The Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague hosted a warm and well-attended reception on 6 August to mark the National Day of Ecuador, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations and prominent guests from The Hague’s international and legal community.
Although the reception took place during the summer holiday period, the Embassy was filled with guests who gathered to congratulate Ecuador and meet with Ambassador H.E. Andrés Terán Parral. The welcoming atmosphere, a beautiful summer day and the presence of a broad representation of the diplomatic and international-law community created an occasion marked by friendship and dialogue.
The reception also offered a colourful presentation of Ecuadorian culture. Magnificent Ecuadorian flowers, supplied by Van der Deijl Roses, highlighted one of the longstanding commercial connections between Ecuador and the Netherlands. Ecuadorian gastronomy and wines added to the celebration, giving guests an opportunity to discover and appreciate the country’s rich culinary traditions while exchanging views on current international affairs.
In his address, Ambassador Terán Parral underlined the importance of Ecuador’s relationship with the Netherlands and the wider international community represented in The Hague.
“The friendship between Ecuador, the Netherlands, and the many countries represented here today shows what can be achieved when we work together with trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.
Ecuador and the Netherlands: cooperation and security
The Ambassador described the bilateral relationship as “a strong partnership built on trust, shared values, and common interests” and noted that political dialogue between the two countries continues to deepen. He announced that a new round of Political Consultations between Ecuador and the Netherlands will take place later this year in Ecuador, providing another opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Security cooperation was also highlighted as an important area of bilateral engagement. Ambassador Terán Parral expressed Ecuador’s appreciation for Dutch support in strengthening port and customs security and in addressing transnational organised crime. He also referred to cooperation between Ecuador and Europol, emphasising the importance of information sharing and coordinated action in addressing common challenges.
The Netherlands and Ecuador have developed practical cooperation in customs and security matters, including through the exchange of information and efforts to strengthen controls around international trade and ports.
Trade, flowers and economic relations
Economic relations formed another important part of the Ambassador’s remarks. For decades, Dutch ports and logistics networks have played an important role in bringing Ecuadorian products to European markets.
As the Ambassador noted, “Ecuadorian bananas, cocoa, chocolate, shrimp, tuna, and flowers are well known throughout Europe for their quality and sustainability,” The presence of Ecuadorian roses at the reception provided a visible illustration of the commercial links between the two countries.
Ambassador Terán Parral also pointed to growing interest among Dutch companies in Ecuador and to opportunities for further investment and commercial cooperation. He highlighted Ecuador’s biodiversity, entrepreneurial population and ongoing efforts towards economic growth and modernisation. He described Ecuador as a country combining “extraordinary biodiversity, a young entrepreneurial population, and a clear commitment to economic growth and modernization.”
At the national level, Ecuador is currently led by President Daniel Noboa Azín, while Roberto Kury has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility since June 2026. “Under President Daniel Noboa Azín and Foreign Minister Roberto Kury”, the Ambassador said, “Ecuador is working to strengthen security, attract investment, support economic growth and create new opportunities for its people.”
Ecuador: the Land of Four Worlds
Beyond diplomatic and economic relations, the Ambassador invited guests to look towards Ecuador as a destination of exceptional geographical and cultural diversity.
Known as the “Land of Four Worlds”, Ecuador brings together the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands. This extraordinary geographical variety, combined with the country’s cultural heritage and biodiversity, gives Ecuador a distinctive place among international tourism destinations.
Ecuador and The Hague’s international institutions
For an audience in The Hague, the Ambassador placed particular emphasis on Ecuador’s engagement with international organisations and institutions based in the city.
“Ecuador firmly believes that the challenges of today’s world can only be addressed through strong international institutions,” he stated.
He referred to Ecuador’s participation in the International Criminal Court, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other institutions forming part of The Hague’s international legal landscape. He also highlighted Ecuador’s engagement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the International Court of Justice.
The remarks reflected the importance Ecuador attaches to multilateralism, international cooperation and respect for international law—subjects that remain central to the diplomatic community in The Hague.
The National Day reception therefore provided more than an opportunity to celebrate Ecuador’s national occasion. It brought together the country’s cultural identity, economic links with the Netherlands and its engagement with the international institutions of The Hague.
Against a setting of Ecuadorian flowers, cuisine and wine, the reception offered a fitting celebration of Ecuador and its relationship with the Netherlands and the wider international community.
Ecuador’s National Day is observed on 10 August, commemorating the First Cry of Independence in Quito in 1809, a date regarded by Ecuador as a landmark in the country’s independence process.
