The ambassador - Moldova
The ambassador
Fred Duijn
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, which was a time that spring was just about to start. This meant that the sun was out and people were putting smiles on their faces as the trees were sprouting with leaves and the tulips were flowering. During this time, I noticed the greenness of Chisinau and the joy with which people went to 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 countries which are outward-looking so the Netherlands is very closely linked with neighboring countries such as Germany, Belgium and the North Sea countries. The Netherlands is very export oriented very much influenced by neighboring cultures in Europe, and Moldova has a very similar outward-looking culture, influenced by its neighbors such as Romania and Ukraine. Moldova is a small economy and but internationally oriented as it exports its wines all over Europe, and these days even in Asia. The most prevalent similarity is that both countries are very international and broad-minded.
What topics do Moldova and the Netherlands work together on?
Stability in Europe
Both countries are keen on creating stability in Europe. The role of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is creating instability, not just in Moldova but for the whole European continent. This is not limited to just Moldova and the Netherlands, but goes for all European countries who are working together to make sure that stability can return, and to ensure that Ukraine regains sovereignty over all its territories. The Netherlands is keen to realize that Moldova becomes a strong, stable, and wealthy country. Therefore, the Netherlands is very much involved in building its resilience. We do this in a few areas of priority, particularly by supporting the intention of the government of Moldova to fight corruption in the justice system. The Netherlands does this by supporting, both financial means and with experts, the vetting process of magistrates and public prosecutors, to straighten out the system.
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 that my colleague, the Ambassador of Moldova in the Hague, is doing. Mr. Veaceslav Dobinda is working on the Moldova Days in the Hoge Veluwe which are on the 28th until the 30th of June. This will be an opportunity for Dutch people to learn about Moldova and Moldova’s culture, but will also uncover the opportunities both countries have for each other. Thus, this event has a cultural and economic angle. Moldova is still a relatively unknown country in the Netherlands, and we have only recently opened an embassy here. This means that both countries are still discovering each other. Therefore, I am truly excited that Moldova is taking this initiative of the Moldova Days. 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 not a small feat, and has given all of us a high-level of energy. It is very exciting to be represented at the diplomatic highest level in Moldova. I must say that all that we do, can only be done with the strong team that we have here, but also with the unwavering support from the Hague. I am very happy and proud that we are achieving our goals with a proactive team.
What would you like Dutch people to know about Moldova?
Moldova to me, is a small country with a big heart, in many ways this heart shows itself. First and foremost its hospitality, which you will find in restaurants when you enjoy the food. 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 remained 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, the energy prices have risen because of Russia’s aggression, and the country is hosting refugees, for Moldova this is tough. But at the same time this has brought Moldova closer to its European partners, who are all abhorred by Russia’s aggression.
What about the rights of LGBTI people?
As the Dutch embassy here, we are very closely supporting the LGBTQI community for a number of years now, which means that quite a number of organizations are well established. From these organizations, I have personally spoken people from the community who feel that Moldova is moving into the right direction. This certainly is the case in Chisinau, and from what I hear you can also see this in the 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 components. Moreover, it is important for Moldova to know that Europe comes with personal, individual liberties, which means that everybody must be able to be themselves. This individual liberty provides room for entrepreneurship and creativity which creates the possibility for people to be themselves. This is an important road for Moldova.
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 of proud of the change that occurs in the present. In 2024, we are in the middle of the parliamentary mandate of the pro-EU government, and that what they set in motion over the last two years, is very much changing Moldovan as a society and brings it much closer to Europe and European values, through but not limited to for example; fighting corruption and creating opportunities here. Thus, my hope and wish for my next years here, is for this transition to become irreversible. To look back in a few years from now, and think that Moldova has definitely turned the page and made a change for the better.
How do you relax after a busy working day and in the weekends?
I very much so enjoy walking through the city’s parks, and having a coffee. In the weekends I love to go hiking through the country side, especially whilst doing a bird watching tour. Other times, I like to play golf here. When friends come over I love to visit wineries and test the taste buds with all that Moldova has to offer.