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Netherlands and Russia to explore prospects for piracy tribunal

News item | 25-06-2009

The Netherlands and Russia are to explore the prospects for setting up a tribunal to bring Somali pirates to justice in the Horn of Africa.

The plans were made during the visit of a Russian government delegation on 19 and 20 June, consisting of President Dimitry Medvedev, deputy prime minister Viktor Zubkov, foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and culture minister Aleksandr Avdeyev.

Tribunal

Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov discussed the prospects for a tribunal located in the Horn of Africa for the effective prosecution, trial and punishment of Somali pirates. Convicted pirates would serve their sentences in the region.

In view of the Netherlands' experience with international criminal courts, the Dutch are prepared to play a leading role in setting up the tribunal.

Russia will send experts to the international meeting to be held in The Hague at the beginning of July to work out the details.

Energy

Economic affairs minister Maria van der Hoeven and Mr Zubkov had talks with Dutch and Russian companies about cooperation within the field of energy.

Ms Van der Hoeven said that Dutch-Russian collaboration at government and business level 'is a powerhouse for economic growth and a strong antidote to the economic crisis.'

The Dutch are interested in helping to find sustainable ways of tapping the huge energy reserves in the north of Russia.

Year of friendship

During a meeting with Prime Minister Balkenende, President Medvedev announced the plan to make 2013 a 'year of friendship'.

Mr Balkenende hailed the initiative as a 'unique opportunity to highlight the broad cooperation between the Netherlands and Russia.'

Culture

Europe minister Frans Timmermans said that 2013 would be an excellent opportunity to create more opportunities for Dutch design, fashion and architecture in Russia.

After his talks with Mr Avdeyev, Mr Timmermans said, 'We are eager to deepen the rich tradition of cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and Russia.'