Guest speech of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; H.E Mr. Philippe André Nieuwenhuys

At the occasion of current OSCE presidency (CiO) that is held by the Kingdom of Belgium this year, the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the Belgium Ambassador accredited to Austria for a guest lecture. H.E. Amb. Mr. Philippe André NIEUWENHUYS, Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Austria and Permanent representative to the UN office in Vienna, IAEA (Governor) and the Pre-Com CTBTO paid a visit to IMC and delivered a lecture on 23rd January, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception.

The IMC Export fellows had the great opportunity to learn on priorities of the Belgium’s presidency as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (European security architecture, interplay between politics and economy in pan-European context, relations with Russia and Central Asian republics including the energy dialog, ongoing coordinating activities between Austria and Belgium as the countries holding two important presidencies; OSCE and EU). Additionally, a due reference has been made on the ongoing negotiations with Iran within the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency since the Amb. Nieuwenhuys is in the Agency’s Board of Governors.

Extraordinarily eloquent and vivid diplomat of impressive career, Mr. Nieuwenhuys joined the Foreign Office over thirty years ago (1973). Serving at different posts that include Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Caracas, Washington, Warsaw, Geneva, Brussels (NATO) and Hague, H.E. Nieuwenhuys obtained several top capacities within the Foreign Office too (Deputy Chief of Cabinet to the Foreign Minister of Belgium and the Head of CEE section). Prior to his appointment to Austria (February 2004), H.E. Nieuwenhuys had his first ambassadorial appointment to the OSCE (1995). Excellency Ambassador holds the PhD in Law.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the IMC EXP Study Director and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Nieuwenhuys stated that he was very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and promised to return to our University after the Presidency (January-February 2007).

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic