A Conversation with the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Serbia and to Montenegro, Joust Reintjes
He changed his career from mining engineering to diplomacy, and in his youth he left for Kuwait but never arrived there. He worked as a waiter in Jordan, where he made very good friends. As a young man, together with his brother, Ambassador Reintjes visited Sinai and Egypt and then travelled the world for a year. He was a soldier and he studied Arabic. This led him to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and then to diplomacy.
“Montenegro is known for its nature,” the Ambassador said.
According to him, the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains are one of the most beautiful areas in Europe. Reinjes is an advocate of reforms, and, while speaking about the accession negotiations and Montenegro’s future in the European Union, he said that the percentage of citizens in favour of the EU membership says it all.
“More than 80% of citizens are in favour of the EU membership, and that’s for a good reason. The percentage has been that high quite consistently. So, it’s a very good sign, this is where it all starts,” emphasised Reintjes.
“Speaking of myself, I can say that Montenegro’s membership in the European Union is something that I would support as a Dutch citizen but also as an ambassador. First, of course, some things must be taken care of, and I must say that the Montenegrin Government has not been sitting still,” continued the Ambassador.
Media freedom is an important factor in any free society. It is the cornerstone of democracy, and people must be informed without any restrictions, emphasised the Ambassador.
“Sometimes, fake news finds its way to the Western Balkans. Of course, there are fake news in the Netherlands as well, there are fake news everywhere. However, this is where the media step in, playing a very important role in informing the population of whatever the circumstances may be,” explained Ambassador Reintjes.
Media freedom is also the main theme of the exhibition opened within the framework of the event Coffee with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at Europe House. The exhibition is the result of the first regional competition in the Western Balkans, which was organised by the Cartoon Movement (Amsterdam) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
“This exhibition showcases cartoons that participated in the regional competition for the best cartoon on media freedom. Artists and cartoonists from the six countries of the Western Balkans region submitted their works. A six-member jury selected 44 works that will be exhibited at Europe House alongside works by Dutch cartoonists until 20 May,” said Nevena Nikolić from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Serbia and Montenegro.
Dina Bajramspahić, the Montenegrin representative of the expert jury, opened the exhibition and presented the exhibited works.
“This exhibition is important because it shows us that citizens want to contribute to media freedom and that this is a topic that deeply concerns them. I hope that the exhibited artworks will inspire all of us to do more,” said Bajramspahić.
Freedom is best expressed through art. That’s why, during the event Coffee with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Serbia and Montenegro, we toasted to media freedom and had one more beautiful gathering.
“Coffee with Ambassadors” is the name of the activity through which Europe House opens its doors to citizens to meet with representatives of EU member states in Montenegro and learn more about their countries through open dialogue.
