By Pietro Proglio
Peru Celebrates its 204th Independence Day and the 200th Anniversary of the Establishment of Bilateral Relations with the Kingdom Netherlands.
On the occasion of Peru’s Fiestas Patrias, H.E. Ambassador Franca Lorella Deza Ferreccio hosted a diplomatic reception in the splendid gardens of the Peruvian Residence in The Hague, where guests were welcomed to an elegant garden party. The celebration marked the two significant events.
The celebration brought together a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, heads of international organisations, academia, members of the Peruvian diaspora and Dutch officials. Among the notable attendees were the Honourable Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, and Mrs. Marjan Kamstra, Director of the Western Hemisphere Directorate at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW; H.E. Mr. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration; and H.E. Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza. Also present were ambassadors from across the world, former Dutch Ambassadors to Peru H.E. Paul Schellekens, H.E. Johan van der Werff and H.E. Arjam Hamburguer, as well as the Honourable Robert Ten Zijthoff, former Dutch diplomat to Peru. Representatives from SAIL Amsterdam also attended.
The evening began by the traditional singing of the National Anthems, followed by speeches by H.E. Ambassador Deza Ferreccio, Mrs. Kamstra, and by Mr. van Zanen. In her address, Ambassador Deza Ferreccio reflected on the 200 years of partnership between Peru and the Netherlands.
Ambassador Deza Ferreccio stressed that the two centuries of diplomatic relations stand as testimony to the unvarying friendship between Peru and the Netherlands. H.E. highlighted that the link continues to grow to this day, thanks to technological and economic exchange. The Ambassador highlighted the dynamic and enduring relationship between Peru and the Netherlands, rooted in mutual respect and growing cooperation.
Her Excellency stated:
“Two hundred years ago, in 1825, our nations began a path of friendship, cooperation and respect that has endured through time,”
and
“Today, we pay tribute to our relationship […] which is a testimony to the long and rich history that unites our countries, marked by deepening mutual understanding, and expanding technical cooperation, sustainable trade, and productive investments.”
“Two hundred years of friendship between nations that – despite their geographical distance – have long shared essential values: respect for knowledge, openness to intercultural dialogue, and a deep commitment to human development through education, science, and innovation.”
The Ambassador then addressed her fellow Peruvian compatriots
“And this celebration would not be complete without mention to our Peruvian diaspore, also present with us today, because you are Peru’s daily ambassadors when you share our culture, when you pass on our traditions to your children, when you proudly prepare a ceviche or pachamanca, when you work with dignity and dedication, when you show the best of Peru to Dutch society.
You are present in art, music, gastronomy, science, business, education, and healthcare. Your contributions have enriched not only this country, but also Peru itself because the strongest bridge between two nations is its people.”
She concluded wishing “these 200 years be just the beginning of a new chapter of even deeper, more innovative, and with more human cooperation because when two countries believe in dialogue, mutual respect, and in building together the friendship, the results are lasting and transformative.”
The Ambassador’s remarks were followed by a speech by Mrs. Marjan Kamstra, Director of the Western Hemisphere Directorate at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Kamstra stressed that the Netherlands and Peru stand shoulder by shoulder on a variety of global issues, including the respect for international law, the condemnation of the sanctions on ICC officials, a shared commitment to human rights, and the pursuit of inclusive development.
She also noted the challenges both countries face regarding organised crime and international drug trafficking and welcomed their growing cooperation in this area. She praised the continued momentum in bilateral relations, reflected in high-level meetings and recent visits, including the June visit of a Dutch Ministry of Justice delegation to Peru.
Mrs. Kamstra stated:
“Our countries are close allies when it comes to the promotion of democracy and the rules-based international order.”
And
“Building relationships is the work of human hands: this is why we work together on projects to improve the quality of life”.
The Hon. Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, addressed the guests in Spanish. He fondly recalled his travels to Lima in the early 2000s and emphasised his connection to Peru. He mentioned with pride the Exhibition Touched by Nature by The Amazonian School of Arts, exhibited at the Municipality Atrium in 2022, among other anecdotes.
The Hon. Mr. Jan van Zanen stated:
“My personal relationship with Peru dates much further, almost 25 years ago. In November 2005, I visited Villa El Salvador, near the capital Lima, and in 2007 and 2012 I was there again”.
The evening concluded with warm exchanges between diplomats, Dutch officials, and members of the Peruvian community in the Netherlands. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy several Peruvian delicacies.
The event featured a remarkable culinary display showcasing the richness and diversity of Peruvian gastronomy, with numerous service stations offering traditional delicacies from across the country’s coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions. Guests enjoyed classic dishes such as papa a la huancaína, ají de gallina, ceviche, lomo saltado, causa rellena, toasted corn, flan de lúcuma, and suspiro a la limeña, among others.
From the moment of arrival, attendees were greeted with Peru’s iconic pisco sour, setting the tone for an evening that masterfully blended cultural heritage, hospitality, and diplomacy. Moreover. Guests had the opportunity to watch videos of former Dutch Ambassadors to Peru, as well as prominent members of the Peruvian community in the Netherlands, talking about the deep links between the two countries. The celebration also featured an exhibition which displayed, among others, the commemorative stamp issued by Peru to mark the significant occasion.
Peruvian hospitality, as always, was on full display throughout the celebration.
