On January 21, 2025, Diplomat Club Wassenaar hosted its annual New Year Reception, a cherished tradition that continues to strengthen the bonds of diplomacy and friendship. 23 Ambassadors, many accompanied by their spouses, gathered to attend this special event, held at the historic Kasteel De Wittenburg. It marked another milestone in the club’s rich history, as it celebrated its 10th year of bi-annual welcoming Ambassadors, who have presented their credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.

The Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador H.E. Fernando Arias, and the Ambassadors of the following countries attended the reception (in alphabetical order by country):
Algeria, H.E. Mrs. Salima Abdelhak; Brazil, H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães; Cyprus, H.E. Dr. Spyros Attas; Egypt, H.E. Mr. Emad M. Hanna; El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez; Germany, H.E. Dr. Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut; Ghana, H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia; Greece, H.E. Ms. Caterina Ghini; Hungary, H.E. Mr. Dániel Horogszegi; India, H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin; Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Mayerfas; Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov; Malta, H.E. Mr. Jeffrey Curmi; Morocco, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Basri; New Zealand, H.E. Mrs. Susannah Hayden; Oman, H.E. Dr. Abdullah Salim Al-Harthi, also Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps; Panama, H.E. Ms. Sally Loo Hui; Peru, H.E. Ms. Franca Deza Ferreccio; Portugal, H.E. Ms. Clara dos Santos; Romania, H.E. Mr. Nicolae Comănescu; South Africa, H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela; Thailand, H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee.

The reception was hosted by Mrs. Shida Bliek, Director and Founder of Diplomat Club Wassenaar and Publisher of Diplomat Affairs Magazine – In Touch with the Dutch, and her husband Mr. Peter Bliek in collaboration with the Municipality of Wassenaar, represented by the honorable Mayor Mr. Leendert de Lange and Kasteel De Wittenburg, represented by its Director, Mr. Ralf Meppelder.

Mrs. Bliek warmly welcomed the guests and as tradition decorated the Ambassadors who attended the ceremony for the first time with a Dutch ribbon and explained the mission of Diplomat Club Wassenaar, a nonprofit organization that organizes events, fosters connections, and publishes articles through its website and the printed Diplomat Affairs Magazine – In Touch with the Dutch.
The Club may be called Diplomat Club Wassenaar, but it does not see The Hague and Wassenaar as separate entities. Kasteel De Wittenburg was chosen as partner, not only because of its rich history and outstanding beauty but also as the location borders on both.

Reflecting on this journey, Mrs. Bliek shared her heartfelt gratitude: “This club began as a vision to create a platform where our honorary members, the Ambassadors could exchange ideas, and build friendships through Art, Music and Sports. A decade later, we are proud to see how it has grown into a vibrant community that connects cultures.”

Wassenaar is now referred to as the ‘Diplomaten Dorp,’ or the Village of Diplomats. Almost every month, national days of various countries are celebrated at Kasteel De Wittenburg, with Africa Day standing out as an iconic annual event. This vibrant and culturally rich celebration brings people together to honor African heritage, culture, and achievements: https://www.diplomataffairs.nl/celebrating-africa-day-2024-in-the-netherlands-with-the-theme-education-fit-for-the-21st-century/

The honorable Mayor Leendert de Lange, accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Marleen de Lange-Heldens and the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Laurens van Doeveren greeted the ambassadors warmly, shared some interesting facts about Wassenaar and Zuid-Holland, encouraged the Ambassadors to Cycle, all in the spirit of helping the newly arrived adapt to their latest country of residence. He shared some particularly amusing Dutch expressions, and the word ‘gezellig’ was pronounced by the guests to much hilarity. 

On a more serious note, Mayor De Lange emphasized the 80th Liberation Day in 2025 that marks an important moment in history, commemorating 80 years of freedom since the end of World War II in the Netherlands and parts of Europe.
It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of freedom, democracy, and human rights. It symbolizes the collective victory and underscores the value of international cooperation, peace, and solidarity.

On behalf of the Municipality of Wassenaar, local Dutch Cheeses were handover to the Ambassadors.

The year 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the club, a momentous occasion celebrated with a special printed edition of Diplomat Affairs Magazine – In Touch with the Dutch, featuring the Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador H.E. Fernando Arias, on the cover. Ambassador DG Arias, together with his spouse, Mrs. Patricia van Oordt de Arias, was the first to be welcomed as an honorary member of Diplomat Club Wassenaar in 2014 in his capacity as the Ambassador of Spain.

The New Year Reception served as a testament to the enduring importance of the Diplomat Club’s mission, as the hall resounded with conversations in multiple languages, symbolizing unity in diversity. The evening featured captivating cultural performances and heartfelt speeches from the hosts, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.