Press Releases

It is a great honour and privilege to welcome, on behalf of all Cypriots, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, for this historic first visit of the Dutch royal couple to the Republic of Cyprus. 

Their Majesties’ visit comes only a year after my own visit to The Hague, and its timing could hardly have been any better; some 500 years after the first recorded contacts between our peoples, mostly Dutch pilgrims travelling through Cyprus on their way to the Holy Lands, our bilateral relationship stands at a very high level. Their Majesties’ presence here is a testament to that effect, but also proof of our mutual will to further enhance ties. 

In this framework, we had a very good discussion on ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as the economy, defence, migration, agriculture, education, and culture. We also exchanged views on issues of common European interest. Let us not forget that the Netherlands is one of the founding members of the European Union (EU), and a place where EU history was made, such as with the signing of the Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam. 

With regards to our bilateral cooperation, let me start with education and culture. In recent years, the number of Cypriots studying in the Netherlands has risen sharply. Each year, 700-800 young Cypriots move to the Netherlands to study. We believe this opens up the possibility to enhance cooperation between our academic and research institutions, and we agreed that our governments should work on this. 

We also have a long-standing archaeological cooperation. We are currently hosting Dutch archaeologists from Leiden University working in Pafos. And I am pleased to note that Their Majesties will visit the Choirokitia settlement tomorrow, where they will witness firsthand our island’s ancient history. 

Defence is also an area where our bilateral cooperation has been strengthened in recent years. Our countries have assisted one another with the evacuation of citizens from Sudan and the Middle East, and we are working on further enhancing our security cooperation. 

Today, we also discussed issues related to agriculture, where we have a lot to learn from the Netherlands, which has developed one of the most advanced agricultural sectors in the world, based on technology, innovation, and sustainability. Later today, our Minister will accompany Their Majesties to potato fields and processing plants in the districts of Larnaka and Famagusta, which use seeds from the Netherlands. 

On matters related to the economy, let me express my satisfaction for the fact that Cyprus hosts several Dutch multinational enterprises, such as Shell, which is also active in our Exclusive Economic Zone. We are also encouraged by the 14% increase in Dutch tourists’ arrivals last year. Furthermore, our recent bilateral Double Taxation agreement contributes to enhanced interaction between our business communities. 

On migration, a priority for both our countries, I informed His Majesty of the measures we have undertaken since assuming office, resulting in a sharp decrease of arrivals and a significant increase of returns. Migration is a European challenge that requires a European response, both with the Pact implementation but also on the external dimension where we need to tackle the root causes, including by building partnerships with countries of origin and transit. 

During today’s discussion, I also had the opportunity to inform His Majesty about recent developments on the Cyprus problem, including the upcoming meeting in Geneva, which we hope will pave the way for the resumption of full-fledged negotiations, in accordance with the agreed United Nations (UN) framework. We highly appreciate the principled stance of the Netherlands in this regard. Tomorrow, we will escort Their Majesties to a short visit to the Green Line. 

We also discussed other common challenges, such as the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. 

In closing, I wish to express my certitude that our dynamic partnership will continue to prosper and evolve, based on our joint commitment to European principles and international law. 

Thank you once more, Your Majesties, for your presence in Cyprus, and I hope you will enjoy the rest of your visit. 

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For the remarks of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, click here. 

(RM/GS/NZ)