Mexico’s national celebrations also reached The Hague, where the Embassy of Mexico hosted a diplomatic reception marking the 216th Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico and El Grito de Dolores. The occasion also provided an opportunity to welcome Mexico’s newly arrived Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Alicia Buenrostro Massieu, who presented her Letters of Credence to H.M. King Willem-Alexander on 2 September.
Held at the official residence of Mexico in Wassenaar, the reception brought together a large gathering of ambassadors and heads of mission, senior representatives of international organisations and institutions, judges of international courts, renowned academics, members of the diplomatic community and many Mexicans living in the Netherlands.
For Ambassador Buenrostro Massieu, the celebration had a particular significance as one of her first opportunities to welcome the Netherlands-based diplomatic and international community since taking up her post.
“This occasion is particularly special for me. I have only recently arrived in the Netherlands, and this is one of my first opportunities to welcome so many friends and partners of Mexico under one roof,” she said.
She spoke of her enthusiasm for beginning her assignment and of the responsibility that comes with representing Mexico in the Netherlands.
“I come with great enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose. Every ambassador has the privilege and the responsibility of building on the work of those who came before us, strengthening existing ties, identifying new opportunities and creating new bridges between our societies. And that is precisely what I intend to do: to listen, to engage and, of course, to promote Mexico and keep on growing together.”
Ministry Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten and H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
Mexico and the Netherlands: complementary strengths
The Ambassador highlighted the long-standing friendship between Mexico and the Netherlands and the opportunities offered by the complementary strengths of the two countries.
“Mexico and the Netherlands, two countries with a long-standing friendship and remarkably complementary strengths, have built a solid relationship based on dialogue, trade, investment, cultural exchange and, above all, mutual respect,” she said.
At the same time, she emphasised that there remains considerable potential to deepen the relationship, particularly at a moment when international cooperation is facing significant challenges.
“Our countries share a strong commitment to multilateralism and to the principles that sustain the international system: democracy, the rule of law, respect for international law and gender equality. We also share the conviction that dialogue, cooperation and common rules remain indispensable to addressing global challenges.”
Addressing the wider international context, Ambassador Buenrostro Massieu called for renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation.
“At a time when these principles are increasingly tested, countries such as ours have a responsibility to work together in their defence,” she stated. “We need to work together on a constructive and efficient multilateralism, one that dignifies, one that respects, that listens and stands on moral values and cares for solidarity and prosperity.”
She also reflected on the importance of the international institutions and rules developed over generations, noting that, despite their imperfections, they have provided an important framework for international cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
New opportunities for cooperation
Looking towards the future, the Ambassador pointed to the transformation taking place in areas ranging from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to climate change, water management, energy and global value chains.
“Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming our society. Climate change is forcing us to rethink how we manage water and energy. Global value chains are being reshaped, creating both opportunities and new dependencies.”
In this changing environment, she sees considerable scope for Mexico and the Netherlands to combine their expertise.
“Mexico and the Netherlands can combine their experience and capabilities to develop solutions that embrace innovation, while remaining grounded in international cooperation and the values we share,” she said.
The economic relationship was also highlighted as an important area for further development. The modernisation of the agreement between Mexico and the European Union, she noted, presents opportunities for increased trade and investment, with potential cooperation in areas including water management, semiconductors and advanced technologies, sustainable agriculture, energy and innovation.
Yet the Ambassador stressed that bilateral relations extend far beyond government and economic ties.
“Our relationship is, of course, about much more than governments and economies. It is lived every day by entrepreneurs who invest and create jobs, researchers and universities that exchange knowledge, artists and students who bring our cultures closer together, and all those who create connections between our societies.”
She expressed her intention to travel across the Netherlands, meet different communities and listen to ideas, while inviting Dutch partners to discover Mexico as a country offering opportunities, talent and creativity.
“As Mexico’s Ambassador, I want to meet these communities, travel across the Netherlands, listen to ideas and identify where Mexico can be a partner. And I invite all of you to look at Mexico in the same spirit: as a country of opportunities, talent, creativity, friendship and a great future.”
A Mexican evening
Following the national anthems and the Ambassador’s address, introduced by Desirée Colomé of the Department of Economic Affairs, the formal part of the evening gave way to a celebration of Mexican culture and hospitality.
Traditional Mexican dishes were served to guests, while live marimba and guitar music duo from Chiapas brought the sounds of Mexico into the garden of the residence. Songs from the Mexican repertoire added to the festive atmosphere, transforming the reception into a lively celebration of Mexican identity and tradition.
The event was particularly well attended, taking place at the beginning of the new diplomatic season following the summer period, when ambassadors, international officials and members of the diplomatic community return to The Hague.
As Mexico celebrated its independence, Ambassador Buenrostro Massieu also looked towards the future of Mexico–Netherlands relations.
“Today, as we celebrate Mexico’s independence, we celebrate our history, our identity and the values that have shaped our nation. But we also look forward.”
She concluded by emphasising the strong foundation created by decades of bilateral relations and the responsibility of the present generation to build upon it.
“Our task now is to build upon it, to create new partnerships, address new challenges together and ensure that our friendship continues to deliver tangible benefits for our societies.”
The evening offered a warm introduction to Ambassador Alicia Buenrostro Massieu and her priorities for her tenure in the Netherlands, while bringing together the diplomatic and international community in The Hague to celebrate one of Mexico’s most important national traditions: El Grito de Dolores and the anniversary of Mexican Independence.
Viva Mexico!
