The Diplomat
The Board of the Asociación Internacional de Diplomáticos en España (AIDE) / International Association of Diplomats had the honour of an audience with Her Majesty Queen Sofía on December 11, 2024, at the Zarzuela Palace. The Board members in attendance included:
-H.E. Ms. Poonam Patnaik, AIDE President and spouse of the Ambassador of India
-H.E. Ms. Juli Sekiguchi, Vice-President and spouse of the Ambassador of Austria
-H.E. Ms. Rosa Icela Fuentes Chavez, Vice-President and spouse of the Ambassador of Mexico
-H.E. Ms. Tatevik Barseghyan, Vocal and spouse of the Ambassador of Armenia
-H.E. Ms. Tanja Hafner Ademi, Vocal and spouse of the Ambassador of North Macedonia
-H.E. Ms. Nadina Florida Mazzoni Pizzati, Vocal and spouse of the Ambassador of Honduras
-H.E. Ms. Thi Ut Be Nguyen, Vocal and spouse of the Ambassador of Vietnam
-Ms. Gitte Vejlstrup, Vocal and spouse of the Defense Attaché at the Embassy of Switzerland
-Ms. Olizana Vishka Sadiku, Treasurer, Embassy of Albania
-Ms. Sonia Sharma, Secretary and spouse of the Counsellor at the Embassy of India
-Ms. Hannah Kuruvilla Kaleekal, Vice-Secretary and spouse of the Second Secretary at the Embassy of India
During the meeting, AIDE President Ms. Poonam Patnaik presented the proceeds raised from the Gala Dinner held on March 7, 2024, at the Hyatt Hesperia to the Reina Sofía Foundation to support its charitable initiatives. She also highlighted the organization’s activities over the past year and discussed plans for the upcoming Kermes Diplomatic Bazaar in 2025. Her Majesty warmly engaged with each Board member, reminiscing about her travels to the countries represented by the attendees.
AIDE, established in Madrid in 1984 under the esteemed patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sofía, was founded by the spouses of the diplomatic corps. The organization warmly welcomes diplomats and their spouses accredited to Spain, fostering a supportive and vibrant community. It organizes social events, promotes cultural immersion to ease the transition to life in Spain, and passionately engages in fundraising activities for Spanish charities.
