ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen participated in the inaugural meeting of the Council of Liberal Presidents with colleagues from Asia (CALD), Africa (ALN) 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 25 June when international liberals were due to meet for the 63^rd Congress of Liberal International, President van Baalen highlighted the current political situation in Europe, affirmed that democracy and the freedom of speech and assembly should not become victims of the pandemic, and by increasing cooperation internationally the world can address and future-proof itself from future pandemics.

They agreed the following statement.

The Presidents also congratulated CALD Chair Bi-Khim Hsiao for her forthcoming appointment as the de facto Ambassador of Taiwan to the United States and thanked her for her engagement, cooperation, and work as Chair of CALD.

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