On the occasion of Uruguay’s National Day and within the framework of the bicentennial celebrations of the country’s independence, His Excellency Ambassador Álvaro González Otero hosted a memorable reception at Nieuwspoort, the renowned political and media center adjacent to the Dutch Congress.
The evening of celebration, marked by elegance and symbolism, gathered over 300 distinguished guests, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, the international judicial system, Dutch politics, media, and members of the Uruguayan community in the Netherlands.
The distinguished guest list featured the President, Vice-President, and Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC); the President of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals; the former ICC President of the Assembly; several judges, including ICC judges from Peru, Costa Rica and Mongolia; as well as the Director General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). Ambassadors and heads of mission from around the globe were also present, notably the ambassadors of Australia, Brazil, Bosnia & Herzegovina, China, India, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Bolivia, Egypt, the United States, France, Mexico, Greece, Latvia, Panama, Portugal, Peru, Palestine, Costa Rica, Ghana, Cameroon, Guatemala, Venezuela and many more.
A Culinary and Musical Welcome
The evening began with the aroma of Uruguay. Thanks to the generous support of the National Meat Institute of Uruguay (INAC), authentic Uruguayan beef was served alongside spinach empanadas and a delicate mousse of dulce de leche. The flavors were accompanied by Uruguay’s renowned wines, all warmly received by the international guests. The host venue Nieuwspoort also contributed with a fine selection of entrées.
The first cultural moment of the evening was deeply moving: the performance of the national anthems of Uruguay and the Netherlands. Pianist Jessie de Bellis and soprano Sara de los Campos brought a sense of solemnity to the occasion.
Ambassador González Otero’s Address
In his address, Ambassador González Otero extended a warm welcome to all guests and acknowledged the presence of The Hague’s Mayor, Mr. Jan van Zanen, together with his team. With visible emotion, he expressed the significance of celebrating Uruguay’s 200th anniversary of independence:
“It is an honour to highlight the place that Uruguay occupies in its region and in the world, not because of its size, but because of the strength of its institutions, its commitment to sustainability, and its dedication to human development.”
Reflecting on the bicentennial, he added:
“Uruguay leads Latin America in democratic quality, ranking 15th among 167 countries in the Democracy Index. This position reflects a full democracy, based on respect for institutions, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.”
The Ambassador then highlighted Uruguay’s achievements in the fields of digital transformation, renewable energy, macroeconomic stability, and innovation.
He noted that Uruguay is internationally recognized as a pioneer in digital governance, with initiatives such as the National Electronic Medical Registry and the simplification of online procedures, achievements that lifted the country from 35th to 23rd place in the United Nations Digital Government Index.
On sustainability, Ambassador González Otero emphasized Uruguay’s clean energy model:
“In 2024, 99% of Uruguay’s electricity was generated from clean sources, especially wind and biomass, but also hydroelectric and solar. This model has consolidated Uruguay as the country with the cleanest energy matrix in the region. We are already preparing for a new stage: the production of green hydrogen, with the first plant planned for 2026.”
He also praised Uruguay’s balance between agricultural production and the preservation of native forests, its investment-grade economy, and its growing international reputation as a hub for innovation and startups, citing dLocal, PedidosYa, and Nowports as examples of global Uruguayan unicorns.
Tourism, too, was celebrated as a pillar of Uruguay’s development. Ambassador González Otero described Uruguay’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and quality of life: from Punta del Este’s renowned beaches to the historic charm of Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento, rural ranches, national parks, and the relaxing thermal waters of the Guaraní Aquifer.
He concluded: “Uruguay does not lead in terms of volume, but rather in terms of institutional quality, its commitment to sustainability, transparency, and predictability, and its inclusive development model. For all these reasons, Uruguay has become a regional and global benchmark, demonstrating that progress is possible with vision, consistency, and commitment.”
Ambassador González Otero then introduced the short video presentation The Nation of the Future before raising a heartfelt toast:
“First, to Uruguay’s 200 years of independence; second, to Dutch-Uruguayan friendship and cooperation; and third, in the hope that we may soon find the way to lasting and stable peace across our planet. From the bottom of my heart, ¡Vivan Uruguay y los Países Bajos!”
The Hague’s Tribute
Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague paid tribute to Uruguay in both Spanish and English, underlining the shared values of freedom and self-determination. Switching first into Spanish, he addressed the audience warmly:
“Les deseo muchas felicidades, es un honor poder acompañarles hoy en este día tan especial.”
He then continued in English: “Dear Ambassador Álvaro, dear guests, as Mayor of The Hague – city of peace, justice and diplomacy – it is with pleasure that I join you in this special celebration marking 200 years of Uruguay. The right of peoples to self-determination and their own political, economic, and cultural future is today seen as a fundamental principle of human rights. But it was very different in the past. Just like the Dutch, the people of Uruguay fought in the 19th century for their independence and self-determination, often against the odds. This evening we remember those struggles and celebrate the peace and friendship that now unite us.”
A Celebration of Uruguayan Spirit
The program continued with a dazzling artistic segment, offering guests a taste of Uruguay’s cultural soul. Ten artists, eight from Uruguay and two from Argentina, performed tango, candombe, and popular Uruguayan music. The tango performance by Silvia Mancuso, accompanied by pianist Jessie de Bellis and professional dancers Ezequiel Paludi and Geraldina Rojas, drew particular admiration.
The evening’s artistic interludes, together with a visual display of banners featuring quotes from Uruguay’s greatest heroes, poets, musicians, and even football legends, created a symbolic bridge between the nation’s proud past and its promising present.
Then the celebrations continued with presentations of candombe and popular Uruguayan music, performed by Sara de los Campos and Rosina Álvarez on vocals and guitar by Gabriel Mateos, accompanied by the rhythms of Group Biricuyamba drums.
Ambassador González Otero warmly thanked his embassy and residence team – Gustavo, Rossina, Juan Diego, Martha, and Sofía – “who worked so hard to do wonders with our limited resources, always striving to offer you the best.”
A Night to Remember
The celebration extended joyfully over three hours, with guests enjoying the music, gastronomy, and warm ambiance that filled Nieuwspoort. The spirit of Uruguay – democratic, innovative, and open to the world – was palpable in every detail of the evening.
As glasses were raised, the message was clear: Uruguay, 200 years young, confidently embracing its future. Viva Uruguay!
