By Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The Hague, October 6, 2025 — A reception dedicated to the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia was held at the Pulchri Studio in The Hague. The event brought together distinguished guests from the worlds of diplomacy, business, politics, and journalism, as well as representatives of the Armenian diaspora in the Netherlands.
At the outset, Ambassador Viktor Biyagov delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the irrefutable importance of independence and peace in ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Armenia. He reiterated Armenia’s steadfast commitment to democratic values and expressed appreciation for the continuous support of international partners, particularly the Government of the Netherlands, in advancing this shared vision.
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Hague
Ambassador Biyagov underscored the historical significance of two recent developments: the initialling of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the launch of the TRIPP project (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity). Both, he noted, hold great promise for the prosperity and stability of the entire region.
The Ambassador also highlighted the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the Netherlands, signed in March 2025, describing it as a crucial milestone in the ongoing development of bilateral relations. The declaration serves as a comprehensive framework for deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, from governance and innovation to trade and cultural exchange.
From left to right: Isa Kahraman – Dutch politician; NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Foreign Policy, Religious Minorities Abroad, International Cultural Policy, Veterans Policy, Pieter Omtzigt – Former Member of Parliament of the Netherlands (Nieuw Sociaal Contract), Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Casper Veldkamp – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Ambassador Viktor Biyagov – Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
From left: Vasken Sarkis, lawyer and founder Vasken Sarkis AVS Advocatenkantoor, Ambassador Viktor Biyagov, Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska, Aloys Bruggeman, honorary consul of Lithuania.
From left: priester Ter Taron Tadevosyan from the Armenian Apostolic church in Amsterdam and Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The evening’s cultural program showcased Armenia’s rich heritage through a fashion show of traditional Armenian national costumes, designed by the Teryan Cultural Centre. The performance featured young participants from the Abovyan Union in The Hague, accompanied by pianists Aylin Vardanyan, Adam Akopian, and Meline Yeghoyan, whose music added a vibrant atmosphere to the celebration.
Guests also enjoyed a rich buffet featuring traditional Armenian cuisine, accompanied by selections of fine Armenian wine and brandy, which were warmly received and contributed to the festive spirit of the evening.
Background:
The TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project grants the United States a 99-year mandate to oversee the creation and operation of a new transit corridor across Armenian territory. The corridor will be subleased to a U.S.-led consortium tasked with its construction and management. Once completed, the route will connect Turkey in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east, providing a shorter and more efficient alternative to existing transit routes through Georgia.
Photos: ©communications-unlimited.nl and @Embassy of Armenia in the Hague
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an international journalist and author. She is the chief editor of the Central and Eastern Europe Center and president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression. Born in Warsaw and currently residing in the Netherlands, Beata has roots in Lviv, Ukraine and has Armenian heritage.
