The Netherlands and Canada: Why Do Canada And The Netherlands Love Each Other? - by Glenn McDonald

During World War II, Canada and the Netherlands formed a friendship that persists until today. So what's behind their strong alliance?

Odd news from the United Nations this week: A recently convened panel of international experts and career diplomats have issued a remarkable joint statement, concluding: "Canada and the Netherlands are so cute together!"

We're kidding about the joint statement, but the two countries actually do enjoy a uniquely close relationship. From the U.S. perspective, it's like having two good friends hit it off and get married. Everybody wins! Jules Suzdaltsev explains in today's Seeker Daily report.

Canada and the Netherlands have a similar international profile. Both are parliamentary democracies with a strong tradition of supporting progressive causes like universal health care, environmental conservation and same-sex marriage. The countries also share some intriguing history.

In 1940, Germany invaded and occupied the Netherlands as World War Two heated up. Fleeing the conflict, the Dutch royal family took refuge in Canada for five years. The Netherlands' Princess Margriet was born in an Ottawa hospital, which was temporarily declared Dutch territory so that she could obtain dual citizenship.

Canadian troops fought alongside the Dutch at the end of the war, and Canada's Air Force carried out crucial airlift missions and food drops to isolated Dutch cities. Many Canadians remained in the Netherlands after the war to help rebuild.

The Dutch, in turn, have a long history of migrating to Canada, dating back to the 19th century. Subsequent waves of migration followed after World War I and World War II. Dutch-Canadians remain one of Canada's largest immigrant groups.

Canada and the Netherlands also share strong business ties. Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded $7 billion in 2014 and Dutch seaports play a key role in transporting Canadian goods throughout Europe. Both are founding members of a number of international organizations, including NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation.

Diplomatically, Canada and the Netherlands are about as close as two countries can be. How do they keep the magic alive after 70 years? Well, for one thing, the Netherlands even sends Canada flowers every year. No, seriously.

Read more: Why Do Canada And The Netherlands Love Each Other? - Video

Russia: It's High Time For The EU To Bring Russia Back Into The European Equation As A Partner

Russia and the EU : Partners For Progress and Peace

Almost everyone now recognizes that Russia’s military intervention in Syria to defeat the so-called Islamic State terror group was the right call to make.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t crowing about it. He doesn’t have to.

The Russian intervention so far has proven to be a stunning success, that is indisputable.  Vladimir Putin and the Russian military ought to be particularly praised for having set goals fully
commensurate with their real capabilities.

Putin’s vindication was made clear by the enthusiastic reception afforded to him at the recent summit of G20 leaders in Turkey.. The Financial Times headlined: “Putin transformed from outcast to problem solver at the G20”.

In the meantime the so-called allies of the West in the Middle East, including, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf Arab states, have been exposed, not only by foes but also by friends for having been the major funding and facilitators of the jihadist terrorist brigades.

Putin also highlighted these "bad links" of our own Western alliance at the G20 summit, when he announced that the financing of the terror networks in Syria has come from “40 states, including members of the G20”.

During the G20 summit and on other occasions French President Hollande called for the U.S. and Russia to set aside their policy divisions over Syria and "fight this terrorist army in a broad, single coalition.". It seems to have worked..

Putin followed up  by offering Russian naval coordination with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean for future airstrikes against ISIL.

All this goes far beyond the usual rhetoric and shows that Vladimir Putin has true leadership qualities on tackling terrorism in Syria and beyond., obviously, also, as any political leader would subscribe to, with motives of self interest.

But, when the whole Middle East was on the verge of an implosion and Europe overwhelmed by refugees, Putin stepped up to the plate.

As the old English proverb goes: "cometh the hour, cometh the man".

Maybe it's time, therefore, that the EU gets more serious and involved into what the Germans describe as  "Realpolitiek" and bring Russia back into the European fold as a partner.?


EU-Digest

China - EU: Chinese FM, EU foreign policy chief meet on closer strategic partnership - by Ren Zhongxi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here Friday with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on the sidelines of the annual high-level debate of the UN General Assembly.

During their talks, Wang said that the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, which has laid a solid foundation and opened a bright prospect for the development of bilateral ties, ushers in a second decade this year.

During a trip to Europe in March this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and European leaders decided to deepen their partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization, which has charted the course for the future development of China-EU ties, said Wang.

China and the EU need to accumulate mutual trust and strengthen cooperation on the basis of mutual respect so as to further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership, said the Chinese foreign minister.

For her part, Ashton said that the EU-China relationship, which has made rapid progress over the past 10 years, enjoys great potential for further development.

Read more: Chinese FM, EU foreign policy chief meet on closer strategic partnership - CCTV News - CCTV.com English