Diplomat Magazine celebrates the enduring relationship between the Dominican Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands—a friendship built on mutual respect, historical depth, and a shared commitment to peace and justice, the mottos that define the city of The Hague.
In his remarks to Diplomat Magazine, H.E. Mr. Carlos de la Mota, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Netherlands, reflected on the long and evolving history of relations between both nations.
“The relationship between the Dominican Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, spanning more than 168 years, has witnessed constant exchange and dynamism since its inception,” Ambassador De la Mota affirmed. “Although time transforms routes and our flags change, the bonds that unite us not only remain but have grown stronger. They are a testament to the friendship, respect, and cooperation that define our peoples.”
The ambassador emphasized that the ties between the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands go back much further than the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.
“By the end of the 16th century, Dutch ships were already trading with the northern part of our island, in Puerto Plata and Montecristi,” he explained. “These cities received Dutch influence in their colorful façades and sloping roofs, evoking the Caribbean aesthetic that the Netherlands helped to spread throughout the islands of the Kingdom. In that coming and going of ships, Hispaniola became a meeting point—a natural bridge between Europe and America.”
“As early as 1613, the first native settler of New Amsterdam—today New York—was Juan Rodrigues, a mulatto from Hispaniola, now the Dominican Republic,” the ambassador said. “His life represents one of the earliest connections between the Caribbean and the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the dawn of transatlantic trade. These stories remind us that our shared history is not only about commerce, but about people, ideas, and cultural exchange.”
He went on to recall the contribution of families of Dutch Caribbean origin to Dominican society.
“In 1813, Noel Henríquez Altías, born in Curaçao, arrived in our country. His legacy went beyond economic activity—his descendants included Francisco Henríquez y Carvajal, professor, physician, and former president of the Republic. His wife, Salomé Ureña, is one of the great poets of our history, and their children—Max, Camila, and Pedro Henríquez Ureña—became leading figures in Latin American literature and diplomacy,” Ambassador De la Mota noted.
Turning to the present, Ambassador De la Mota underlined the Dominican Republic’s economic and social progress in recent years.
“Today, the Dominican Republic is a beacon of light in our region,” he said with pride. “In 2024, our economy registered the highest growth in Latin America at 5%. We were also the second most visited country in the region, welcoming approximately 11 million tourists. These achievements reflect our political and economic stability, as well as a favorable climate for foreign investment.”
“Last year, bilateral trade reached US$643 million,” the ambassador explained. “This year alone, between January and August 2025, our exchange has already reached US$547 million—representing a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. These figures show that our economic partnership is vibrant, diversified, and full of potential for future growth.”
Beyond economic and historical links, both nations share a vision for a fairer and more sustainable world.
“Our countries are united by common values,” Ambassador De la Mota emphasized. “We both believe in the protection of human rights, the defense of multilateralism, and the global fight against climate change. These are not just diplomatic principles—they are moral commitments that define our actions on the world stage.”
Paying tribute to the Dominican community in the Netherlands the ambassador declared:
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is the third European country with the largest number of Dominicans—more than 18,000—along with more than 10,000 mixed families between Dominicans and Dutch citizens from the Caribbean islands,” the ambassador said. “These families are the living bridge between our nations, strengthening our human connection every day through their work, values, and love for both countries.”
As Ambassador De la Mota concluded, the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands continue to stand as partners in dialogue, development, and mutual understanding.
“Our friendship has deep roots and a bright future,” he affirmed. “It is a relationship that celebrates our shared history, embraces our cultural richness, and looks ahead with confidence toward a world of cooperation, peace, and opportunity.”
