CPH Post Diplomacy 10 October 2019

Diplomacy MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2019

• NIGERIEN AMBASSADOR AMADOU TCHEKO ON HIS NEW ROLE AS DEAN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO AMBASSADORS IN DENMARK

TO UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF DEAN, ONE FIRST NEEDS TO GRASP THE VERY NATURE OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS

BY BEN HAMILTON

Since acceding to the role on August 1, Nigerien ambassador Amadou Tchecko has taken to his duties with the same qualities he admires in his hosts: vigour, attention to detail and lots of hard work A little like Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born on Corsica just one year after France acquired it from the Republic of Genoa, Niger's ambassador Amadou Tcheko was born just a year after his country's independence, making him superbly equipped to represent his homeland's interests in an overseas capacity.

Currently accredited to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland, the ambassador recently became the new Dean of the diplomatic corps, but despite his busy schedule, he has found time to talk to Diplomacy Magazine.

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Dear Mr Ambassador, you’ve been the Dean of the diplomatic dorps for several months now.

And as well as being the Nigerien ambassador to Denmark (since 2014), your embassy is also concurrently accredited to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. That’s quite a workload – how do you manage it all?

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to express myself in your newspaper. CPH POST is very important for the diplomats accredited in Denmark as a source of information since it is published in English, a language understood by most of my colleagues.

I am currently accredited to Denmark but also to the other Nordic countries. The multiple accreditation is always a great responsibility for an ambassador who must assume his duties not only in his residence country, but also in the other states. The task is not easy because you have to be present here and elsewhere, and sometimes you have to make choices by setting priorities. But, fortunately I am assisted by honorary consuls, at least in my consular activities, in all my countries of accreditation except Iceland.

Indeed, I am the new Dean of the diplomatic corps, since August 1, following the deanship of HE Benedikt Jonson, the former ambassador of Iceland. I

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With former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

would like to seize this opportunity to pay a warm

Relations (1961). In the broad sense (lato sensu),

tribute to him for the work done. Before he left Co-

we call a diplomatic corps all the diplomatic agents

penhagen, Ambassador Jonson let me serve as the

accredited to a head of state. But there are also

acting dean throughout July, which was a kind of

diplomatic agents accredited to international

apprenticeship for my new position. But, it should

organisations like the UN in New York, UNESCO

be noted that I was already dean of the group of

in Paris, the European Union in Brussels. In the

African ambassadors, so I was a little bit prepared

narrow sense (stricto sensu) a diplomatic corps

for the task. The work of dean is not exercised

is composed of only the heads of mission. The

on a daily basis. So, it is not very demanding, but

'dean of the diplomatic corps' is not an expression

sometimes it can be time-consuming. That being

provided by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic

said, it is with great pleasure and a real honour

Relations (1961). This convention only deals with

that I assume my deanship.

the question of precedence between the different

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heads of mission in Article 16. The deanship of a

For those of our readers who don’t actually know,

diplomatic corps is a tradition, but the role of a

what are the responsibilities of the Dean of the

dean is very well known by diplomats. A dean rep-

Diplomatic Corps – and how were you selected?

resents a diplomatic corps of which he or she is the

Before answering your question it should be known

spokesperson at the official ceremonies. The dean

first of all what a diplomatic corps is. A diplomatic

is the guardian and defender of the prerogatives of

corps is not a legal entity; it is a gathering of peo-

the diplomats. The dean ensures the cohesion of a

ple independent of each other. The term is not even

diplomatic corps and the maintenance of correct

mentioned by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic

and cordial relationship between its members. The

dean introduces the newcomers, who must pay the dean a courtesy call by virtue of diplomatic habits and customs, the peculiarities of the protocol, and local customs.

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How is the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps selected?

Actually, the dean is not selected, but one gains access to this dignity. In practice, it is the chief of mission among those of the highest rank and the oldest in the functions who becomes dean. In view of Article 14 of the Vienna Convention referred to above, the highest-ranking heads of mission are “ambassadors or nuncios accredited to heads of state, and other heads of mission of equivalent rank” like the high commissioners of Commonwealth.

Heads of mission shall take precedence in their respective classes in the order of the date and time of taking up their functions (Article 16). However, it should be noted that some states attribute the function of Dean of the diplomatic corps to the Apostolic Nuncio – that is to say, to the representative of the Holy See. It was in fact predominantly customary in Roman Catholic countries that the nuncio was Dean of the diplomatic corps regardless of his seniority. In the past, some heads of mission have been granted the dignity of Dean of the diplomatic corps on the basis of bilateral treaties that are currently denounced by their signatories.

It should be also pointed out that diplomatic history has recorded cases where the title of dean has been denied to an ambassador despite his seniority. Some countries have also long refused to grant the title of dean to the Apostolic Nuncio, but have now come back to their position. I must conclude this point by saying that in order to carry out his task properly, the Dean of the diplomatic corps needs

Photo:Hasse Ferrold

According to Article 13 of the same Vienna Convention: “1/ The head of mission is considered as having taken up his functions in the receiving State either when he has presented his credentials or when he has notified his arrival and a true copy of his credentials has been presented to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the receiving State, or such other ministry as may be agreed, in accordance with the practice prevailing in the receiving State which shall be applied in a uniform manner. 2/ The order of presentation of credentials or of a true copy thereof will be determined by the date of the arrival of the head of mission.”

the recognition and a frank collaboration of the

must adapt since he is on a mission in the service

authorities of his host country.

of his country.

Q

You’ve been ambassador here since 2014 – which at four years and 11 months is a longer stint than the majority of your peers will accomplish during their careers.What are the pros and cons of

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Talking of choices, Niger has chosen to oversee matters in the Nordics. Most African countries choose Stockholm – or even London or Brussels.

Why did Niger opt for Denmark?

staying on for a long innings, and why do so many

The choice of Denmark by Niger to establish its

countries opt for four-year terms?

diplomatic mission is not fortuitous. It is in view

To be precise, I presented my credentials to HM

of the seniority and the intensity of the relations

Queen Margrethe II on 7 November 2014, so I will

existing between our two countries that Niger

have accomplished five years in November. Each

has decided to cover all the Nordic countries from

country organises the stay of its diplomats abroad

Copenhagen. As the first ambassador to hold this

according to its own legislation. In Niger diplomats

position I believe that Niger has made a good

alternate between five years abroad and four years

choice in view of the many opportunities offered by

at the central administration. They can move to

this country in terms of quality of life and facilities

another country during their mandate. However,

to join the other Nordic capitals. But the ideal for

regarding ambassadors and consuls-general, this

a country is to have a diplomatic mission in every

period may be extended or shortened according to

allied country.

the appreciation of the high diplomatic authorities.

A very long stay abroad can especially have harmful consequences on the life and the education of the children if the ideal conditions are not met.

From my point of view the diplomat can and

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Our readers may not be very familiar with Niger.

Can you tell us a little about its six-decade history and perhaps recommend any good places to visit should they travel there.

The country takes its name from the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of its territory. A former French colony, Niger became a republic on 18 December 1958 and

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fully independent on 3 August 1960. It is today a constitutional semi-presidential republic. Niger is a landlocked country located in Western Africa. It is on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert sharing borders with Libya and Algeria to the north, Benin and Nigeria to the south, Burkina Faso to the southeast, Mali to the west, and Chad to the east.

Niger’s population is about 20 million. The capital

Photo:Hasse Ferrold

is Niamey. Niger’s official language is French and its currency is the CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro with a fixed exchange rate. HE Issoufou Mahamadou came into office as an elected president in April 2011. He has decided not to run 4

for the next elections to allow for the democratic change of the president.

Niger is a meeting ground for various populations living there. Over the centuries, they have taken advantage of their differences in order to exploit the limited natural resources in the best way. Niger is a country in the process of transformation. Niger is for now an oil-producing country. Currently two major pipelines are under construction: one for the transport of refined oil in the surrounding countries and the other one for the crude oil towards the other continents. During the last 10 to 20 years, the security issues have significantly harmed the tourism industry in the Sahel and the investments in this sector. Thanks to the positive development of stability in Niger, it is increasingly possible to visit the cultural wonders that Niger offers.

at UNESCO for about seven years. The chargé d'affaires is also a head of a diplomatic mission, even if he or she belongs to the third class. For me a diplomat must serve both at the headquarters and abroad. At the central administration the diplomat is often confined to specific issues but abroad its field of competence becomes wider.

The diplomat represents all the ministries of his country in their respective areas of expertise.

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Photo:Hasse Ferrold

Travellers to Niger should visit the W National Park, a shelter for wildlife species that have disappeared elsewhere in western Africa or are highly threatened such as elephants, African manatees, cheetahs, lions and leopards. Just 60 km from Niamey, Kouré offers the opportunity to observe the last surviving species of western African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta).

The Aïr and Tenere national nature reserve offers an outstanding variety of landscapes and plant species. One-sixth of its total area is a sanctuary for addax – an endangered species of antelope.

The Niger River is the habitat of the hippopotamus, which can be seen from Niamey up to Ayorou towards the north. And also make sure you visit the National Museum in Niamey, which is one of western Africa’s best museums.

How much did you know about Denmark at the time of your appointment, and what is your impression of the country and its people now you have been here for nearly five years?

Before my appointment in October 2014, I had never visited Denmark. Coming here I found a welcoming country with a people and leaders who impressed me in a way of life characterised by simplicity and humility in rigour. The Danes are great workers.

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Before starting your diplomatic career at the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985, you studied law and international relations in Lomé, Paris and Geneva.Why do you think so many ambassadors have legal qualifications these days?

Without sound figures, I don’t share the view that many ambassadors have legal qualifications these days. Many subjects lead validly to embrace the diplomatic career. However, I personally think that law and especially international public law gives a slight advantage in that it familiarises you with the rules of international relations. Personally, I specialised in international law, but I pursued my training by studying among other subjects political history, international economics, strategy, and foresight. In my point of view, diplomacy is an art and I believe that good diplomats are not recruited only among lawyers.

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Copenhagen is in fact your first ambassadorial posting. How does it compare to working at the ministry back at home in Niamey?

It is true that Copenhagen is my first ambassador's post, but I have also been chargé d’affaires

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Diplomatic relations with Denmark were established in 1975 when Danish expertise played a key role in establishing better water access to avoid another situation like the severe drought of 1973. How well do you remember that, and did the Danish companies stand out in their assistance?

There were no Danish companies in Niger, but consultants who worked in the framework of Danish co-operation. They had remarkable knowhow in the field of groundwater exploitation and were of great help to Niger in the context of the development of the exploitation of its water resources in a context of drought. This assistance still remains unforgettable in the memory of the Niger population – especially in the Region of Zinder and Diffa. I am confident in saying the Kingdom of Denmark was known in Niger thanks to this assistance.

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How would you describe current relations between Niger and Denmark, and what do you see as your primary function as the ambassador of Niger in Denmark?

The co-operation between Niger and Denmark, which began in the field of hydraulics, has now extended to several sectors: education, good governance, agriculture, human rights, security, migration etc. Since my arrival in Copenhagen the former minister of development co-operation, Ulla Tornes, has already been to Niger twice in the framework of the evaluation and the reinforcement of this co-operation. With the former Danish ambassador to Niger, Mrs Ulla Tawiah, with whom I had a very good working relationship and to whom I pay a heartfelt tribute for the work she accomplished, we have established annual bilateral consultations with all the partners involved. These consultations allow us to monitor a co-operation that is developing

to the satisfaction of both parties. One of my priorities as ambassador of Niger to Denmark is to create and boost business relationships between the Niger private sector and Danish businessmen and enterprises.

Q

In 2014, Denmark closed down its diplomatic representation in Niamey, accrediting responsibility to the Danish embassy in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Is this a step backwards or an understandable measure in an ever-changing world in which budgets tend to enforce change?

Denmark had no diplomatic representation in Niger, but a rather co-operation office which it closed in 2014. Denmark's physical absence from Niger did not have a negative impact on the level of co-operation between our two countries which, on the contrary, has developed into new areas. However, Niger appreciates a presence of Denmark in Niger that will certainly further develop our relations.

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What are the main trading ties between Niger and Denmark – what do you export, and what do you import?

Actually, there are not real trade relations between Niger and Denmark but I think Niger has a lot of potential that could interest Danish companies and businessmen.

Niger offers real opportunities and investment potential – particularly in the sectors of agriculture, livestock, mining, handicrafts and tourism. In the field of livestock, the potential is considerable. A 2008 estimate put the total number of livestock animals at 35 million. Hides and skins, with more than 2.75 million pieces per year, provide potential for the creation of modern tanneries as process industries. Investment opportunities are available with the ambitious launch of livestock development programs,

including the Genetic Improvement of Local Races Bovines program to increase milk and meat production; dairy development projects; the construction project of a modern tannery in Malbaza and food plants for cattle in Niamey and Zinder; and building a modern refrigerated slaughterhouse according to international standards, with a capacity of 40,000 tonnes of meat per year – the first of its kind in the ECOWAS region.

In the mining sector, to get the maximum benefit under the Nigerien soil that is rich in natural resources (uranium, oil, gold, coal, etc), government policy is based on the diversification of production, intensified research and improving the institutional environment to promote private investment. At an industrial level, it will save all existing industrial units and create conditions for the emergence of new units, ensuring that priority is given to agro-processing industries; encourage the pharmaceutical and construction materials; encourage the establishment of units in different regions of the country, according to their comparative advantages, to contribute to their development; and establish appropriate funding for young people, so as to make them real captains of industry.

In the area of transportation, Niger is a corridor of transit and international transport. But in general, the current system of transport and transit does not meet the expectations of the country in terms of efficiency (travel time, regularity, safety and cost). To remedy this, the Ministry of Transport will conduct a new policy to lower the costs of land transport, improve service quality, and ensure the safety of persons and property. Similarly, it will support the promotion of transport companies and the renewal of the fleet of public transport through the acquisition of new vehicles.

Regarding tourism, the focus will be not only on the research and development of new sites, but also on the construction and rehabilitation of tourism and hotel infrastructure to international standards. As for crafts, the activities of the ministry in charge of this sector will focus on the establishment of specific funding, strengthening the capacity of actors, support for the supply and marketing of products on foreign markets, and support for the Craft Fair for Women (SAFEM) to become an international reference.

Since 2014, Niger had had a very attractive investment code. Among the new investment code measures that make Niger more attractive and advantageous are: the creation of the national council of private investors (CNIP); a framework for public-private dialogue under the chairmanship of the prime minister, which to lift and to remove obstacles to the development of the private sector; the establishment of a permanent consultation committee (CPC) between the Ministry of Trade and the Chamber of Commerce; and the adoption of a new labour code that grants freedom to hire and ease of work visa granting for foreigners.

All these devices and reforms have objectives to enhance the enormous potential that Danish industries can grasp.

Q

What do you think Niger can learn from Denmark?

Niger may be interested in the Danish co-operative movement that has allowed for the development of agriculture and the well-being of the Danish people. Since I arrived in Copenhagen I am very appreciative of Danish citizenship. In Niger we pay very little tax and I think we must look for ways and means to improve the situation.

Q

How do you see the relationship between the two countries developing in the future?

I hope that co-operation develops in several sectors as it is already the trend. This co-operation can extend to the development of commercial relations with regard to Niger’s potential – particularly in the fields of renewable energies and green technologies. Maintaining exchanges between Danish and Nigerien NGOs is also to be encouraged.

HER CALLING BROUGHT HER FROM CUBA TO COPENHAGEN, AND THE CATALYST WAS A CALL FOR ACTION FROM CASTRO

Cleaning up the harbour with the Norwegian ambassador Photo: Hasse Ferrold

BY YULIYA KURYAN During a difficult time for her nation, in which it

Her excellency Yiliam Gómez Sardiñas had no idea that the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 was about to change her life – but then her president took to the stage Diplomacy Magazine's new journalist Yuliya Kuryan wanted to interview Yiliam Gómez Sardiñas for several reasons – perhaps most notably because Her Excellency is a great example of a woman with power, who as Cuban ambassador contributes to promoting business and cultural ties between Denmark and Cuba.

faces daily economic challenges, Sardiñas takes heart from the recent positive changes made to the Constitution and is no doubt that Cuba is

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heading for a brighter future.

Your Excellency, you recently visited Museum Jorn in Silkeborg, as one of its forthcoming exhibitions will showcase the abstract wall paintings produced

by Asger Jorn in Cuba.What is your personal impression of the work of this famous Danish artist?

I was delighted to visit Museum Jorn in Silkeborg artworks. The artist visited Cuba in 1968 after he was invited by the world-recognised Cuban painter Wilfredo Lam to participate in the Culture Congress. that occupy more than 87 square metres in The

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and view the broad diversity of Asger Jorn’s

During the visit, Jorn made eleven wall paintings

Historic Archive. His artistic legacy is unique and brings the Cuban people closer to Scandinavian culture. These murals are considered a work of art of exceptional value. A 3D exhibition of Jorn’s mural painted in Cuba will be shown to the visitors of the Museum Jorn in the near future. And it is definitely worth visiting.

Do you see any similarities in the cultural views and values of Denmark and Cuba? What plans do you have to deepen the artistic ties between these two countries?

There are many events that we have devoted to strengthening the artistic ties between the two nations – namely through deepening cultural exchanges. Last August the Cuban theatre group Teatro Tuyo participated in the Street Cut Festival in Næstved and the International Performance Art

Festival in Ringkobing. The Batida Theatre Company of Denmark participated in the International Theater Festival in Havana in October. Every year Cuban films are exhibited within the context of the Latin American Film Festival at Cinemateket. What can I say about cultural similarities? I believe that both the Cubans and Danes are people with a joyful spirit, who have a strong sense of national identity and fantastically creative problem-solving skills.

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Photo: Hasse Ferrold

It was hard to ignore the recent protests before the cancelled visit of the US president to Denmark. Pretty much all independent media of the world made the point that President Trump’s hard-line approach to Cuba is a big mistake for the economy and longterm relationship.What did you feel when you saw Cuban flags and thousands of people on the streets of Copenhagen, reaffirming their solidarity with the citizens of your motherland?

I was impressed and gratified by the many demonstrators on the streets of Copenhagen reaffirming their solidarity with the Cuban people and asking for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the US government against Cuba. The international community has demanded that they bring to an end a blockade of 27 consecutive years within the framework of the United Nations. The European Union has also condemned this unilateral policy that contravenes international law. In contrast, our country has continued to face the stepping-up of the blockade policy and its extraterritorial effect under the current US administration, heightened by its decision to allow, under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, the possibility of taking legal action in the US courts against entities dealing commercially with properties legally nationalised in Cuba during the 1960s.

Lately the Cuban economy has been facing difficult times, and as a consequence the Cuban government is attempting to attract foreign capital.Would it be right to say that promoting the business potential of Cuba is a priority for you as ambassador? Would you like to point out at any specific areas that Danish investors might be interested in?

Our main role is to promote bilateral relations between the two countries, including fostering the business potential of Cuba among the priorities, not least by promoting tourism, which is a key growth sector for the Cuban economy. Since the

adoption of the new Cuban Foreign Investment Act in 2014, the portfolio of business opportunities is updated annually with the aim of providing a general reference guide and to facilitate business potential. Foreign investors are in no way limited to the selection of the projects included in the portfolio. Foreign investment in Cuba is open in almost every sector of the economy and may adopt the form of joint ventures, international economic association contracts or full foreign ownership companies. So far, Danish companies have mainly shown interest in agriculture and food, cement and construction, IT and telecommunication technologies, and the renewable energy sector.

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

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In your opinion, how significant is the role of the 2019 constitution of Cuba in attracting foreign investors, and have you seen any impact so far?

In the last two years, Cuba has approved the arrival of foreign businesses with foreign capital of 4.5 billion dollars, and in the first half of 2019 has already approved economic associations worth 1.3 billion dollars. Cuba is working handin-hand with the European Commission to foster foreign trade and foreign investment within the framework of the bilateral Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement, which prioritises sectors such as renewable energy and food security.

For example, the establishment of a one-stop shop system for business, which will come into force in 2020, was done with EU Commission collaboration in order to facilitate operations on the island. I do believe that all these activities, 9

Fidel Castro’s stunning speech at the event has been a source of inspiration for my work.

Q Photo:Hasse Ferrold

The number of foreign female-ambassadors to Denmark is growing. Do you see any particular cause or reason for this development?

Despite the persistent gaps, many nations have made important advances to realise women’s rights by introducing and implementing laws, policies and programs. A lot of initiatives have been implemented around the world placing emphasis on the full participation and leadership of women as well as gender equality. For instance, in my country women occupied 53 percent of the seats in the Parliament. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development also included wider goals aimed at improving women’s participation and empowerment beyond school enrolment and parliamentary representation. I believe the growing number of foreign female-ambassadors to Denmark is coherent with all these developments, considering also that women are significantly represented at the highest levels of political participation in Danish society.

including recognition in the new Constitution of the fundamental role of foreign investment, have had a positive impact on continuing to advance the updating process of the Cuban economic and social development model.

Q Photo:Hasse Ferrold

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Your Excellency, you are a great example of an independent, self-made woman.Tell our readers a bit more about your education and the countries have you have served in?

I hold a master’s degree in international economic relations and a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Havana. I joined Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2005. Before being posted to Denmark I served in France at the Permanent Delegation of Cuba to UNESCO.

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Do you remember when a career as a diplomat became attractive to you? And did you have a role model who inspired you to take this path?

I think the first Rio Earth Summit in 1992 was probably what attracted my attention to later becoming a diplomat. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 is a paradigmatic example that succeeded in mobilising world attention on sustainability. Historic achievements such as the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity were reached on that occasion. The important concept that states have common but differentiated responsibilities, given the different contributions to global environmental degradation, was enshrined as one of the principles of the Rio Declaration. The summit gave me an insight into how political will is crucial to saving life on Earth. And, of course,

How do you manage the balance of having a family life while holding the position of diplomat? What is the most difficult part in striking this balance?

In my experience the joint efforts and collective support of all family members are vital to striking a balance between work and family life. There are a lot of meetings, social activities and evening events that diplomats are required to attend and consequently, good co-ordination and synergy are quite important. Spending more time with the family is always a challenge, and probably the most difficult part in striking this balance due mainly to job responsibilities – especially when kids are small. I still remember a moment when my daughter asked for my help, but I had to leave for a diplomatic event. She was waiting for me until I came back. It was a very difficult evening, but now I know that this is a sacrifice that you have to make if you would like to be both a mother and a diplomat.

Photo:Hasse Ferrold

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We are getting closer to the most ‘hygge’ season in Denmark as the days get shorter and darker.

What is 'hygge' for you?

Actually, I learned about Danish ‘hygge' through my daughter’s school project. She had to carry out some research on the concept. Her work became so helpful for me, as I finally understood how special it is for the entire culture. As a foreigner who comes from a Caribbean country, my ‘hygge’ approach is also linked to getting together with family and friends in a pleasant environment, making jokes, dancing, and listening to traditional Cuban music.

DENMARK TO BECOME A BEACON FOR A GREENER FUTURE

Photo: Udenrigsministeriet

The ambassador at Asia House

PHOTO: IRENE HELL

BY CHRISTIAN WENANDE

Mette Frederiksen says Danes are ready to pave the road to a better climate

When UN Secretary General António Guterres

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And while the summit might best be remembered

addressed the world’s leaders at the recent UN

for 16-year-old climate champion Greta Thunberg

Climate Action Summit in New York, there was

lambasting global leaders for inaction in a fiery

no mincing of words. The time has come to act.

“This is not a climate talk summit, we’ve had enough talk. This is not a climate negotiation summit, because we don’t negotiate with nature.

display of emotion, there was another clear message to be had in New York.

Namely that Denmark will be at the very forefront of the climate battle, with PM Mette Frederiksen leading the charge. In fact, at the

This is a climate action summit,” he proclaimed

request of Guterres, Denmark took a leading role

to great ovation.

at the summit.

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Photo: Irene Hell

Photo: Statsministeriet

Photo: Udenrigsministeriet

A GUIDING LIGHT FOR THE FUTURE Indeed, one of the key reasons for Frederiksen winning the recent General Election and taking over the leadership reins of her country was because her political platform focused heavily on the climate.

And one of her first moves as PM was to hammer out a plan that focuses on tackling the climate issue – the principal ambition being a reduction of CO2 emissions by 70 percent by 2030 and becoming climate-neutral by 2050.

“At some point, all generations face a decisive challenge: an opportunity to change the world. Climate change is our challenge, and future generations depend on us.”

Photo: Statsministeriet

“Denmark is a small country, but we insist on making a big difference. We are ready to assume great responsibility by taking the lead,” Frederiksen said in her UN Climate Action Summit speech.

During the summit, Denmark also agreed to double its contribution (now 800 million kroner) to the Green Climate Fund, which was created to support developing countries in responding to the challenge of climate change.

BACKED BY BUSINESS

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Photo: Irene Hell

Copenhagen Municipality, energy firm Ørsted and shipping giant Maersk were also at hand in New York to present their plans to contribute to a more sustainable future. And that is critical as there is simply no way to reach the ambitious goals without the business sector on board.

Photo: Irene Hell

Photo: Irene Hell

Photo: Irene Hell

Photo: Irene Hell

Frederiksen’s ambitions have been supported by the powerful Danish pension firms, which announced that they would invest an additional 350 billion kroner into Denmark’s green transition over the next decade.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR? But there are still challenges ahead and obstacles that need to be navigated.

In a recent survey, 70 percent of Danes said the government’s climate ambitions were a good thing, but 55 percent also responded that reaching the lofty goal of reducing emissions by 70 percent was very or reasonably unrealistic.

The survey also documented that it is the young people that are a driving force in the climate change battle, and 20 percent of Danes aged 66+ believe that Denmark’s actions makes a difference in the bigger picture, compared to 54 percent of 18 to 19-year-olds.

FROM APPLAUSE TO FRAUDS? Additionally, several international researchers recently criticised Denmark’s practice of maintaining that the burning of wood – Denmark’s biggest source of green energy – is CO2-neutral.

Only Sweden, Finland and Latvia burn more biomass than Denmark in the EU, but they principally burn their own forests.

Denmark, meanwhile, imports most of the wood it burns, such as from the US.

BIG SINNER: ADDRESSING AGRICULTURE Furthermore, Denmark is struggling to meet EU demands in a number of important sectors, such as in transportation and agriculture.

In fact, the energy authority Energistyrelsen has uncovered that unless further initiatives are embraced, Denmark is set to surpass annual emission goals for non-quota binding sectors every year from 2021 to 2030.

The EU goals bind Denmark to reducing those emissions by 39 percent by 2030, but Energistyrelsen expects Denmark to reach 25 percent by that time, based on current initiatives in play.

Agriculture will play a key role if Denmark is to meet EU goals, or its own goal of reducing emissions by 70 percent. ”There is no doubt that the agriculture needs to be looked at if we are going to reach the 70 percent. Agriculture accounts for about a fifth of emissions in Denmark, so they need to take their fair share of reductions,” Sebastian Mernild, a climate change professor and main lead author of the next big UN Climate Panel report in 2021, told DR Nyheder.

Photo: Irene Hell

Back in the 1990s, the widespread belief in global political and scientific circles was that burning wood was CO2-neutral and a sustainable energy source, because

But despite that consensus having long evaporated, politicians in Denmark still cling to that archaic concept when calculating the country’s CO2 emissions. The researchers likened it to ‘climate fraud’.

Photo: Irene Hell

”It’s obvious to give the battle against climate change top priority. If we don’t manage to significantly reduce the greenhouse emissions, the consequence will be unimaginable, so we must take it seriously. We support the government’s ambitions,” said Tine Roed, the head of Dansk Industri, the industry confederation.

trees replenish and absorb CO2 again.

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Publisher:

Photo: Irene Hell

DAN THE MAN WITH A PLAN But the new government seems to have more of an urgency with its climate plans than the previous Lars Løkke Rasmussen regime. It’s probably well aware that inaction will cost them a future election.

And Denmark’s new climate minister, Dan Jørgensen, is well aware that the government is rapidly running out of time.

“I’m in the process of negotiating a climate law with Parliament and it will clearly convey to the Danes that we are binding ourselves to these targets. It’s a big effort and we must act quickly and think long-term,” Jørgensen told DR Nyheder.

Editor: Hans Hermansen Journalists

Christian Wenande

Ben Hamilton

Yuliya Kuryan Photographer

Irene Hell

Photographer

Hasse Ferrold

Front page picture: Hasse Ferrold Photo: Irene Hell

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Many of the faces on these pages will be familiar to readers of CPH POST as they are foreign ambassadors to Denmark and feature regularly in Hasse Ferrold’s About Town. Many are not based in Denmark, but fulfil their ambassadorial positions from overseas

AMBASSADORS BASED IN DENMARK

Australia

Albania

Algeria

Argentina

Armenia

Elida Petoshati

Ali Benzerga

Conrado Solari

Alexander Arzoumanian

Belgium

Benin

Leo Peeters

Eusebe Agbangla

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mary Ellen Miller

Brazil

Austria

Bangladesh

Maria Rotheiser-Scotti

Muhammad Muhith

Burkina Faso

Bulgaria

Carlos da Rocha

Svetlan Stoev

Maria-Goretti Agaleoue

Canada Emi Furuya

Emir Poljo

Chile Isauro Torres

Estonia rn m

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Yiliam Sardiñas

Penelope Erotokritou

Radek Pech

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Vesa Vasara

Caroline Farrari

Gigi Gigiadze

Detlev Rünger

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Märt Volmer

China Feng Tie

Iceland Helga Hauksdóttir

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Ghana Amerley Awua-Asamoa

Greece Efthalia Kakiopoulou

Egypt Ayman Alkaffas

Hungary Kristof Altusz

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India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ajit Gupte

Muhammad Said

Morteza Moradian

Habib Al-Sadr

Ireland Adrian McDaid (Agrée)

Israel Benjamin Dagan

Italy Luigi Ferrari

All photos: Hasse Ferrold unless stated

AMBASSADORS BASED IN DENMARK

Ivory Coast

Japan

Latvia

Libya

Lithuania

Mina Balde-Laurent

Toshiro Suzuki

Alda Vanaga

Mohamed Selim

Ginte Damusis

Morocco

Nepal

Netherlands

Niger

Khadija Rouissi

Yuba Nath Lamsal

Rob Zaagman (Agrée)

Amadou Tcheko

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Henryka MoscickaDendys

Rita Laranjinha

Mexico

Janine Finck

Carlos Pujalte

Pakistan

Norway Aud Kolberg

Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi

Palestine Mufeed M Shami

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Romania

Russia

Mihai-Alexandru Gradinar

Vladimir Barbin

Saudi Arabia Fahad Alruwaily

Serbia Jasmina Mitrovic-Maric

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Leo Herrera-Lim

Luxembourg

Slovakia Miroslav Wlachovsky

Thailand Vichit Chitvimarn

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Edvin Skrt

Zindziswa Mandela

Sang-jin Park

Turkey

Uganda

Ugur Kenan Ipek

Nimisha Madhvani

Ukraine Mykhailo Vydoinyk

Spain Román Oyarzun

United Arab Emirates Fatema Almazrouei

Sweden Fredrik Jörgensen

Switzerland Florence Mattli (Agrée)

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

Dominic Schroeder

Carla Sands

Pham Thanh Dung

All photos: Hasse Ferrold unless stated

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Karl Hood (London)

Francisco Hernandez-Kramer (Oslo)

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Alfredo Lopes (Brussels)

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Roberto Ochoa (Brussels)

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AMBASSADORS – BASED OVERSEAS

Should you notice any omissions, out-of-date information or errors (mis-identifications, spelling etc), please don’t hesitate to contact CPH POST at ben@cphpost.dk

BACON, BORIS, BREXIT AND BARNABY a certain Norwegian commentator have made such an inspired rant had his country just beaten Greece or Malta? Probably not!

WE DID OWN YOU ONCE! Of course, many Danes enjoy a little joke about how their ancestors ‘conquered’ much of Britain, and a quick glance at some of the place names on the east coast of England, along with the copious amounts of blonde hair, confirm they’re telling the truth.

And in a sense, history is repeating itself, as when it comes to Brexit, the island has not been as divided since the Vikings’ reign of terror.

Robert Molesworth

The Danes have been busy finding out that damage limitation is pretty perilous when the goal posts keep on moving Brexit – never have six letters struck so much fear into the media. A journalist can barely dare to speculate what the future may hold, as by the time their work is published, affairs tend to change drastically! Every piece of the jigsaw comes loaded with repercussions – and on so many different levels.

After all, the UK’s status in the European Union does not impact just one relationship, but 27. And like its co-members, Denmark is waiting with bated breath to see what the UK’s exit will mean for Anglo-Danish relations?

It’s as good time as any to remind ourselves what defines the friendship, trade, and character of the two nations.

GREAT RESPECT Pierre Collignon of the influential newspaper Berlingske recently put forward a list of the UK's virtues.

In more recent times, war has also brought the two countries together. As allies in World War II, Britain became the liberators of their former conquerors.

A FEW MINOR TIFFS But the relationship between the countries hasn’t always been harmonius.

In 1692, a British ambassador to Denmark waged a war of words. Robert Molesworth – an Irishman who was an ancestor of two daughter-in-law of the current English queen, Princess Diana and Sophie Countess of Wessex – rather undiplomatically offered some thoughts on his hosts, describing the country as a nation burdened by heavy taxation, monotonous uniformity and a dearth of dreamers and enthusiasts.

The Dubliner also criticised Danish beer and accused the nation of being nothing more than a bunch of drunks.

These included the country's sacrifice during WWII, its defence of democratic values, and its championing of human rights, free trade and the transatlantic partnership.

And between 1807 and 1814, Britain and Denmark were at each other's throats again. During what is today known as the Gunboat War, Britain took control of Danish waters for most the period.

Despite expressing his disappointment what he described as an “ambiguous” Brexit that amounted to a “monumental act of selfharm”, he also praised the UK for its “indispensable voice for a commonsensical and liberal approach to problem-solving”.

And now today, with much uncertainty over the terms at which the UK will leave Europe, the North Sea could again become a battleground – this time over fishing rights.

It’s precisely these kinds of actions and traits that have helped form the perception of the UK as a world leader. After all, would

20

Maybe the blood of the Vikings instilled something in the Brits, who would go on to outshine the exploits of their predecessors by creating an empire on which the sun never sets.

MUTUAL TRUST Nevertheless, the UK and Denmark get

on pretty well these days, according to Professor Ole Helmersen, an associate professor with the Department of Intercultural Communication and Management at CBS, who specialises in UK politics and social conditions.

“I believe Anglo-Danish relations are basically defined by mutual trust and cultures which in many ways meet well, although there are of course also major differences,” he told Diplomacy magazine.

“I think Danes in general look up to the UK and see it as a country we collaborate well with – among other places in the EU.” With France and Germany often seen as leaders in the EU, it’s also interesting to consider what the modern Danish perception of the UK’s role in the EU has been up until now.

“From a Danish perspective I think Britain has been seen as a very valuable member of the EU – as a counterweight to France and Germany,” ventured Helmersen.

Denmark’s impressive proficiency at the English language could also be a factor, added the professor, in motivating Danes to collaborate and share cultural similarities.

BARNES, BUCKET, BARNABY One thing’s for sure: the Danes can’t get enough of English football. Half the country remembers only too well how back when Denmark has only one television channel (up until 1988) they would regularly switch on to get their Anglo fix of the beautiful game. Given Liverpool’s dominance over the decade prior to TV2’s emergence, it’s no surprise to learn that they remain Denmark’s favourite foreign team.

And with so many Danes supporting English teams, they frequently travel there for matches, so the exchange is economic as well as cultural.

It’s also hard not to find a Dane who loves classic British comedies, such as ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ or ‘Fawlty Towers’, or other programs such as ‘Midsomer Murders’, which the Danes know (officially and affectionately) as ‘Barnaby’.

It’s fair to say there’s a certain Danish admiration for the way Britain does things – well, everything other than Brexit.

Liberation of Copenhagen

Photo: Nationalmuseet

Photo:Hans Splinter/Flickr

Viking invasion

Gunboat War

HARD TRUTHS However, it was recently reported by Bloomberg that a no-deal Brexit could cost Denmark 1.3 percent in lost growth. Furthermore, OECD and IMF studies support the idea that the Danish GDP could be reduced by 1 to 1.3 percent over five to ten years.

“Britain is one of Denmark’s important export markets but it is not nearly as important as it was in the past,” asserted Helmersen.

“When Denmark joined the then EEC in 1973 alongside the UK, more than 30 percent of total Danish exports went to the UK – bacon, butter etc. Today the total figure is around 6 percent.”

So, while Denmark remains Britain’s number one supplier of that essential breakfast ingredient, bacon, when push comes to shove, Denmark’s loyalty is more likely to lie with the EU. No wonder the UK has quietly been going about securing ‘continuity deals’ – agreements with individual nations to replicate existing trading arrangements in the event of a no-deal Brexit – for example, fish ‘n’ chips has been largely safeguarded thanks to a 200 million pound a year deal with the Faroe Islands, and rum supplies through the Caribbean countries.

Breaking point for Boris?

Photo: Donkey Hotey

While agriculture still accounts for a major part of the 6 percent, a no-deal Brexit would hit the sector harder than any other, contends Helmersen.

Bully for Barnaby

CATS AND DOGS Denmark, of course, has had its share of issues with the EU. Despite not voting to leave or remain, they have voted on eight issues since 1972, returning three ‘no’ and five ‘yes’ results.

With Denmark’s admiration of Britain and inclination for loyalty towards the EU, the two countries are perhaps more like cats and dogs these days.

The enthusiastic dog is looking on with a furrowed brow and tilted head – it just wants to be friends, but it will run out of patience.

Steve Hale / The Liverpool FC Collection

The cat meanwhile is being typically temperamental and walking away ... we’ll have to wait and see if its tail is up or between its legs.

Much loved Liverpool 21

HOLIDAYS OVER AS PARLIAMENT RETURNS WITH GRAND OPENING PHOTOS: HASSE FERROLD WORDS: CHRISTIAN WENANDE

PM Mette Frederiksen uses opening speech to reignite nation’s desire to succeed It was a big day at Christiansborg today as new PM Mette Frederiksen and her government opened Parliament for the forthcoming political year.

As tradition dictates, Queen Margrethe II and Crown Prince Frederik were at hand to witness Frederiksen take the podium for her first opening-of-Parliament speech to reveal her government’s plans for the coming year.

Parliament awaited the arrival of the royals, and somehow former PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen had grabbed the executive chair again

Following the approval of Henrik Dam Kristensen (Socialdemokratiet) as the new speaker of Parliament – a position that Pia Kjærsgaard (Dansk Folkeparti) held for the past few years – Frederiksen took the stage for the most important speech of her career.

After opening with a commentary about how Denmark has progressed recently, the PM launched into how the Danes need to improve certain areas of strife and struggle. She was quick to underline that key aspects of the government’s plans rested on the climate and welfare.

WELFARE WISHER Welfare was a significant aspect of the PM’s election platform, and in today’s speech she pledged

The Crown Prince Couple arrived with Pia Kjærsgaard, the former speaker of the house

to do everything in her power to re-introduce the right to an early pension for those most worn-out by their jobs.

Frederiksen also pinpointed resources for the children, police and elderly as areas that needed to be improved, and she pledged that the government would spend billions more to rectify the situation – although she admitted that many might not reap the benefits immediately.

“I pay my tax in the belief that you pay yours. I pay for your doctor’s visit, in the belief that you pay for mine. In Denmark we don’t have gold mines, but we have something more important. We have trust in one another,” said Frederiksen.

The queen arrived to a warm welcome from the new speaker of the house, Henrik Dam Kristensen 22

CLIMATE CHALLENGE

“When you come to Denmark, you have

Frederiksen focused heavily on climate issues during her General Election campaign last summer, and her speech reflected that.

the chance to live in a free, peaceful

She said it was time to get everyone involved in the climate battle, both the business (particularly the shipping industry) and public sectors, highlighting that the pension firms had got on board with a billion-kroner pledge recently.

She promised that a climate law will be ready before Christmas and subsequently a climate action plan will be devised.

country with access to free education, free medical aid and the opportunity to work. To benefit from that requires responsibility. If you don’t assume that responsibility, it is a breach in trust,” said the PM.

COMMONWEALTH AND ARCTIC The PM also broached the subject of the Commonwealth and improving co-operation with Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

INTEGRATION AND IMMIGRATION

That includes doing more to help chil-

The PM also talked about crime and gangs in Denmark, contending that there was too much crime among immigrants and their descendants.

glect in Greenland, as well as tackling

She did not shy away from integration, maintaining that people coming to Denmark had a responsibility to integrate when coming to the country.

working with all of you here in Parlia-

The immigration policy that the government will lead will be stringent, and the authorities will crack down harder on dangerous driving, foreign-fighters and gang crime.

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen made a powerful address

dren who have endured abuse and neissues pertaining to the Arctic region.

“We must strengthen everything that defines Denmark. I look forward to ment. We must live up to the hopes we have generated: a safer, more just and greener Denmark,” the PM concluded.

The government will offer more specific action tomorrow when it unveils its full 2020 strategy report.

Next up was the father of the house, Bertel Harder

Princess Benedikte joined her sister, nephew and Crown Prince Mary on the balcony

The diplomatic corps was well represented by its dean, Nigerien ambassador Amadou Tcheko

Finally, the new speaker of the house, Henrik Dam Kristensen, gave his maiden speech

Among the new MPs taking their place in the chamber was Pernille Vermund, the leader of Nye Borgerlige

Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, the new leader of Venstre, caught up with Kristian Thulesen Dahl, his counterpart at Dansk Folkeparti

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BY HASSE FERROLD

ABOUT TOWN

Four ambassadors and their wives turned on the musketeer flair at the celebration of the Indonesian national day at the residence of ambassador Muhammad Ibnu Said in Charlottenlund on August 22. In a spirt of great camaraderie, Philippines ambassador Leo M Herrera-Lim, Vietnamese ambassador Pham Thanh Dung, Indonesian ambassador Muhammad Ibnu Said and Thai ambassador Vichit Chitvimarn linked arms as if to say: “One for all, and all for one”

The ambassadors were out in force on the occasion of the celebration of the Vietnamese national day at Asia House in Østerbro on September 4. Among those in attendance were (left-right) Thai ambassador Vichit Chitvimarn, Indonesian ambassador Muhammad Ibnu Said, Vietnamese ambassador Pham Thanh Dung, Palestinian ambassador Amro AA Alhourani, Benin ambassador Eusebe Agbangha, Saudi ambassador Fahad Alruwaily, Cuban ambassador Yiliam Sardinas Gomez and her husband

The Royal Danish Life Guards were among the guests at the Bastille Day celebrations at the French Embassy in Copenhagen on July 11 where ambassador Caroline Ferrari took to the stage to address those present

Among the guests of Egyptian ambassador Ayman Alkaffas at a reception to celebrate his country’s national day at his residence in Østerbro on July 5 was Italian ambassador Luigi Ferrari (right)

Saudi Arabia celebrated its national day in style at the lavish Hotel d’Angleterre on September 23. Many members of the diplomatic corp were present as ambassador Fahad Alruwaily took to the rostrum to address all those in attendance

Ambassador Alruwaily later had time to catch up with Hans Hermansen, the CEO of CPH POST, to share his thoughts about the recent special edition the newspaper published in connection with the national day celebrations

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A great many dignitaries were in attendance as the Benin Embassy celebrated its national day on August 23 in Hellerup. Among those present were (left-right) South African deputy ambassador Tsholofelo Lefifi, Ugandan ambassador Nimisha Jayant Madhvani, Benin’s ambassador Eusebe Agbangha, Ghanaian ambassador Amerley Ollennu Awua-Asamoa, Sven Riskær, who is the interim president of Det Danske Afrikaselskab, Burkina Faso’s ambassador Maria-Goretti Blandine Agaleoue, and Niger’s ambassador, Amadou Tcheko, the dean of the diplomatic corps

Among those present at the Moroccan Embassy’s national day celebration in Charlottenlund on July 30 were (left-right) Georgian ambassador Gigi Gigiadze, Slovakian ambassador Miroslav Wlachovsky, Niger’s ambassador Amadou Tcheko, Czech ambassador Radek Pech, Moroccan ambassador Khadija Rouissi, Luxembourg’s ambassador Janine Finck, Burkina Faso’s ambassador Maria-Goretti Agaleoue, Serbian ambassador Jasmina Maric, Lithuanian ambassador Ginte Damusis, Austrian ambassador Maria Rotheiser-Scotti, Albanian ambassador Elida Petoshati, and South Korean ambassador Sang-Jin Park

Among the guests of Slovakian ambassador Miroslav Wlachovsky (centre) at his national day celebrations at his Hellerup residence were Edvin Skrt (centre left) and Maria Rotheiser-Scotti (centre right), his Slovenian and Austrian counterparts

Swedish ambassador Frederik Jörgensen (centre right) presided over his country’s national day celebrations at Gustafskyrkan (Swedish Gustaf's Church) on Folke Bernadottes Allé in Østerbro on June 6

UAE ambassador Fatema Khamis Almazrouei was the guest of honour at a race on Ladies Day at Klampenborg Racetrack on September 1, in which no fewer than seven Arabian horses took part. The eventual winner of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice Championship was Jaldi Karo

Polish ambassador Henryka Moscicka-Dendys (left, head turned) and Portuguese ambassador Rita Laranjinha (right) were among the guests of Chilean ambassador Isauro Torres at his residence in Skodsborg for a celebration of his country's national day on September 18 25

NEW IN TOWN PHOTOS: HASSE FERROLD WORDS: BEN HAMILTON

Diplomacy Magazine would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new ambassadors who arrived in Denmark since the summer

Ireland: This is a second ambassadorial posting for Adrian McDaid, a Cambridge University graduate who previously headed his country’s mission in Moscow – a country that he had previously served in during the Cold War as third secretary in the early 1980s. Since joining Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs in 1979, the ambassador agrée’s career has rarely been boring. Most notably he served in Baghdad during Saddam Hussein’s presidency, which he left just one year before Iraq invaded Kuwait, and in New York, where he witnessed 9-11

The Netherlands: One would hazard a guess that Rob Zaagman knows a fair bit about rugby given that he was his country’s ambassador to New Zealand from 2014 to 2018, as well as being responsible for three other entrants in the World Cup – Fiji, Samoa and Tonga – along with Kiribati and Tuvalu. After serving as an officer in the Royal Dutch Army, and then working as a lecturer of international law at the University of Utrecht in the mid-80s, the ambassador agrée started his diplomatic career in 1988 at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Switzerland: This is Florence Tinguely Mattli’s second ambassadorial posting.

The ambassador agrée was until earlier this year the ambassador to Tanzania.

After obtaining a master’s in European Studies at the University of Geneva, she started working for her country’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 1994.

Her first taste of mission control came in Kenya in 2004, where she was deputy ambassador – a role she also fulfilled in India from 2008 to 2011. Her husband, Arthur Mattli, is the Swiss ambassador to Romania 26

South Korea: This is Park Sang-Jin’s second ambassadorial posting. Previously, the ambassador agrée was head of mission in Algeria from 2015 to 2018. Following his graduation from Chonnam National University in the 1980s with a BA in English literature and then a master’s in public administration, Park started working for his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987, and since then he has served in Romania, Ukraine, Germany, Belgium, the US, Turkmenistan and the UAE

Germany: This is Detlev Rünger’s third ambassadorial posting following stints in Norway (2009-12) and Austria (2012-15). After studying law he attended the Diplomatic Academy in Bonn from 1981-83, after which he joined his country’s Federal Foreign Office. While his ambassadorial posts have all been in Europe, he has served extensively elsewhere, including in Egypt, Ecuador and Australia. He of a dying breed that can claim to have served in Czechoslovakia – a posting that ended just months before the country changed its name in 1993

BY HASSE FERROLD

ROYAL CIRCLES

Queen Margrethe joined Frank Jensen, the mayor of Copenhagen, on September 29 at Rådhuspladsen for the long await opening of the City Ring Metro – a line comprising 17 stations that promises to transform the way people navigate the city

Queen Margrethe was both guest of honour and muse at the opening of an exhibition of jewellery art at Christiansborg Slot on September 26. ‘En dronning værdig: mester, mæcen, monark’, which includes the work of three award-winning makers, continues until December 15

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel, were the guests of the Crown Prince Couple on September 16. They visited Denmark on a three-day official business delegation – reciprocally for one to Sweden that Frederick and Mary headed in 2017

Princess Mary and the former Polish prime minister Lech Walesa, whose consolidation of the solidarity movement reverberated around the world in 1983, were the guests of honour at the official opening of the Golden Days festival on September 6 at the University of Copenhagen

The Crown Prince Couple were among the royals present at the annually held Danish military event Flag Day at Christiansborg Slot on September 5

Prince Joachim joined Copenhagen Mayor Frank Jensen at Rådhuspladsen for the start of the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix weekend on August 2 27

BY HASSE FERROLD

ABOUT TOWN

If there’s one day this autumn to leave your diary free, it’s October 11 when Culture Night (Kulturnatten) returns to Copenhagen. Once again the night owls will be out in force as the city’s galleries, institutions and other venues host countless events to entertain the capital’s culture vultures

Tivoli is rarely shut for long. Its summer season may be over, but it will soon be open for Halloween from October 11 to November 3. And then two weeks later, it will be opening its doors for its Christmas season: from November 16 until January 5

Denmark tends to shut down during Week 42 (October 14-18) for the autumn school holiday. Many choose to take the week off, either to travel abroad or spend one last week at their summerhouse. With Tivoli open and plenty of other events, there’s plenty for the kids to do

Thomas Cook might have gone bust, but the general public still needs the occasional holiday, so step forward Vagabond magazine with its Travel Fair at Øksnehallen (Oct 19-20). Get inspiration, tips and guidance to avoiding the kind of pitfalls experienced by so many in September

It wouldn’t be autumn without another one-month That Theatre production. This year CPH POST columnist Ian Burns has chosen the legendary 1956 British play ‘Look Back in Anger’. The October 26 premiere at Krudttønden is a great place to mingle with creatives from the city’s English-language theatre scene

Photo: Pexels/Raul Grindean

Visiting the historic Cirkusbygningen by Palads cinema in the centre of town is an experience in itself, but when you combine it with a four-course meal laid on by waiting staff who are as equally adept at singing as serving, you have Wallmans (Wed-Sat throughout the autumn), the hottest show in town

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coming up soon...

International Club Copenhagen is an exclusive club for dignitaries that arranges monthly informative meetings on subjects within the spheres of culture, politics, science and bilateral relations. By invite only with no membership fee, the next meetings are on October 23 and November 28

Is the Hubertus Hunt on November 3 this country’s answer to Royal Ascot or Henley Regatta? Held since 1900 on the first Sunday of November, high society mingles with picnicking families in Dyrehaven as 40,000 spectators watch 160 riders dressed in their finest regalia negotiate 35 cross-country obstacles

No festive season is complete without watching the Crazy Christmas Cabaret, an English-language comedy show penned by CPH POST columnist Vivienne McKee, who has been delighting audiences since the early 1980s. This year’s show, ‘The Three Brexiteers’, premieres on November 12 at Tivoli’s Glassalen theatre

A whole host of embassies will be represented at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Bispebjerg Kirkegaard on November 10. For those who grew up in the shadows of the war, it’s hard to believe barely anyone alive today can remember it

Don’t miss the annually held Book Forum at Bella Center (Nov 15-17), where tens of thousands flock to seek out the latest releases, meet the hottest authors in the flesh and relax amongst kindred spirits. Bog Forum always includes a wide range of Danish and foreign authors

Copenhagen’s economic, social and cultural environments come together at the Best Cities Global Forum (Dec 8-11, CPH Marriott Hotel), the ideal opportunity for decision-makers who are considering hosting an event at a BestCities destination

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Q Q DADDY, WHY DOES THE PRESIDENT GET A DIPLOMATIC UPBRINGING

ASSASSINATED EVERY TIME WE ARRIVE?

A British ambassador’s son recalls riots, bomb threats and lunch with Mick Jagger from his life growing up in diplomatic circles

Q

BY CHRISTIAN WENANDE A diplomatic upbringing has left Matti Nash, 37, with a great awareness of cultural diversity, patience and courtesy.

Today he continues to enjoy travelling widely in his work for a Chinese conglomerate.

Q Q

I understand your father enjoyed a long career in the British diplomatic corps. Where did he finish off?

His last post was as British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago.

Has he served in any other countries, and in which of these countries was he the ambassador?

His first foreign posting was Austria, then the Soviet Union, India, Austria (again), Sri Lanka, Nepal (ambassador), Afghanistan (as the first ambassador following the outbreak of war with the Taliban) then finishing in Trinidad & Tobago (ambassador).

Q

How old were you when he became an ambassador for the first time, and did you live with him during any of his postings?

I was about 16 when he got the ambassadorship in Nepal, by which point I was studying in the UK. Up until that point we were fortunate enough to live with him and my [Danish] mother in India, Austria and Sri Lanka. By the time of Nepal, education (in the UK) took precedence (although school holidays were spent visiting these exotic locations).

Q

What life lessons could be learned from being the child of an ambassador?

Awareness of cultural diversity, patience and courtesy.

Diplomacy, although about protecting and furthering one own

country’s interests, is very much about understanding those of your host country. We grew up in an international environment with people from all four corners of the world, and while understanding there were differences, we more importantly learnt how many similarities we all have despite any political differences that may exist.

Q

What is the best story you remember from your time abroad?

Although I was not there at the time, once when England were on a cricket tour of the Caribbean they stopped in Trinidad. Mick Jagger, famously being a massive fan of cricket, was there. Taking the opportunity, my folks invited him to lunch at their place. To their surprise, he accepted.

Q

Did you have any unpleasant experiences you'd care to mention?

In almost every posting the head of state/prominent politician was assassinated (Rajiv Gandhi in India, Ranasingha Premadasa in Sri Lanka and the royal family in Nepal). In Sri Lanka I was also in a hotel when it was targeted by a bomb. Lastly, in Nepal, we once got caught in the middle of a riot.

Q

Could you tell us a bit about what you've been up to since leaving the family fold: education, careers, country of residence?

Following school in the UK, I studied briefly in Australia and worked in Chicago. I have, however, primarily based myself in London – unlike my brothers who have continued to move around various countries abroad. Most recently I have been working for a Chinese company in a global role that allows me to interface daily with people from

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Asia. The role requires me to travel regularly, which I enjoy.

Q

How big an influence has your diplomatic upbringing had on your adult life? For example, have you ever been tempted to revisit any of the countries your dad served in?

I'd like to think my strongest attribute is bringing people together, and I think that comes from being able to place myself in other people's shoes and understand that everyone has different perspectives.

I have tried to take that into both my personal and professional life. Travel remains a core life interest of mine, and I continue to travel as much as time (and finances permit).

Q

the west coast of the States right out to eastern

Who is the most famous person you have shaken hands with?

Over the years we were fortunate to meet many famous people (Maggie Thatcher, the Archbishop of Canterbury, national cricket teams), but my favourite, which is unrelated to my diplomatic upbringing, was to shake hands with and share a number of beers with Watford FC club legend Jay Demerit.

CRAZY CHRISTMAS 2019

GLASSALEN, TIVOLI 12. NOV 2019 - 11. JAN 2020

TICKETS: 3315 1001

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IT’S FUN FOR ALL - AND ALL FOR FUN IT’S THE THREE BREXITEERS