On July 6, 2022, the Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomed the new Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, H.E. Dr. Álvaro Enrique González Otero. Presenting his letters of credentials to the King of the Netherlands, Dr. González Otero brought with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished career spanning 35 years in the field of diplomacy.
Academic Achievements
Dr. González Otero’s journey in diplomacy is underlined by a strong academic foundation. He holds a Doctorate in Law and Social Sciences, earned at the College of Law – Republic University in Montevideo, Uruguay, in November 1983. His commitment to academic excellence continued with a Master of Law in International Legal Studies, with a focus on International Trade and a minor in environmental laws, obtained from the American University’s College of Law in Washington, D.C., in 1995.
As a proof to his dedication to education, Dr. González Otero served as a Faculty Professor, imparting his knowledge at institutions such as the Catholic University of Montevideo, where he taught courses on International Commerce and Environment and Economic Integration.
Diplomatic Journey
Dr. González Otero’s extensive diplomatic career showcases his versatility and commitment to serving his country in various capacities:
- Current Appointment: Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uruguay to the Netherlands, starting July 2022.
- Deputy Director-General: He served as the Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay from October 2021 to June 2022.
- Regional Director of Americas: In 2021, Dr. González Otero took on the role of Regional Director of Americas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Angola Assignment: From August 2014 to March 2020, he served as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uruguay to Angola.
- Directorial Roles: He held various directorial positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Director of Special Political Subjects and Director of Bilateral Economic Relations.
- Consular Assignments: Dr. González Otero served as Consul of Uruguay in Bagé and Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and later as Consul General in Bahía State, with jurisdiction in the 9 Northeast States of Brazil.
Accomplishments and Contributions
Dr. González Otero’s contributions extend beyond traditional diplomatic roles. He played an important role in significant projects and negotiations, including his representation of Uruguay in the Joint Demarcation Commission of Limits of the Uruguay River and participation in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.
Academic Contributions
In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Dr. González Otero has actively contributed to academia. He has published articles and books on topics related to international business, integration, and public international law. Notably, he co-authored the “Instruction Manual for the Foreign Service of the Republic” in 1986.
Multilingual Skills
Ambassador González Otero is proficient in English, Portuguese, and his native Spanish.
Ambassador Dr. Álvaro Enrique González Otero’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to diplomacy, education, and the service of his nation. As he takes on his role as the Ambassador of Uruguay to the Netherlands, his extensive experience and multifaceted skills position him as a valuable representative of his country on the international stage.
