Despite the severe earthquake that struck Morocco on the night from Friday to Saturday, a trade mission with Moroccan government officials commenced this morning. They will be visiting several Dutch companies this week. Out of the sixteen expected attendees, three had to stay home because some of their family members were among the victims.
“Most attendees come from Agadir, which is approximately 250 kilometers from the epicenter. One of the participants mentioned that she woke up during the earthquake and ran into the street. “On Saturday morning, when we heard the news, we wondered if the mission should still proceed,” says mission leader Núria Vlonk Cunha Soares of the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC). “The fact that these people, right after such an intense experience, are still willing to come to the Netherlands for the trade visit shows how important it is to them.”
Morocco is administratively divided into regions, and attendees on this mission represent the Souss-Massa region, with Agadir as its capital. The purpose of the visit is to persuade Dutch businesses to invest in the region. “Agadir is already well-known among Dutch companies because many of them are involved in horticulture,” Vlonk Cunha Soares explained. “During our visit, we will showcase how horticulture works in the Netherlands, how logistics are organized, and we will also introduce them to companies in other sectors they might be interested in, particularly in water management and energy.”
The Embassy of Ecuador celebrated its National Day with a business lunch, a seminar, and an Ecuadorian flavours festival in The Hague on September 23, 2023.
The Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral, hosted a gastronomic night featuring specially flown-in chefs. Ambassador Andres Teran Parral entertained fellow ambassadors, business persons, public servants and others. The Food Festival was open to members of the public by reservation via Leo’s International Flavors.
Chifles, fried plantain chips of Ecuador
The four-course menu offered: appetizers. Corn with coriander sauce, Chifles (fried plantain chips) with avocado sauce, and pork croquet with dried roasted corn sauce.
The Starters, Palm hart and mango ceviche, prawn ceviche and hominy beans ceviche.
For the main course, stone bas in coconut sauce with basmati rice, Slow-cooked pork with potato cakes, mote, and salsa, and also lamb stew with cassava and pickled red onion.
Starters dishes served during Ecuadorian Food Festival.
The dessert, had a selection of Ecuadorian guava meringue, blackberry sorbet, chocolate mousse, praline made with toasted corn, pumpkin compote, and cheese.
Beverages served at the dinner included Ecuadorian wines from Bodegas Dos Hemisferios, Armonia Cabernet Sauvignon in red, white, and rose. Additionally, a raffle was held with various prizes, including two tickets to Ecuador by Air Europe.
The Ecuadorian food festival impressed with its creative use of ingredients and variety of textures, including crunchy, hard, and soft elements.
All in all, the menu offered a wide variety of dishes to cater to different tastes, food lovers and foodies.
The Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague, through its Agriculture Counsellor Office (ACO), organized Malaysia Food & Fruits Experience (MFFE) on 15 & 16 September 2023, which took place at Markhall Rotterdam. The program was also supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Tourism Malaysia.
Visitors of Malaysia Food & Fruits Experience 2023
The two day program was officiated by H.E. Nadzirah Osman, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and were filled with activities such Malaysian culinary tasting, business networking sessions and tropical fruits promotion. According to Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, who is also the Agriculture Counsellor, there are a lot of demand and opportunities for Malaysian food products in the Netherlands and the European Union (EU) market.
The office has already opened gateways for Malaysian food products to be imported via the Netherlands, be it fresh, frozen or processed to several regions such as the Scandic and Eastern European market. Malaysian exporters are also constantly advised to produce and design products in accordance with the requirements set by the EU Commission.
The Malaysian Agriculture Counsellor Office (ACO) in The Hague responsible for the agriculture sector in the UK, EU and Russia. From Right Mr. Muhamed Salim Mohd Ali, Ms. Halimahton Munawaroh Tasu, Mr. Indra Sapta Ramli and Mr. Rene Van der Laan.
Among the interesting culinary menu served during MFFE was the torch ginger or also known as ‘bunga kantan’, which is a unique ingredient used to add variety and distinguish Malaysian culinary from others.
Apart from that, tropical fruits such as durian, mangosteen, dragon fruit, passion fruit and carambola were also promoted during the 2-day program, which drew more than 2,000 visitors. The Malaysian passion fruit and carambola is also known for its superb quality and demand in the EU region.
Among the culinary made with torch ginger at MFFE 2023
The frozen Malaysian durian, also known as the ‘Musang King’, both in pulp and whole fruit are also available in many Asian stores within the Netherlands and several EU countries. With more future promotions, we hope that Malaysian fruits and food products will be able to further strengthen its position within the EU region.
Those who are interested to know more about Malaysian food products could further contact the Agriculture Counsellor Office at +31 (0) 10 4373158 or e-mail to muna@kpkm.gov.my.
The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, witnessed on September 23 an animated celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day. This remarkable event was orchestrated by His Excellency Mr. Ziad Al Atiyah, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Netherlands. The festivities attracted an illustrious gathering, including Dutch officials, ambassadors from brotherly and friendly nations, members of the diplomatic corps, and secretaries-general of international organizations. The occasion not only commemorated Saudi Arabia’s rich history and culture but also underscored the burgeoning bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands.
Ambassador Al Atiyah, in his opening address, extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of himself, his colleagues, and the Saudi citizens residing in the Netherlands to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as to the Saudi people.
H.E. Mr. Rahman Mustafayev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, the Ambassador of Turkey H.E. Mr Selcuk Unal, H.E. Askar Zhumagaliyev. Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. David Solomonia, Ambassador of Georgia, H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Hatem Kamaleldin, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Nasser Ibrahim Mohammad Hussein Allenqawi, Ambassador of Qatar and H.E. Mr. Abbas Yassin Omer, Minister Plenipotentiary, Acting Charge d’affairs of the Sudan.
One of the key highlights of the ambassador’s speech was the thriving bilateral interactions between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. Over the past year, the two nations have witnessed substantial growth in cooperation across various sectors. This includes high-level ministerial visits, engagements with prominent officials, and the signing of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding, particularly in the domains of energy and port management.
However, beyond economic and political ties, Ambassador Al Atiyah emphasized the significance of academic cooperation. A notable example is the partnership between Radboud University Nijmegen and the Saudi Heritage Authority. This collaboration focuses on the study of historical water resources, particularly the Canal of Ain Zubaida, known in Arabic as ‘Ain Zubaida. This ancient aqueduct, dating back to the early Abbasid era, was completed in 801 CE with the primary purpose of supplying water to the city of Mecca. It represents a fascinating engineering feat, with parts of it constructed as a qanat, an underground water channel.
The ambassador’s words resonated with the audience as he highlighted the importance of preserving such cultural and historical landmarks. The cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, particularly in the realm of academia, enriches both nations by fostering an appreciation for shared history and heritage.
Ms.Rawan Rashwan, Administrative staff and Ms.Kholoud Mulla, Third Secretary at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in The Hague together with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Ziad Al Atiyah.
Ambassador Al Atiyah concluded his address by extending an invitation to the guests to partake in a visual presentation. This presentation showcased the collaborative efforts between the two nations in studying for Ain Zubaydah. The Saudi Heritage Authority’s tireless endeavors to preserve the historical importance of this aqueduct were on full display, highlighting the enduring commitment to safeguarding the cultural legacy of Saudi Arabia.
The celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day in The Hague served as a testament to the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. It emphasized the shared commitment to fostering cooperation in various fields, from economics to academia, and underscored the value placed on preserving cultural heritage. The event not only celebrated the Kingdom’s rich history but also heralded a promising future of continued collaboration between these two nations.
The Hague, September 21st, 2023. Today, Pure Africa Coffee met with the Burundian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Gamaliel Nkurunziza, to introduce its new Fiery Warrior Coffee and discuss their collaboration with Burundi.
Our Fiery Warrior Coffee is a unique blend of coffee beans sourced directly from farmers in northern Burundi. Our goal is to ensure that the farmers receive a fair price for their product, and we are proud to announce that Pure Africa has increased the premium paid to these growers from $1 per kg to $3.62 per kg.
Fiery Warrior Coffee
Burundian coffee makes up 65% of the new IDEALIST blend from Pure Africa Coffee, which will be consumed by Dutch Government Ministries and considered the best coffee in the Netherlands.
On 19 September 2023, the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris hosted An Afternoon of Malaysian Gastronomy – A Culinary Voyage, dedicated to Malaysian Street Food at Rumah Malaysia. The event was timely in commemorating the 60th Malaysia Day and provided the guests the opportunity to experience Malaysian food, culture and hospitality.
Among the guests present were Malaysia’s very own Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and husband Jean Todt. Other guests included local personalities active in the arts and culture scene including, actors, musicians, writers, chefs, digital content creators, journalists and sports personalities with strong social media presence.
Laksa Penang, Malaysia Street Food by the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Ambassador of Malaysia to France highlighted the uniqueness of Malaysian Street Food which draws influence from Malaysia’s diverse and rich cultural heritage. Noting that street food is a staple for all Malaysians, he invited the guests to savour the culinary journey and soak in the cultural experience.
The afternoon continued with the guests taking a culinary trip where they discovered ten of Malaysia’s most popular street food namely Pasembur, Satay, Char Koay Teow, Laksa Penang, Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak, Roti Jala, Onde-onde, Ais Kacang and Teh Tarik. The guests were amazed at how Roti Canai is “spun” in the air to give it a light fluffy texture and Teh Tarik is “pulled” to cool the tea and give the drink a rich flavor.
Char Kuay Teow – Malaysia Street Food by the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris.
Next, the guests were invited to sample the delicious food and try their hands at making some of these dishes.
Before the afternoon came to an end, the guests were presented with a lovely souvenir for their participation in the Culinary Journey, comprising tea, palm oil, songket purse and Malaysian snacks. The programme was organised in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia Paris, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Boh Tea Malaysia, Château d’Ardrée and KMF Malaysiawe.
Teh Tarik – Malaysia Street Food by the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris.
On September 12, 2023, the world learned about the deadly consequences of Storm Daniel in Libya. Concluding a particularly destructive summer of natural disasters around the globe, this event rung the alarm as loudly as ever for the climate emergency we are facing.
On the same day, TheHague Roundtable on Climate and Security was assembled for the 14th time, dealing with the very questions raised by this dramatic event. The Roundtable, started in 2015 by climate-water communication advisor Matt Luna, discussed the impact of climate change on the military, conflicts and humanitarian crises. As in previous meetings, the Roundtable gathered experts, diplomats, NGO, and institutional representatives to transfer experiences and generate inputs for policymakers and civil society. Around 60 participants represented 40 embassies and organizations in the meeting.
This edition of the Roundtable was organised with the Canadian Embassy in The Hague, in partnership with the NATO headquarters. Numerous embassies and missions were represented, along with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations. The discussions were focused on water scarcity, knowledge transfer, inclusivity and the opening of NATO’s Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE) in Montréal, Canada. Panellists from different organisations showcased their assessments and approaches in different areas of climate and security action. The participants were then separated in breakout groups on the themes of water scarcity, gender and climate, humanitarian crisis response and inputs for the CCASCOE. Given the high level of participation, the sessions were very interactive, allowing the table to ask questions and give inputs for each panel and to build conclusions collectively.
The first presentation by NATO policy officer Jordan Koop established the main impacts of climate change on a military institution, demonstrating how such a non-traditional actor needs to step up its involvement in climate action. Climate change is indeed expected to increase military activity, not only to contribute to disaster relief efforts, but also to face the security threats arising from resource scarcity and humanitarian crises. The risk of conflict extends to the geopolitical level as well as new fossil fuel exploitation opportunities will open up in the melting Arctic, creating a new area of competition.
While being a future relief actor, the military sector is also itself subject to the impacts of climate change, bound to affect equipment safety and operating conditions. In parallel, the question of the responsibility of the military in the environmental crisis arose, as it produces of 5.5% of global carbon emissions. While the role of NATO was shown to be crucial in initiating a green transition in the military, it remains a major challenge since this sector’s main priority is to increase its capacity.
The spotlight was then given to civil society actors Mahdi Ahmad and Amar Ibrahim, from the Bahr Aluloom Foundation in Iraq. This platform deals with the current water crisis in Iraq, on the verge of becoming water stressed. This specific case is a perfect example of a social crisis caused by climate change that increases the risk of conflict. The severe draught that Iraq has been facing has had a considerable impact on the livelihoods of farmers in the once ecologically rich marshlands.
The water sources drying out cause a rural exodus that leads to competition and clashes with the urban working population and catalyse social tensions. The gender aspect of this crisis was brought up as well, as women were left behind in the farms in precarity, living off of livestock. This shows that climate-induced crises do not impact men and women equally. As marginalised groups will be more impacted by their consequences, an inclusive approach to crisis relief is needed.
The last presentation by Laura Birkman from the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, exposed methods for water conflict risk assessment and peacebuilding. By analysing possible conflict pathways, she showed how conflict risks can be predicted for better preventive action. The combination of water expertise and peacebuilding knowledge can be used to create cooperation in areas of resource competition prone to tensions. The need to identify the root causes of conflicts was also expressed. Though the case study of Iraq, it was shown that the problem of resource scarcity intersects with pre-existing socio-political conditions, as the country’s economy and institutions have been fragilized by years of war.
The panellists converged on many points in their assessment of the situation, which translated into similar priorities for action. The important takeaway that climate impacts intersect with socio-economic inequality, whether by gender, class, or geographical region, led all actors to promote inclusive solutions to climate and conflict risks. As a result, the Roundtable’s main keyword, that is cooperation, was evoked at the international and regional level and between the military, civil and academic sectors. Regarding this, knowledge production and transfer were the first step of all the intervention frameworks proposed in the panels.
This convergence of thoughts materialised in the last stage of the Roundtable, where all the contributors formed groups to summarise and add propositions on the aforementioned four themes. Many additional inputs were given in the very newly explored axis of gender, climate, and security. In this context, climate impacts reinforce preexisting inequalities, and require a major cultural shift to lead to inclusive solutions.
This raises the question of representation in leadership, which should be examined in institutions such as the CCASCOE. Other inputs were the focus on technology in water management and geoengineering, while still promoting demand-side resource management to avoid waste; the need to improve communication between actors to reduce redundant efforts and finally the one essential requirement for any climate action: funding.
Concluding on the topic of the Centre of Excellence was an opportunity for the participants to remember that solutions exist and are being implemented to address issues around climate and security. More than an alarmist exchange, this Roundtable was also a platform to share and appreciate all the efforts that have been made by all the actors to study, inform and act upon these issues.
The cooperation and knowledge transfer promoted by all the actors are exactly what the Roundtable has achieved, and such discussions are crucial to make progress in addressing the climate crisis.
On the occasion of the 74th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Tan Jian delivered a thought-provoking speech during a multitudinous reception at the China Embassy in The Hague on September 21, 2023. His address was not only an opportunity to celebrate this significant milestone but also to shed light on China’s stance on international politics and its bilateral relations with the Netherlands.
“Our world today is confronted with unprecedented challenges, like climate change, which require unprecedented cooperation,” Ambassador Tan emphasized. He highlighted China’s unwavering commitment to peace, development, and cooperation on the global stage, stating, “China is for peace, for development, for cooperation; China is for globalization, for multilateralism, for free trade.”
The Ambassador then delved into President Xi Jinping’s visionary initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. He stressed that these initiatives were not driven by geopolitical competition but rather aimed at fostering global cooperation.
In addressing global challenges like rising sea levels, Ambassador Tan stressed the importance of a stronger sense of community for a shared future, stating, “We are in the same boat.”
Ambassador Tan acknowledged China’s significant contributions to international organizations, including being the second-largest contributor to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping budget. He also noted China’s commitment to disarmament, saying, “China is the second largest contributor to the budget of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.”
Reflecting on his mission’s work over the past three years, Ambassador Tan emphasized the importance of promoting bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation, with the key message being that “China is part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
As the speech coincided with the International Day of Peace, Ambassador Tan expressed China’s deep love for peace, citing historical examples such as the construction of the Great Wall for defense, not aggression. He also highlighted China’s maritime expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He, which occurred 87 years before Christopher Columbus’ journeys, with no colonization efforts.
Addressing concerns about technology, Ambassador Tan acknowledged China’s role in the invention of gunpowder and emphasized the importance of responsible regulation. He said, “Seriously speaking, looking back at the one thousand year’s history, I could not recall that China has done anything harming the interest of Europe.”
Regarding bilateral relations between China and the Netherlands, Ambassador Tan celebrated the long history of contact between the two nations, tracing back over 400 years. He noted the substantial growth in trade volume, from $69 million in 1972 to over $130 billion in 2022, highlighting the Netherlands’ position as China’s second-largest trading partner within the EU.
The Ambassador also underscored the strong economic ties between the two nations, with the Netherlands being the largest destination of Chinese investment among all EU countries. He reiterated the open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation, defined by President Xi Jinping and King Willem-Alexander in 2014.
In closing, Ambassador Tan expressed optimism about the future of China-EU relations and emphasized China’s commitment to maintaining open channels of communication and cooperation at all levels. He stated, “China will continue to promote exchanges at the levels of leaders, ministers, senior officials, and we will reach out to the people and local governments.” Ambassador Tan’s speech conveyed China’s dedication to international collaboration and its aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Remarks was given by Ms. Yvette Van Eechoud, Deputy Director General of Foreign Economic Relations of MFA.
The 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China was marked by an exceptionally well-attended reception hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Tan Jian and Mrs. Jiang Xiaoyan at the Chinese Embassy in The Hague. The event held special significance as it was the first time in three years that Ambassador Tan had the opportunity to celebrate his nation’s day with such grandeur, owing to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reception witnessed the presence of eminent personalities, including heads of international organizations, ambassadors at large, diplomats, Dutch officials, and hundreds of other distinguished guests to name a few Prof. dr. Jan Anthonie Bruijn, President of the Senate, Ms. Yvette Van Eechoud, Deputy Director General of Foreign Economic Relations of MFA, Mr. Wouter Jurgens, Director for Asia and Oceania, MFA and Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW
This momentous occasion served as a reminder of the incredible journey that China has undertaken since its founding in 1949. The transformation that China has undergone in these 74 years is nothing short of miraculous, with significant changes reflecting its dedication to development and progress.
In 1949, China’s per capita GDP was less than USD 100. Today, it has soared to over USD 12,000, an exponential growth rate that has substantially improved the quality of life for its citizens. This remarkable achievement is even more impressive when you consider that China’s population has tripled during this period.
One of the most commendable accomplishments of China in recent decades is its resounding success in poverty alleviation. Over the past four decades, China has lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty, setting an unparalleled example of humanitarian achievement. This historic milestone showcases China’s commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens.
Musical performance during the celebration of Chinas 74 Anniversary. Song For a Beauty by Ms. Jin Xin and Ms. Fischer Mirthe.
China has also emerged as a global economic powerhouse. It currently stands as the world’s second-largest economy and is the primary trading partner for over 140 countries and regions. This economic prowess has been a significant driver of global growth and stability, especially during challenging times.
Despite recent negative reporting and pessimistic projections about China’s economy, Ambassador Tan Jian offered a different perspective. He highlighted that in the first half of the year, China’s economy recorded an impressive growth rate of 5.5%. Moreover, according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, updated last month, China is expected to maintain a growth rate of 5.2% for the year, contributing significantly to global economic growth.
Ambassador Tan emphasized that “China continues to be the main engine for global economic recovery and growth. The nation’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident through its production of batteries and electric vehicles, contributing to a greener and more prosperous future.”
Furthermore, the resilience, potential, and vitality of the Chinese economy remain unwavering. Its fundamentals remain robust, and it continues on an upward trajectory. “China’s determination to build socialism with Chinese characteristics, while fostering mutual learning between civilizations, showcases its openness to global cooperation and shared development.
China remains firmly committed to its state policy of reform and opening up to the outside world. This commitment will only deepen and expand, with a renewed focus on promoting private businesses and attracting foreign investments. The nation’s goal is to achieve high-quality growth through structural reform, emphasizing consumption, innovation, and green development.”
With a population of 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding middle-income group of 400 million, China presents itself as not only a massive market but also a source of tremendous opportunities for the global community. The nation’s dedication to development, poverty eradication, and sustainable growth makes it a vital player in shaping the future of our interconnected world.
During the well-attended celebration of China’s 74th anniversary, several Dutch and Chinese artists performed.
Bass solo The Amorous Land by Mr. Zhou Hanqing.
Song For a Beauty by Ms. Jin Xin and Ms. Fischer Mirthe.
Horse Racing by Ms. Sun Zheng.
The Canals of Amsterdam, or in Dutch, Aan de Amsterdamse grachten by Ms. Yang Siqi.
As China commemorates its 74th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the remarkable progress it has achieved and the unwavering commitment to a prosperous and harmonious future. Its journey of transformation is an inspiration to nations worldwide, reminding us all that progress, resilience, and cooperation can overcome challenges and lead to a brighter tomorrow.
On Friday, September 15th, the Embassy of Mexico in The Hague lit up Paard van Troje with a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of the 213th anniversary of the Independence of Mexico.
‘Noche Mexicana’, as the event was titled, was graciously hosted by His Excellency Mr. José Antonio Zabalgoitia, the Ambassador of Mexico to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The evening was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and the enduring bonds between the two countries.
The festivities kicked off with a reception, where Ambassador Zabalgoitia, his wife Lucía Villalobos. and the dedicated Mexican diplomatic staff warmly welcomed friends from the diplomatic community at large, international organizations in the field of justice, foreign affairs and migration, members of the academic community, as well as Dutch government officials. The guests were so numerous – including ambassadors from Algeria to Uruguay, from Russia to Rwanda, from China to Croatia, from Panama to Ghana, from Azerbaijan to South Africa, from New Zealand to Germany, from Switzerland to Poland, from Costa Rica to Algeria, that it is truly impossible to mention all of them.
Guests had the pleasure of savoring homemade Mexican hors d’oeuvres and enjoying a drink in a unique Mexican traditional atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship.
After the reception, the doors swung open to embrace members of the vibrant Mexican Community, who joined in for a memorable ‘Noche Mexicana’. The heart of the evening traditionally began with the ‘Cry of Dolores’ or ‘El Grito’, a unique ceremony that re-enacts the historic uprising of the Mexican people for independence, which started with the insurrection of Dolores, Mexico on September 16, 1810, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell and gave the ‘call to arms’.
What made this rendition even more special was the active participation of the audience, who enthusiastically joined in with their own spirited cries of ‘Viva Mexico’.
Ambassador Zabalgoitia’s remarkable performance showed his expertise during this pivotal moment, absolutely electrifying the atmosphere, infusing it with energy and pride. He exclaimed loudly: ‘Viva to the heroes that gave us fatherland and freedom’, mentioning the names of the fallen heroes who died during the War of Independence and followed by all the guests repeating together with him, in one voice: ‘Viva Mexico!’
As the night progressed, Paard van Troje swelled with the presence of hundreds of diplomats representing nearly every country in The Hague. Alongside were Mexicans, many of whom proudly adorned in traditional attire, creating a gorgeous kaleidoscope of colors. The unity of different nationalities in celebrating Mexican National Day was a heartwarming sight to behold!
For gastronomic enthusiasts, the evening was also a culinary delight, as after the official reception, food was available for purchase from three of the best Mexican restaurants in the Netherlands. The flavors of Mexico transported everyone’s taste buds on a gastronomic journey across this diverse and rich country.
However, it was the Mariachi Ramon Balderas who stole the show, serenading the audience with a repertoire of the most beloved Mexican songs. The joyous response from the crowd was overwhelming, as guests couldn’t resist dancing, singing, and clamoring for more. The exuberance of the audience was obvious, as they swayed to the music, singing, and shouting ‘Viva Mexico’ in one voice. The mariachis had already exhausted the repertoire of the most popular Mexican songs but the audience kept singing, dancing and asking for more.
Mariachi Ramon Balderas, El Grito, National Day of Mexico The Hague 2023.
The ‘Noche Mexicana’ in The Hague was a testament to Ambassador Zabalgoitia’s skill in creating a memorable event which seamlessly united people from different countries, professional and cultural areas, diplomats, officials and Mexican diaspora. It was a night that celebrated not only Mexican culture but also the power of diplomacy and cultural exchange to bring people together!
As the mariachi band played its final note, the night concluded with resounding shouts of ‘Viva Mexico’, echoing the sentiments of unity and friendship that had defined the evening. The warmth and festivity of Mexican National Day in The Hague, under the skillful guidance of Ambassador Zabalgoitia, left an indelible mark on all those who attended. Until the next ‘Noche Mexicana’, the spirit of Mexico will continue to thrive in The Hague. It was the warmest and most festive Mexican National Day we have ever seen.
