The ambassador

Elke Merks

Dutch ambassador in Santiago
Elke Merks has been ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Chile since 2024.

 

'It is an incredible privilege to be Dutch ambassador to Chile, celebrating the past 200 years since the start of the diplomatic relations between our countries. 2 countries that are so different in size and geographic location, yet so much aligned on democratic values and human rights, sustainable trade and renewable energy. I am thrilled to be back on the Latin American continent after spending my youth in Brazil and travelling through several countries in the region. Coming from the low countries and being an avid skier and hiker, I can’t stop admiring and enjoying the precious Chilean landscapes! Es realmente estupendo!'

Curriculum vitae

  • 2024    Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Chile

  • 2020  - 2024    Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Cyprus

  • 2016-   2020   Political Counselor, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ankara, Turkey

  • 2014 -  2016    Chef cabinet EU Special Representative for the Sahel, Brussels

  • 2012 -  2014    Head of the Cluster Security Council, Coordinator UNGA week, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague

  • 2009 -  2012    First Secretary, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Paris

  • 2008 -  2009    Ecole Nationale d’Administration, Strasburg, France

  • 2006 -  2008    First Secretary, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Washington

  • 2003 -  2005    Policy officer on nuclear and non-proliferation affairs, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague

Before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elke worked as consultant at KPMG Meijburg Expatriate Services in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

She studied Contemporary History in Leiden and speaks Dutch, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese. She is married to Felix Merks. Together they have a son and a daughter, who are delighted to live in Chile!

She shares her experiences and her work through social media channels:

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