On the 21st of September, in the historic city of The Hague, the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mr. Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela, hosted a grand reception at Stadspaleis, marking the 213th anniversary of Chile’s independence. The event was a remarkable gathering, attended by an impressive number of ambassadors, Dutch civil servants, members of the business community, heads of international organizations, Chileans and friends of Chile. This celebration of Chile’s rich history and its strong international partnerships was a testament to the enduring friendship between Chile and the Netherlands.
The evening commenced with the solemn playing of the national anthems of both Chile and the Netherlands by singer Macarena Pizarro and Rodrigo Cortez on the guitar. Ambassador Moscoso Valenzuela then delivered an insightful speech that highlighted the robust bilateral relations between Chile and the Netherlands, as well as their shared objectives and values.
The Ambassador emphasized that Chile and the Netherlands are like-minded countries, united by common principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. They also share commitments to sustainable development, climate change, and the promotion of a feminist foreign policy, among other important global issues. These shared values have been essential in addressing the current global challenges and threats faced by both nations.
One of the key areas of bilateral cooperation between Chile and the Netherlands is climate change. The countries are actively working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the sustainable management of water resources, and accelerate the transition to clean energy, particularly through the production of green hydrogen. To advance this agenda, a Bilateral Strategic Cooperation Agenda has been established to create a Green Hydrogen corridor from Chile to the port of Rotterdam, serving as the primary gateway to Europe.
In line with this initiative, Dutch investors and public authorities have made multiple visits to Chile to explore opportunities for collaboration in the field of green hydrogen. High-level meetings have been a consistent feature of this growing relationship, including meetings between President Gabriel Boric and Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the CELAC-EU Summit in July 2023, as well as visits by Chilean Ministers of Energy and Transport, Mr. Diego Pardow to the Netherlands to engage with Dutch authorities and stakeholders.
Moreover, Chile has played an active role in various multilateral forums based in The Hague. Celebrations of the centenary of the Academy of International Law, the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the launch of the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology, and the successful completion of the destruction of declared chemical weapons have all served to underscore Chile’s unwavering commitment to international peace, justice, and multilateralism.
The success of such diplomatic endeavors would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the Embassy of Chile, the Consulate General, and the ProChile Trade Office. Ambassador Moscoso Valenzuela also expressed gratitude to Chilean premium wineries Viña Montes and Viña Casas del Bosque for sponsoring the celebration, as well as to Leticia Balcarce, the talented chef behind the delightful Chilean empanadas served during the event.
As the evening drew to a close, Ambassador Moscoso Valenzuela invited all attendees to raise their glasses and toast to Chile, echoing the sentiment of the entire gathering: “Viva Chile!”
The celebration of Chile’s 213th Independence Day in The Hague was not just a commemoration of history but also a celebration of the enduring friendships, shared values, and promising collaborations that continue to strengthen the bonds between Chile and the Netherlands. It was a night filled with abundance, joy, and the promise of a brighter future built on the foundation of strong bilateral relations and mutual respect.
Photography by Imgar Libuy
