"The fifth edition of the Course for Diplomats from the Arab Region is very special, because the representatives from the traditional CDAR countries Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Jordan in this edition are joined by colleagues from Algeria and Yemen." 

So said Professor Jan Rood in his opening speech at the Clingendael Institute on 24 April, which was the start-off for a six week diplomatic programme at the Clingendael Institute. During this six weeks, diplomats from the Arab region receive training in both knowledge and skills on international relations and will also participate in working visits to various Dutch, International and EU institutions.

Not a one-way street

At the core of the training programme, as was stressed by the representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lies the assumption that this course is definitely not a one-way street. Lecturers and trainers in the programme will also benefit from the experience the participants bring with them. Through the many interactive sessions participants and experts will discuss different topics such as the future of diplomacy, economic development and international security, in the region as well as in the rest of the world.

Good luck

The opening of the CDAR training course was attended by many officials from the embassies of the participating countries in The Netherlands, representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Clingendael staff. We wish all participants a very pleasant six weeks here at the institute and hope they will find the experience both fruitful and entertaining. Please check our website later for updates about this very special CDAR.