Ambassador

H. E. Daphne Bergma

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Slovakia

Most exciting posting before coming Slovakia, and why?
That was definitely Moscow, the Russian Federation, where I was posted from 2005 – 2009. A country 400 times bigger then the Netherlands. A country with a huge cultural tradition, be it opera, ballet, music or literature. And there was always the shared historical heritage: Peter the Great, the Russian emperor who spent time in the Netherlands. Upon his return he introduced shipbuilding, the navy, the “polder” and many Dutch words into the Russian language.

Most challenging posting before coming to Slovakia?
At the same time Russia was also a challenge as you are confronted with all your own Western prejudices about a former communist country. You think everything is grey and grim and that people are hostile. Nothing like that was the case!

Most exciting aspect of present posting in Slovakia?
To be in a country that has undergone big changes in such a short period. Twenty years after the Velvet Revolution the Slovak Republic has joined such important instituons as EU and NATO and has been able to introduce the euro. You can still see and feel that this young country is in the process of further shaping its identity.

Most important issue?
The fact that our two countries are working together in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. Slovak soldiers stand guard over Dutch soldiers who are based in Camp Holland. So for the safety of our soldiers there we depend on the work of Slovak soldiers. This of course is an indication of the level of trust between our countries and creates a strong link. My government is very grateful for this.

Place you call home?
Home is the place where my husband and I can be together. He is the Dutch ambassador to Turkey at the moment. So I can say I have three homes: one is our house in the Netherlands, close to the beach in Scheveningen, one is the Dutch residence in Ankara and one, of course, is here in my residence a very nice house with a beautiful garden.

Favourite recreation activity in Bratislava and Slovakia?
I am looking very much forward to spring, so that I will be able to ride my bicycle through lovely green Bratislava or along the Danube. Though there was enough snow this winter I did not have the time to go cross country skiing.

One thing you can’t live without?
Dutch cheese, there is nothing as good as a big piece of mature Dutch farmers cheese! Fortunately it is very easy to get Dutch cheese here; there is one small shop in the old town that sells all the good Dutch cheeses.

Favourite author?
Tolstoy! I have not read all his works, but last Christmas while in Ankara with my husband I read Anna Karenina.

Key to success in life?
Know what you want and always keep that in mind, trust your intuition, and be open, curious and optimistic.”


	current issue: JULY/AUGUST	Wednesday - 8. September 2010

Business/What's On Slovakia Editorial Business News Tips Of The Month Restaurant Review Outside The City Restaurant's Review Archive Dining Guide Shopping Sports & Leisure Contact Map of Old Town	Ambassador H. E. Daphne Bergma Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Slovakia Most exciting posting before coming Slovakia, and why? That was definitely Moscow, the Russian Federation, where I was posted from 2005 – 2009. A country 400 times bigger then the Netherlands. A country with a huge cultural tradition, be it opera, ballet, music or literature. And there was always the shared historical heritage: Peter the Great, the Russian emperor who spent time in the Netherlands. Upon his return he introduced shipbuilding, the navy, the “polder” and many Dutch words into the Russian language. Most challenging posting before coming to Slovakia? At the same time Russia was also a challenge as you are confronted with all your own Western prejudices about a former communist country. You think everything is grey and grim and that people are hostile. Nothing like that was the case! Most exciting aspect of present posting in Slovakia? To be in a country that has undergone big changes in such a short period. Twenty years after the Velvet Revolution the Slovak Republic has joined such important instituons as EU and NATO and has been able to introduce the euro. You can still see and feel that this young country is in the process of further shaping its identity. Most important issue? The fact that our two countries are working together in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. Slovak soldiers stand guard over Dutch soldiers who are based in Camp Holland. So for the safety of our soldiers there we depend on the work of Slovak soldiers. This of course is an indication of the level of trust between our countries and creates a strong link. My government is very grateful for this. Place you call home? Home is the place where my husband and I can be together. He is the Dutch ambassador to Turkey at the moment. So I can say I have three homes: one is our house in the Netherlands, close to the beach in Scheveningen, one is the Dutch residence in Ankara and one, of course, is here in my residence a very nice house with a beautiful garden. Favourite recreation activity in Bratislava and Slovakia? I am looking very much forward to spring, so that I will be able to ride my bicycle through lovely green Bratislava or along the Danube. Though there was enough snow this winter I did not have the time to go cross country skiing. One thing you can’t live without? Dutch cheese, there is nothing as good as a big piece of mature Dutch farmers cheese! Fortunately it is very easy to get Dutch cheese here; there is one small shop in the old town that sells all the good Dutch cheeses. Favourite author? Tolstoy! I have not read all his works, but last Christmas while in Ankara with my husband I read Anna Karenina. Key to success in life? Know what you want and always keep that in mind, trust your intuition, and be open, curious and optimistic.”