Celebrating Newly-Arrived Ambassadors at Meridian’s Welcome to Washington

In a celebrated tradition, Meridian International Center hosted its biannual “Welcome to Washington” reception this September 2024, welcoming new chiefs of mission to the nation's capital. The evening reception, held on Meridian's historic campus, underscored the importance and value of fostering global partnerships and alliances.

The reception honored the ambassadors of Argentina (H.E. Gerardo Werthein), Dominica (H.E. Steve Ferrol), Ecuador (H.E. Cristian Espinosa), Guatemala (H.E. Hugo Eduardo Beteta), Peru (H.E. Alfredo Ferrero), South Sudan (H.E. Dr. Santino Fardol Watod Dicken), Thailand (H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse), Timor-Leste (H.E. José Luís Guterres), and Türkiye (H.E. Sedat Önal).

Keynote remarks were delivered by The Honorable Fred Hochberg, Chairman of Meridian's Board of Trustees, and Former Chairman and President, Export-Import Bank of the United States. Hochberg emphasized the critical role of international cooperation and the ongoing necessity for building and strengthening relationships between countries.

The bi-annual gathering provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration among newly-arrived ambassadors and leaders across government, business, philanthropic, and policy communities.

About Welcome to Washington

Welcome to Washington honors newly arrived Chiefs of Mission and provides them with an opportunity to meet and engage with a cross-section of Washington  leaders  from the government, business and policy communities.  Building peer-to-peer relationships in Washington is crucial for diplomats to exchange information and facilitate bilateral cooperation on a wide variety of global issues.