A “Diplomatic Heritage” (“Patrimoine de la Diplomatie”) plaque awarded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs was unveiled today at the headquarters of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
Recognition of the OIV’s diplomatic and international rôle
The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Julien Steimer, Director-General for Administration and Modernisation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and John Barker, Director General of the OIV, in the presence of Yvette van der Merwe, President of the OIV, François Rebsamen, President of Dijon Métropole and former minister, and Nathalie Koenders, Mayor of Dijon and First Vice-President of Dijon Métropole. The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including local authorities and members of the diplomatic corps.
The inaugural “Patrimoine de la Diplomatie” distinction has been granted to 15 remarkable venues that have hosted diplomatic events throughout history. The inclusion of the Hôtel Bouchu dit d’Esterno in this distinction reinforces the OIV headquarters as the “family home” of the world vine and wine sector and a flagship of the Organisation — a recognition with which the OIV is delighted.
“This distinction honours not only a venue steeped in history, but also the mission that the OIV has pursued since its creation: to promote international cooperation, dialogue between nations and the development of technical and scientific standards for the benefit of the global vine and wine sector,” said John Barker, Director General of the OIV.
