ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen participated in the second meeting of the Council of Liberal Presidents with colleagues from Asia (CALD), Africa (ALN), the Middle East (ALF) and Latin America (RELIAL) to discuss challenges facing each respective continent and how to cooperate together in the global liberal response to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the meeting, convened virtually by Liberal International on 3 November, President van Baalen updated on the current political situation in Europe and also affirmed that democracy and the freedom of speech and assembly should not become victims of the pandemic.

They agreed on the following statement

Birgitta Ohlsson, Director of political parties for National Democratic Institute, joined as a special invited guest.

Always #DefendDemocracy Great to join up this afternoon with @liberalinternat leadership President @HakElhaite and regional presidents. Inspiring discussions about multilateralism and democracy. https://t.co/IClogoBDux

— Birgitta Ohlsson (@birgittaohlsson) November 3, 2020

The leaders agreed to continue cooperation and hold their next meeting in three months.

Meeting on the day of the #USElections, LI President Dr @HakElhaite will host the 2nd global meeting with leaders from #liberal regional networks; discussing ways in which liberals can support each other to strengthen #democracy, advance #freedoms, #humanrights & the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/L0NQb8fupp

— Liberal International (@liberalinternat) November 3, 2020

As US #ElectionDay starts, the Council of Liberal Presidents discussed, though multilateralism & partnerships, how #democracy can be strengthened.

With special guest, @birgittaohlsson, the presidents discussed new collabs & projects to embolden #liberal #democrats worldwide pic.twitter.com/pW0HmhCKFh

— Liberal International (@liberalinternat) November 3, 2020

Article visual by Liberal International