The Hague, 4 September 2026. A diplomatic reception was held to celebrate the 204th Anniversary of the Independence of Brazil, hosted by H.E. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands. The evening brought together representatives of the diplomatic and governmental communities, academia, business, and the Brazilian diaspora.
The 2026 National Day celebration coincided with the 200th anniversary of Brazil–Netherlands diplomatic relations. The occasion therefore provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Brazil’s independence, but also to reflect on two centuries of friendship, cooperation and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Simas Magalhães highlighted the broadening relationship between Brazil and the Netherlands, encompassing trade, science, innovation, sustainability, agriculture, renewable energy, technology, culture and education.
The Ambassador also reflected on the cultural links that have developed between the two societies over generations, including connections through music, cinema, art and football.
“Almost every Dutch generation has its own vision of Brazil. For some, it arrived through football; for others, through music, cinema or the Amazon. The opinions held about Brazil in the Netherlands may vary quite considerably, but it is undeniable that we have together forged a constructive and collaborative framework for conducting our multiple interactions.”
“For their part, Brazilians have also encountered the Netherlands somewhere else before ever setting foot here: in its glorious painters, its flowers and cheese, or in its multiple deep-rooted links with our own national history. On a personal note, I remember in 1974 being in awe of the way the Dutch national team played its ‘total football’ – in Brazil it became known as ‘Clockwork Orange’. Pelé said of Johan Cruyff, ‘he was such a joy to watch’.”
Looking ahead, the Ambassador highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. “This October, we will host FAPESP Week here in the Netherlands, bringing a large delegation of researchers from Brazil to advance scientific collaboration with Dutch universities and institutions. And in November, we will hold the first-ever meeting of the Brazilian diaspora working in the Dutch semiconductor sector – a reminder that Brazilian talent also has a fingerprint on cutting-edge innovation.”
Ambassador Simas also welcomed the MERCOSUR–EU Agreement, noting: “This year, the MERCOSUR–EU Agreement entered into force. By any measure, it is a landmark, one of the largest trade agreements either MERCOSUR or the European Union has ever concluded.”
Music played an important role in the evening. Femke Smit performed the Dutch national anthem, while Brazilian soprano Carla Maffioletti performed the Brazilian national anthem, with both accompanied by Roda da Holanda. The performances added a strong cultural dimension to the diplomatic celebration.
Representing the Dutch Government, Guusje Korthals-Altes, Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address. She underlined the historical depth of the bilateral relationship, noting: “Two hundred years ago, in 1826, the first Dutch Consul-General in Rio de Janeiro was appointed, laying the foundations for our excellent diplomatic relations. But our ties go back even further, of course. In the seventeenth century, Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen served as governor general of parts of northeastern Brazil.”
Korthals-Altes continued: “Brazil is a key economic partner for the Netherlands, and the Netherlands serve as a gateway for Brazil to the European Union. His Majesty the King was able to witness our cooperation at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam earlier this year, where the hydrogen project between the ports of Rotterdam and Pecém was showcased. The Netherlands welcomed the signing of the EU-Mercosur Agreement.”
Addressing defense and security cooperation, she added that “from 2027 onwards, the Netherlands will become the proud owner of new military transport aircraft produced by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.”
The reception also highlighted opportunities for further cooperation in science, sustainability, low-carbon agriculture, forest protection and renewable energy.
The forthcoming FAPESP Week in the Netherlands was among the initiatives highlighting the growing scientific links between the two countries, while the MERCOSUR–European Union Agreement was identified as creating further opportunities for economic and commercial relations.
The reception was more than a National Day celebration; it was also a reflection on 200 years of Brazil–Netherlands relations. The combination of diplomacy, culture, science and business demonstrated the breadth of the contemporary relationship and provided an appropriate setting to celebrate Brazil’s 204th Independence Anniversary.
No Brazilian National Day celebration would be complete without Brazilian food and drinks. Guests enjoyed churrasco, Brazilian wine, açaí, fresh orange juice and coffee, bringing a distinctly Brazilian flavour to an enjoyable evening.
