He is a reknowned master of public diplomacy - Teunis Halff, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as the recent "Queen's Days" illustrated, being an impressive exhibition of the cultural and economic power of his country. This is the reason why some may have been surprised that he hosted a Carribean night this year.
Many may be unaware that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is composed of three countries: the Netherlands itself, and Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles in the Carribean Sea. After years of negotiations this is going to change soon. The Netherlands Antilles (Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Maarten and St. Eustatius) won't be a polital unit any longer. Curacao and St. Maarten will be given more autonomy in becoming a "status apart" in the Netherlands. Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius have decided to co-operate more with the Netherlands and will continue to be incorporated.
After talking about these changes he toasted Queen Beatrix, but not only her, for at his last "Queen's Day" he also toasted the queen of his heart. "Without my spouse Dagmar I would never have achieved what I did," exclaimed the former jurist for space flight, reminding his audience of the important role played by a diplomat's marital partner. After his speech the 300 guests enjoyed Carribean rhythms and delicacies. Some of them were even dancing.
At the same time Honorary Consul Peter Boué welcomed the Czech ambassador to the "Übersse-Club". In his lecture themed "The development of the Czech Republic - the German-Czech Relationship in the European context", he underlined the positive effect coming from being a member of Nato (since 1999) and the EU (since 2007) upon the nation's self-confidence. He alo mentioned the Czech EC Council Presidency at the beginning of 2009, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the falling of the wall, as an important date for his country. The EURO may be introduced as the currency of the Czech Republic in 2012.

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