THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten H.E. Drs.
Gracita R. Arrindell, attended a reception in The Hague hosted by the Embassy of Chile in
the Kingdom of the Netherlands to commemorate Chile’s National Day and celebrate the
country’s culture, identity, and traditions.
The gathering brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of
international organizations and international courts, entrepreneurs, academics, and
members of the Chilean community residing in the Netherlands.
The participation of Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell reflects Sint Maarten’s continued
engagement with diplomatic missions and international partners in the Netherlands. It also
creates space for future dialogue between Sint Maarten and Chile in areas of mutual
interest, including tourism, trade and investment, culture, education, sustainable
development, maritime affairs, and cooperation within multilateral institutions based in The
Hague.
Maintaining a visible presence broadens our international relationship, raises awareness of
the country’s priorities, and identify opportunities for practical cooperation. While the
reception itself does not constitute a formal agreement, such engagements serve as an
important starting point for future contacts between officials, businesses, cultural
organizations, and academic institutions.
The reception was hosted by H.E. Hernán Bascuñán Jiménez, Ambassador of Chile to the
Kingdom of the Netherlands, who assumed his post in June 2026 after presenting his
Letters of Credence to King Willem-Alexander at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.
Ambassador Bascuñán is a career diplomat and lawyer educated at the University of Chile.
He is a graduate of the Andrés Bello Diplomatic Academy and has specialized in public
international law and international relations. He previously served as Director of the Andrés
Bello Diplomatic Academy and held diplomatic assignments as Chile’s ambassador to
Sweden, Latvia, and the Czech Republic, as well as Consul General in São Paulo, Brazil.
