The Ambassador

Fred Duijn

Dutch ambassador in Chișinău

Fred Duijn has served as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Moldova since 2023.

See the curriculum vitae of Ambassador Duijn on rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch).

Interview

What was the first thing you noticed in Moldova?

I arrived in April 2023, just as spring was beginning. The sun was out, people were smiling, trees were sprouting with fresh leaves, and tulips were flowering. During this time, I noticed the greenness of Chisinau and the joy with which people visited the parks, had their coffees, and went about their business.

Have you discovered any similarities between Dutch and Moldovan people? 

The Netherlands and Moldova are both outward-looking countries. The Netherlands is closely connected with its neighbors; Germany, Belgium, and other North Sea countries, and is highly export-oriented, shaped by the diverse cultures of Europe. Similarly, Moldova has an outward-looking culture, influenced by its neighbors such as Romania and Ukraine. Though Moldova has a small economy, it is internationally oriented, exporting its wines across Europe and, more recently, even to Asia. The most striking similarity between the two is their international outlook and broad-mindedness.

What topics do Moldova and the Netherlands work together on?

Stability in Europe

Both countries are committed to creating stability in Europe. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has caused instability not only in Moldova but across the entire European continent. This affects all European nations, including Moldova and the Netherlands, which are working together to help restore stability and support Ukraine in regaining full sovereignty over its all its territories. The Netherlands is strongly committed to helping Moldova become a strong, stable, and prosperous country. As part of this commitment, the Netherlands plays an active role in strengthening Moldova’s resilience. One key area of focus is supporting the Moldovan government's efforts to combat corruption within the justice system. The Netherlands contributes both financially and through the expertise of professionals, particularly in supporting the vetting process for magistrates and public prosecutors, which is an essential step toward reforming and strengthening the judiciary.

Cybersecurity and energysecurity 

In the fields of cyber security, and energy security the Netherlands is also supporting Moldova. Traditionally the embassy has a strong human rights agenda, one pillar of this our support for  the LGBTQI+ community. Moreover, we also support free and independent media for particularly Russian speaking, and other ethnic audiences to fight disinformation and Russian propaganda. 

What is a recent project between our countries that you are excited about? 

I am very excited about the initiative taken by my colleague, the Ambassador of Moldova to The Hague, Mr. Veaceslav Dobinda. He is organizing the Moldova Days in the Hoge Veluwe, which will take place from the 28th to the 30th of June. This event will offer Dutch people a unique opportunity to discover Moldova and its rich culture, while also highlighting the potential for mutual opportunities between our two countries. As such, this event has a cultural and economic angle. Moldova is still a relatively unknown country in the Netherlands, and with the recent opening of its embassy here, our nations are still in the process of discovering one another. That is why I am truly excited about this initiative. This event will bring Moldovan food, their dance, and their wine, but also their business acumen. 

What is a story of your work in Moldova that you are proud of? 

I think there are many things about our work here to be proud of. The recent opening of the embassy is no small feat, and has given all of us a high-level of energy. It is very exciting to now be represented at the highest diplomatic level in Moldova. I must emphasize that everything we accomplish is thanks to the strength of our team here on the ground, as well as the unwavering support from The Hague. I am both happy and proud that we are reaching our goals with such a proactive team.

What would you like Dutch people to know about Moldova?

To me, Moldova is a small country with a big heart, and that heart reveals itself in many ways. First and foremost through its hospitality, which you can experience firsthand in its restaurants, but also how this country has welcomed many refugees fleeing from the war in Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, over a million people transited through Moldova. Nowadays, about 90.000 Ukrainians that fled the war remain here. Not only in this regard, but as an outstanding example of, it is very much a welcoming nation. 

How does Moldova view the war in Ukraine?

Moldova’s economy is hurt by the war in Ukraine. Energy prices have risen due to Russia’s aggression, and hosting refugees places additional strain on the country. For Moldova, this is a tough situation. But at the same time, this has brought Moldova closer to its European partners, all of whom are abhorred by Russia’s aggression.

What about the rights of LGBTI people?

As the Dutch embassy, we have been supporting the LGBTQI+ community very closely in Moldova for several years now, which means that quite a number of organizations are well established. I have personally spoken with members of this community who feel that Moldova is moving in the right direction. This certainly is the case in Chisinau, and from what I hear this is also reflected in international rankings. However, at the same time this group remains vulnerable, and a lot of work remains to be done outside of Chisinau, in the countryside, and in smaller towns in Moldova. It remains a country which has quite some conservative elements. Moreover, it is important for Moldova to understand that European values include personal and individual liberties, which means that everyone must be able to be themselves. These individual liberties provide room for entrepreneurship and creativity, allowing people to thrive as their authentic selves. This aspect is essential for Moldova’s future.

A few years from now, when you look back on your time here, what do you hope to be most proud of?

I really hope that we can be most proud of the change that is happening right now. In 2024, we are in the middle of the parliamentary mandate of the pro-EU government, and the reforms set in motion over the past two years are already transforming Moldovan society in bringing it closer to Europe and to European values. This is evident in areas such as the fight against corruption and the creation of new opportunities within the country, among others. Thus, my hope and wish for the coming years is that this transition becomes irreversible. I look forward to the day, not too far from now, when we can look back and say with confidence that Moldova has turned the page, and changed for the better.

How do you relax after a busy working day and in the weekends?

I very much enjoy walking through the city’s parks and stopping for a coffee. On weekends, I love hiking through the countryside, especially whilst doing a birdwatching tour. At other times, I like to play golf here. When friends visit, I love taking them to the local wineries put our taste buds to the test with everything Moldova has to offer.