Press Releases

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and First Lady Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides officially welcomed this morning at the Presidential Palace King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who are on their first official visit to Cyprus. 

During the welcoming ceremony, the national guard rendered honours and the national anthems of both countries were performed. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands then laid a wreath at the monument of Archbishop Makarios III. 

Subsequently, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the First Lady and the Royal Couple had a brief meeting at the President’s office. 

Welcoming King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, President Christodoulides said: “We are delighted and honoured to have you in the first ever visit of the royal family, the King and Queen of the Netherlands, to Cyprus. Thank you very much for accepting my personal invitation during our meeting at The Hague in February 2024. 

There is much that brings us together, and I really look forward to our discussions for very important issues for our countries, for our citizens, from education to agriculture, migration, issues of our common European Union (EU) agenda and of course, archaeology, where we are proud to have a mission from Leiden University in Pafos. 

In recognition of this historic visit, I am honoured to bestow on you, Your Majesties, on behalf of the people of Cyprus, the highest decoration of the Republic of Cyprus, and some gifts, especially designed to honour the regional heritage and culture of Cyprus. Your Majesties, once again, we are really honoured to have you”. 

On his part, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands expressed gratitude for the “very warm welcome” they had on the first day of their state visit to Cyprus, adding that they are very glad and honoured that they are here today. 

King Willem-Alexander added: “As I said to you before, that also shows the importance the Netherlands puts into Cyprus and the role you play here in the Eastern Mediterranean. You are the most southeastern tip of the European Union, therefore a very valued partner in a volatile region. And we lean on you often, of course, at moments of need of evacuation, but also to understand this region. We need you. Therefore, I think it is very good to enhance further bilateral relations as bilateral partners and as EU partners during this visit. We look forward to spectacular days here in Cyprus. Thank you very much again for the beautiful reception this morning”.

For the video of the welcoming ceremony of the Royal Couple of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the Presidential Palace, click here.

(GS/IA)