NATO Standing Maritime Group-2 (SNMG2) with its current Flagship from Deutsche Marine and the Royal Danish Navy have been in deployment since September in NATO’s Counter-Piracy ‘Operation Ocean Shield’.

Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

U.S Secretary John Kerry travelled to Greece and met with Foreign Minister Kotzias in Athens. The meeting was to discuss the importance of Greece partnerships with the U.S and its  leadership in the region and in Europe.

Statement by Foreign Minister Kotzias:

“Good day. I welcome my friend Secretary of State John Kerry, with whom we work closely in the context and the spirit of the traditional bonds of friendship that join the two countries, and I also welcome him and hope we will see him again in the future, because he is a person who loves the sea and sailing, and the Greek islands. We will await him in the future.

Mr. Kerry is a great Secretary of State, distinguished for his rationality, his clear thinking and his realism. John Kerry is the Secretary of State of a country where there is a large Greek community, the role of which as a bridge between Greece and the U.S. is well known.  4 Dec.2015 © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece

Continue to read Joint statements of Foreign Minister Kotzias and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, following their meeting (Athens, 4 December 2015)