Farewell to the Aparicios
March 1st • The Bolivian Ambassador's Residence
Washingtonians from across the political, journalistic and social spectrums
gathered to say goodbye (sort of-see the ambassador's letter below) to
beloved diplomatic couple Jaime Aparicio and his wife Pamela at the end
of Jaime's ambassadorial tenure. Guests included Peruvian Amb. Eduardo
Ferrero and his wife Verónica Diaz de Ferrero, former Afghani Amb. Ishaq
Sharyar and his wife Hafizah, Mexican Amb. Carlos de Icaza and his wife
Luisa, Portuguese Amb. Pedro Catarino and his wife Cheryl, and Arturo
Brillembourg and Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg, among many others.
Farewell , but not goodbye
By Jaime Aparicio
Three years ago my wife Pamela and I moved to Embassy Row to represent
Bolivia's interests in the United States, and to raise the profile of an embassy
that had for the previous twenty years fallen off the radar screen. Now, a new
government has been elected in Bolivia, and even though I don't believe that
radical populism is going to be a long-term solution there, my hope is that the
new political leaders will embrace the democratic process in the months to
come. I believe in those who are seeking the truth; but I am afraid of those who
find it, particularly in a region with a tradition of intolerance. Nevertheless, I am
convinced that there are immense opportunities on the horizon and possibilities
of exponential growth for those in the private sector who understand the new
reality in the region. I plan to work on promoting business opportunities and
investments throughout the Americas, providing high-level policy and strategic
advice on how to maximize benefits and opportunities in the Latin American
market economies while mitigating the risks. During my tenure as ambassador
I was very fortunate to take bilateral relations to their best level ever. Meeting
wonderful people and being a part of the splendor of the capital's social and
cultural life will remain in our hearts.
Photos by Zaid Hamid
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