On 29 January 2025, H.E. Wang Xuefeng, Ambassador of China, extended warm New Year wishes and hosted a grand Chinese New Year celebration at Tivoli Concert Hall in Copenhagen. The event brought together hundreds of diplomats, business leaders, and officials for an evening of cultural exchange and festivity.
The reception commenced at 16:30, providing guests with an opportunity to connect in a convivial atmosphere. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular cultural performance from 18:30 to 20:00, featuring a renowned art troupe from China, showcasing the rich traditions and artistic excellence of Chinese culture.
The Ambassador of China in Denmark, H.E. Wang Xuefeng.Embassy of China – China New Year of The Snake 29 02 2025. Photo Hasse Ferrold .
On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Lithuania â the 107th Anniversary of the Restoration of the State, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania, H.E. Ms. Asta RadikaitÄ, invited guests to a concert featuring pianist Petras GeniuĆĄas and the Äiurlionis Quartet, followed by a reception on Thursday, 27 February 2025, in Holmens Kirke.
On February 28, 2025, H.E. Ms. Anesa Kundurovic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Denmark, hosted a celebration in Copenhagen to mark her country’s Independence Day. The event was attended by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Tourism, along with numerous guests from the diplomatic corps, business sector, and diaspora community.
Throughout her career, Ambassador Kundurovic has been engaged in diplomatic activities in more than 50 countries all over the world.
The Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Nepal, Hungary, Egypt, Bosnia-Herzegovina, South Africa, Poland, Albania,The Philippines, Luxembourg, Turkey and Romania during the celebration of Bosnia & Herzegovina National Day in Copenhagen. Photo Hasse Ferrold
Eurojust coordinated the collaboration between French and Belgian authorities that led to the arrest of 12 gang members on 26 February. The criminals are suspected of attempting to rob cash transports for banks. Due to the swift cooperation between the authorities, the criminals were stopped before committing a robbery.
Two High Value Targets specialised in armed robbery were part of the criminal group. One of the suspects is known as the âescape kingâ due to him escaping from prison multiple times. In the course of their investigation, the French authorities noticed the two High Value Targets travelling regularly to Belgium. They suspected the targets were planning to commit a crime. After their investigations showed that the members had links with Belgian suspects, cooperation with the Belgian authorities was quickly set up through Eurojust.
A joint investigation team was set up at Eurojust to allow the Belgian and French authorities to work together swiftly and efficiently, exchanging information and evidence in real time. To stop the criminals, a joint operation was planned at Eurojust.
In the late hours of 26 February, the Belgian authorities arrested 12 suspects. The authorities know several of the people arrested. Following the arrests, several searches were carried out in France and Belgium. Investigations into the robbers are ongoing.
The following authorities carried out the operations:
âą France: JIRS PARIS inter regional specialised jurisdiction; OCCLO National Police Organised Crime unit
âą Belgium: PPO Brussels; Investigative Judge Brussels; Judicial Police Brussels (PJF Bruxelles); Special Units Belgian Federal Police (DSU)
Forcibly removing over two million people permanently is clearly against international law and a crime against humanity. That said, it is evident, when looking at the devastation in Gaza, that the ruble cannot be removed while the inhabitants are there. As for rebuilding, imagine cranes, bulldozers, and lorries navigating tent camps and playing children. The Gazans will have to be removed temporarily.
To clean up and rebuild is a massive undertaking, which at the same time is a good way to find and destroy the Hamas underground fortress. Whatever the outcome, if Hamas remains a force, there will be no permanent peace, and a new Gaza will just be waiting to be destroyed after the next Hamas attack on Israel.
It is high time to free the hostages, not just the Israeli ones, but all the Gazans, who have been held hostage for almost twenty years. But it is not just Hamas that has had a pernicious influence on Gaza (and on the West Bank), but also UNWRA.
UNWRA was set up to provide for the Arab population that fled or was forced out by the war that the Arab countries waged on the land that the UN had allotted to the Jews. As the displaced people (then not yet called Palestinians) were forced to stay in camps, UNWRA became a de facto Ministry of Health, Education, and Welfare. Rather than setting up such ministries and training Palestinians to be in charge, UNWRA became a self-serving behemoth that started to suffer from an organizational form of the Stockholm syndrome. It hampered the PA in developing governing expertise and aided and abetted Hamas.
In a peaceful environment without Hamas and its even more violent allies, alongside a government that isn’t corrupt and international aid focused on building a modern state, the Palestinians are fully capable of developing a nation that provides a better future for its citizens. Mr. Trump rightly points out that the people of Gaza are located on a prime piece of real estate.
The UN and the international community should assist them in starting but should not act as permanent babysitters. That would be paternalistic, neocolonial, and, worse, counterproductive.
The Ambassador of Chile, Jorge Antonio Carvajal San MartĂn, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations. With a career deeply rooted in diplomacy, Ambassador Carvajal has always been committed to promoting international collaboration, addressing regional and global challenges, and advancing Chileâs interests abroad.
Under his leadership, and with the support of an excellent team of diplomats and professionals at the Embassy, PROCHILE and the Consulate General in Amsterdam, the embassy aims to advance cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, water management, agriculture, green hydrogen development, sustainability, human rights and responsible business practices.
Ambassador Carvajal, you have served as a diplomat in the Netherlands on two previous occasions with a few years in between. Could you share your initial impressions of the Netherlands in comparison to today, and your new tenureâs goals as Chile’s ambassador in this country? How are these goals different from your previous functions?
The Netherlands, like the international community as a whole, has been confronted with a world where geopolitical tensions and sovereigntist positions have intensified, where democratic values are being challenged, and with a worrying fragmentation of the international system. As was expressed by King Willem-Alexander in his message to the diplomatic corps and international organizations at the New Year reception, it is a time in which violence and abuse of power are manifesting themselves in many places around the world, impacting the lives of millions of people. We cannot forget the climate crisis. On the other hand, we continue to see important technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, which represent opportunities, but also challenges that should be addressed collectively.
In this turbulent world, the Netherlands has been playing a crucial role. Not only as the host country of relevant institutions for international peace and security as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, EUROJUST, EUROPOL and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, to mention some of them, but also through relevant Dutch figures as Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General; Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth; Sigrid Kaag, Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza and new U.N. Middle East envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations, who also has a tremendous task ahead. All this is a demonstration of the active involvement and effective contribution of the Netherlands to the strengthening the international security, peace and justice.
On a more domestic sphere, I clearly see in the streets the emergence of electro mobility and the consequences of the COVID pandemic, which has meant a huge increase in e-commerce, with the challenges that this presents for commercial establishments and shops. I have also noticed an increase in the number of non-Dutch-speaking people helping in shops and restaurants, probably another consequence of the globalization.
As for my duties in the Netherlands, these have obviously changed since I was first posted here. The first time I was here was at the beginning of my diplomatic career. At that time, I was in charge of consular and cultural affairs. From a personal point of view, it was also a special period in my life, as I met my wife, whoâs Dutch. The second time here, I served as deputy chief of mission and alternate representative to the OPCW. Now, as ambassador, the responsibilities are bigger of course, covering both bilateral relations with the Netherlands, and representing my country in the many international organizations based in The Hague. But I am really fortunate to have a wonderful team at the embassy, which makes my job so much easier.
How would you describe the current state of Chile-Netherlands relations, and what are the most significant opportunities for collaboration?
Chile and the Netherlands maintain an excellent level of bilateral relations, which is due to our common belief in the importance of multilateralism and the fact that we share fundamental objectives such as the defence and promotion of human rights, gender equality, the need to address in a collective way the challenges of climate change and the promotion of open markets. In addition to the continued growth of our bilateral trade, there are great opportunities to further advance our collaboration in water management, desalination, agriculture, energy transition and the role of green hydrogen.
This year we are commemorating 200 years of relations between Chile and the Netherlands, so we are planning several political, commercial and cultural activities to mark this milestone and to give a new impetus to our bilateral relations. To this end I am in contact with the Dutch Ambassador to Chile, Elke Merks-Schaapveld: sheâs an active and enthusiastic representative of her country and I had the pleasure to meet her in Santiago before taking up my post in The Hague. By the way, I think it was a good omen/sign that we both presented our letters of credence on the same day, on 4 December 2024. This canât be a coincidence, isnât it?
In terms of new areas of cooperation, in addition to the long-standing work on water management and water use in agriculture, I believe that Chile, as a mining country, can benefit more from the Dutch technology in recycling and in sustainable use of water in that sector. Other promising areas in which we can learn from the Dutch experience are logistics and port infrastructure, both vital for our export sector.
Another area with potential for strengthening the bilateral cooperation is that of critical raw materials, such as lithium, copper, nickel. The Netherlands and Europe are in need of new sources of those materials for their energy transition and digital economy. 79% of the lithium that reaches Europe comes from Chile. In this sense, the Netherlands and Chile are destined to be natural partners. Chile has the opportunity to strengthen its role in the global supply chain and attract investment for that sector.
I would also like to highlight that the AFA (Advanced Framework Agreement) and the Interim Trade Agreement signed by the European Union and Chile on 13 December 2023, are instruments that I am sure could make an important contribution to further cooperation between Chile and the Netherlands. It should be noted that the AFA is not a completely new agreement, but the modernization of the Association Agreement already in force between Chile and the EU since 2003. In fact, the European Parliament, considering that this is a mutually beneficial agreement, gave its consent to the new instrument on 29 February 2024. The Advanced Framework Agreement includes a new chapter on trade and sustainable development, as well as regulations on labor conditions, environment, gender equality, and responsible business conduct, to mention just a few the new chapters. Taking into account the importance that The Netherlands attaches to those matters I think it should not be a major problem for The Netherlands to ratify the AFA. Anyhow, the Interim Trade Agreement will enter into force in February this year.
H.E. Mr. Jorge Carvajal, Ambassador of Chile. jpg
The Netherlands is Chileâs largest European investor. What industries do you see as the most promising for further Dutch investment?
At this moment, the sustainable energy sector is the biggest sector for Dutch investments. With big investments in for example transmission lines to transport the energy from solar and wind farms to the cities and industrial areas. The ambitions of Chile to become a big exporter of green hydrogen will require a lot of foreign investments. The institutional investors like Dutch pension funds are very interested in this for Chile promising sector. If Chile advances in making the mining industry and the refining of critical raw materials more sustainable, we might spark interest from Dutch investors for this sector as well.
How do organizations like the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Chile and Holland House Chile contribute to promoting economic ties?
Having an active Holland House Chile is perfect for facilitating a so called soft landing for Dutch companies in Chile, offering a network of other Dutch companies active in Chile, but also a network of reliable service providers. The Holland House also delivers a variety of services for Dutch companies themselves that range from market studies to delivering translation services and to acting as legal representative in Chile
Are there any specific initiatives or agreements planned to further enhance trade relations?
The trade exchange between Chile and the Netherlands has been smooth and dynamic. The EU is Chile’s third-largest trade partner and the Port of Rotterdam plays an important role as a distribution hub for our products to Europe, such as copper, fresh fruit – mainly grapes, apples, avocados and blueberries-, wine; dried fruit, cellulose and plywood.
In addition to the possibilities offered by the Advanced Framework Agreement between Chile and the EU, an important development has been the signing of a Memorandum of Understandings between the Ministry of Energy of Chile and the Port of Rotterdam Authority in order to use the port as key hydrogen hub for Northwest Europe. Last October the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth of the Netherlands signed the update of the Strategic Cooperation Agenda on Green Hydrogen.
Chile’s ambition is to become a global leader in the production and supply of green hydrogen that will help many countries to reach their carbon neutrality goals. Meanwhile, The Netherlands has been diversifying its supply sources and promoting responsible and sustainable mining. All the while its technology companies depend on secure access to critical minerals to maintain their leadership in the semiconductor industry.
Last but not least I think I should mention the role that could play a multi-year Partnership for International Business Program âGreen Energy Corridor Chile â the Netherlandsâ a public-private initiative funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
Both countries are leaders in export-oriented agriculture. What lessons can Chile and the Netherlands share to improve sustainability and efficiency in this sector?
The Netherlands (and its private sector) is well known in Chile for its innovative capabilities, its focus on sustainability, especially water management and its cooperative approach, which includes governmental and knowledge institutions in the achievement of business solutions.
Dutch companies which have invested in Chile in this sector, have played a relevant role in bringing a valuable know-how, sustainable technology and good practices, contributing thus to productivity and efficiency in the Chilean agri-business sector.
Because of the existing ties and the still big potential in this sector, agriculture is one of the focus areas of the economic department or our Embassy.
Chile has shown interest in improving its recycling and sustainable packaging practices. How can Dutch expertise help accelerate these efforts?
Chile is promoting the adoption of a Circular Economy by developing public policy instruments such as the Roadmap for a Circular Chile 2040, the Plastics and Single-Use Products law, a law that prohibits the distribution of plastic shopping bags and the Extended Producer Responsibility law. Chile also committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Netherlands could make important contributions in Agriculture, Packaging and Water. In agriculture Dutch technology can support in the valorisation of organic waste streams. Examples are digestion as a source of renewable energy and fertilizer or high-end valorisation of organic waste into biobased materials. Opportunities for Dutch companies and consultancy firms also lie in the recovery of fruit losses and fish waste by using new processing techniques, in the supply chain of water production, treatment and transport. Although Chile is making progress in separation, collection, recycling, and alternative packaging technologies, our country still faces challenges in terms of logistics, access to input material and demand for recycled materials. Dutch knowledge and experience might be the right solution. Dutch plastics value- chain approach with actions from both public and private players are already inspirational for Chile and can open various markets.
In conclusion, in terms of the relationship with the Netherlands, we have an auspicious year ahead of us marked by the 200th anniversary of bilateral relations, an anniversary that we intend to use to give new impetus to our cooperation in traditional areas such as water management, agriculture and trade and to emerging areas such as critical materials and green hydrogen. At the multilateral level, we will remain committed to defending and promoting international law, human rights, and international security, working at the international organizations that have made The Hague the city of peace and justice.
Columnists author articles offering an opinion or perspective about a particular subject.
The columns I write are âplayfully provocativeâ and intended to deliver both a smile and a thought. A smile because you hadnât quite looked at something that way and a thought because the column may leave you wonderingâŠ
So, this monthâs column is about geopolitical turmoil.
In general terms, there is geopolitical turmoil because we (can) see the demise of a âWestern,â rules-based alliance (up to forty-five countries) as the dominant global force since Worl War II. At the same time, we (can) see the emergency of a much more âmulti-polarâ world, confirmed by the dramatic growth of the BRICS+ network (up to 100 countries who like to sign up).
More specifically and recently, we saw a tsunami of executive orders signed by the new POTUS, Donald J. Trump and even more recent, a speech by his Vice-President James D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference. Their impact was such that we might no longer be talking about turmoil, but about âmayhem.â
Mayhem?
Well, you might say, that is quite an exaggeration, but is it, really?
Not when we look at the chair of the Munich Conference who burst into tears when VP James Vance didnât follow the scripted anti-Russia and pro-Ukraine message but instead criticized the European political elite for ignoring democratic key values in their own countries.
Also, not when we note a comment by a former Dutch military commander-in chief who, speaking on behalf of Europe, said this: âThe United States is still an ally, but no longer a friend.â
So, letâs take a closer look at whatâs behind this geopolitical turmoil by zooming in on two things: hedging and rare earth metals.
Hedging is the practice by individual investors, institutional investors, countries, and corporations to reduce their exposure to various risks. One could consider it to be a kind of insurance yet bear in mind that hedging is not as simple as paying an insurance company a fee every year for coverage. Hedging isn’t a perfect science: things can easily go wrong too.
Rare earth metals are critical for semi-conductor technologies, electric vehicles, and defence systems. Because the strategic importance of these rare earth metals will only grow, global powers like the United States, China and Russia continue their efforts to secure (access to) these valuable resources, shaping global power dynamics in the process.
An illustration of hedging (access to) this kind of critical resources is the recent claim by the Trump administration for ownership of 50% of Ukraineâs rare earth metals as compensation for the military aid it has provided.
So, what then, might one take aways from this column?
Well, what do you think of:
We see global powers getting involved in – even militarizing – regional conflicts to hedge against (a shortage of) essential resources. This is not only true for Ukraine, but we (will) see the same in Africa, South America, Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions.
The Trump administration realizes that 1000% of nothing is also nothing – hence the hedging… – and is distancing itself from the European Union politics-as-usual. This will leave Europe in a jam and in an off-side position.
Expect more surprising (= non-linear) developments to come out of the increasingly multipolar world order in the context of BRICS+.
Which, finally, brings us also to the question what Europe and its leadership might do to reverse their increasingly âoffsideâ position on the global playing field?
Should they listen better and take note of what critics like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are saying?
Should they listen better and take note of the criticism and concerns of large parts of their own populations?
Or should we just stick to reminding everyone of the key-message in my last column:
âEmbrace any form of criticism because it shows one cares!â
I donât know.
You tell me!
About the author:
Eelco H. Dykstra. Photography by Tom Manning
Once dubbed a âGlobal Nomadâ in East Africa, Eelco H. Dykstra is a seasoned international crisis and emergency expert. As a true âPrac-Ademicâ, he blends â also in his column âA Thought and a Smileâ â his innate optimism with knowledge from his practical experience and rigorous fact-finding.
Aside from being founder/chair of the Daily Impact Emergency Management (DIEM) network and a visiting professor in South Africa, he initiated the â20/20 Visionâ program for the dual purpose of strengthening value-based resilience and overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of implementing lessons (to be) learned. Eelco has been a correspondent, written multiple books and articles and continues to work extensively with media, government, business, NGOâs and community-based initiatives. In short, Eelco is a transdisciplinary and trans-cultural multi-tasker â just like diplomats are.
Among his hobbies are cooking and playing the cello â see picture, taken by Tom Manning, during an impromptu performance with the Soweto Youth Orchestra.
Eelco H. DykstraProfessor (visiting), Adaptation and Resilience, University of South-Africa, UNISA. Chair, â20/20 Visionâ Program: How do we go from âRiskâ to âResilienceâ? Founder, Daily Impact Emergency Management (DIEM) Network www.diem.nuwww.20outof20.vision / eelco.dykstra@diem.nu
Copenhagen, February 24 â The Estonian Ambassador to Denmark, H.E. Andre Pung, marked Estoniaâs National Day with a grand celebration in the Danish capital. The occasion commemorated the anniversary of the Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia, published in 1918, which proclaimed Estonia as an independent and democratic republic.
Ambassador Pung, who presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark on September 19, 2024, hosted the event, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between Estonia and Denmark.
The Ambassadors of Bulgaria , Sweden, SĂžren Gade, Estonia, Albania, Serbia, Greece, Chile, Croatia (Dean). Photo Hasse Ferrold
Interviewing H.E. Ambassador Spyros Attas regarding the upcoming state visit of HM the King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Cyprus. King Willem-Alexander and Queen MĂĄxima of the Netherlands will visit Cyprus on March 4th and 5th, 2025, at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides. Caspar Veldkamp, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs will accompany the Royal Couple.
The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in security cooperation, education, culture, and sustainable economic development. There will be meetings with local leaders, discussions on regional security, and visits to cultural or educational institutions. Both countries have been closely linked within the European Union for over 20 years.
The upcoming state visit to Cyprus is highly significant, marking the first-ever visit by a Dutch head of state. âIt is a very important visit, both diplomatically and symbolically. The level of relationship between Cyprus and the Netherlands is very good. Of course, there is always room for improvement The most important element in this relationship is that both countries share the same values and principles; both being democratic nations members of the European Union. It will be an excellent opportunity to advance both our bilateral relations and our common goal of promoting peace in Europe and the wider region Ambassadorâ said Ambassador Spyros Attas.
âCyprus plays a crucial role as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. We have always enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, excellent relations with our neighborsâArab countries and Israelâbuilt on mutual respect. Cyprus actively promotes a regional cooperation agenda through institutionalized dialogues with Greece, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and othersâ Attas concluded.
Humanitarian Aid Delivery via Maritime Route
Cyprus is committed to humanitarian assistance, particularly in times of crisis. One notable initiative was the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza via a maritime route. âProviding humanitarian assistance to Gaza through the Mediterranean was a critical Operationâ the ambassador stated. âI would like to publicly thank the Netherlands for its support and participation in this project. At the time, there was no other way to get aid to the Gaza population. This operation underscored Cyprus strategic importance in regional humanitarian and security efforts.â
Cyprus has also played a key role in evacuating foreign nationals from crisis zones. âThe Netherlands sees Cyprus as a trustworthy partner and a friendâ the ambassador emphasized. âThey have cooperated with us in the evacuation of Dutch citizens from Sudan, as they did during similar operations in Lebanon in 2006 and more recently last year.â
âHis Majestyâs visit intends to highlight our friendship and collaboration,â Ambassador Attas noted. âThere is always the possibility for the Netherlands to continue to collaborate with Cyprus in these efforts. Cyprus contribution to regional stability, humanitarian missions, and evacuation operations remain key pillars of its foreign policy.â
Cypriot Ambassador Spyros Attas.
Cyprus-Netherlands Cooperation in Innovative Agriculture
The Kingâs visit will also concentrate on sustainable economic and environmental development, the use of natural resources, and the very good cooperation that exists between Cyprus and the Netherlands in innovative agriculture methods. âCyprus cultivates 32 different potato varieties, and interestingly, many of the seeds come from the Netherlands. We import special varieties of potato seeds from the Netherlands, and the produce is then exported to European countries and the United Kingdomâ; he explained.
Cultural and Archaeological Cooperation
Another significant area of cooperation is culture and archaeology and the Netherlands, particularly Leiden University, plays a key role in archaeological expeditions in Cyprus. Since 2015, Leiden University has collaborated with the University of Cyprus on excavations at two very important archeological sites from the prehistoric era: the Chalcolithic site of Chlorakas-Palloures near Paphos and the Choiroketia site.
The ambassador also expressed personal enthusiasm for engaging with students. âI always accept invitations to speak and meet with students. Cyprus is not a large country, so every citizenâs perspective matters. That is what we are here for.â
Cyprus Students in the Netherlands
Education is another growing link between the two countries. âThere are around 1,000 Cypriot students in the Netherlands, studying in Maastricht, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and the Royal Conservatory, among others.â the ambassador shared. âTraditionally, Cypriot students studied abroad mainly in Greece and the UK, but after Brexit, Netherlands became a popular educational destination among our students due to its high level international programs of studies.â
However, the ambassador acknowledged the challenges Cypriot students face, particularly regarding housing. âThe housing problem is significant, and I hope the Dutch government will try to address it. Education is a key sector where a country can project its global footprint, and finding solutions for student housing is important. Students often become lifelong ambassadors for the country they study in.
His Majesty will also meet with Cyprus-Dutch alumni, further strengthening the People to people ties between the two nations.â The division of Cyprus due to foreign occupation – The political prospects for the solution with the Cyprus issue question âCyprus, is a divided the country due to foreign aggression and occupation. Our efforts aim to reunite the island and its people, based on UN Security Council resolutions and international law. The future of all the people off Cyprus, Greek or Turkish Cypriots can be bright with Cyprus being a member of the European Union. The current foreign occupation that results in the division and violation of the human rights of all Cypriots is a manifest anachronism and needs to be terminated.â
âWe rely in that regard on the support of our friends, including the Netherlands, for a principled solution and lasting peace in Cyprus. I need to emphasize, in that regard, that Cyprus follows a very principled and consistent position when it comes to international law violations, irrespective of who is the wrongdoer. We expect others and particularly our partners in the European Union to apply the same principles on Cyprus that they adopt in similar cases elsewhere.â
Tourism increased
Tourism from the Netherlands is around 5,000 per year, consistently growing. Itâs an important number when you have a population of less than a 1 million. We have something like 3,2 million tourists visiting Cyprus every year. I am pleased to note that four airline companies operate direct flights from the Netherlands to Cyprus: KLM, Ryanair, Transavia, Touring, Easy Jet.
The good weather, the beautiful scenery, the rich history and culture, the beaches and obviously the food can be a very good incentive to visit Cyprus. The local cuisine is typically Mediterranean. Halloumi is the famous Cyprus cheese, a very distinct product that you can find very easily in every major supermarket in the Netherlands. Cyprus is a very safe and hospitable country ideal for families, particularly during school holidays. The island features scenic mountains with snow cover, offering a contrast to the beaches. â The Cyprus Tourism office in Amsterdam is doing a very good job and also covers the rest of the Benelux countries like our embassy in The Hague.â
Roy Lie Atjam and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, editor and publisher of Diplomat Magazine, with Ambassador Spyros Attas during the interview.
NB- Cyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.The presidency is currently, as of January 2025, held by Poland. Three successive presidencies are known as presidency trios. The current trio is made up of Poland (JanuaryâJune 2025), Denmark (JulyâDecember 2025), and Cyprus (JanuaryâJune 2026).
On 17-18 February 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid his first official visit to the State of Kuwait.
As part of the program of stay in the city of Al Kuwait, the Leader of Uzbekistan held historic talks with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Sabah, as well as fruitful meetings with key members of the Government and heads of leading companies and financial institutions of this country.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Sabah have adopted a Joint statement on the development of Uzbek-Kuwaiti relations of comprehensive partnership.
The summit also resulted in signing a solid package of agreements in various areas of cooperation, including in the economic sphere for the amount of $4.9 billion.
In particular, the following documents were signed:
– Agreement on cooperation in the field of industry;
– Protocol to the Agreement on Air Services;
– Agreement on cooperation in the labor sphere;
– Agreement on cooperation in the field of creation of âsmartâ cities;
– Agreement on Cooperation in the field of art and culture;
– Agreement on cooperation in the field of health care;
– Program of activities in the field of tourism for 2025-2027;
– Cooperation Agreement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
As part of the cultural program, the leader of our country toured the expositions of the Al-Salam Palace Museum, reflecting the culture and history of the Kuwaiti people.
Kuwait formally recognized the independence of Uzbekistan on December 30, 1991, and in July 1994, two nations established diplomatic relations, affirming a shared commitment to fostering mutually beneficial and constructive partnership grounded in equality and respect for each otherâs interests. The Embassy of Kuwait has been operating in Uzbekistan since 2001, while Uzbekistan established its diplomatic mission in Kuwait in 2004.
In recent years, there has been a marked intensification of bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including economics, trade, investment, education, and culture. Both nations are committed to strengthening their partnership, building on mutually beneficial interests and traditionally amicable relations, as well as spiritual ties rooted in shared religion, values, and traditions.
Kuwait is a significant partner for Uzbekistan within the framework of international relations. Kuwaiti expertise in areas such as economics, finance, banking, investment, innovation, education, and infrastructure development is of particular value. Collaboration with Kuwait offers ample opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and best practices, thereby bilateral relations and jointly advancing on the path of sustainable development.
Trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kuwait has gained significant momentum in recent years. There is no doubt that the two countries possess sufficient potential to significantly increase trade turnover, and they are actively working towards this goal.
The year 2024, in particular, demonstrated an unprecedented activity in economic interaction, with over 50 visits by representatives of large and medium-sized Kuwaiti companies and financial institutions to Uzbekistan. These included delegations from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, âGulf General Trading Co.â, âPetroleum Dynamicsâ, âAl-Tijaria Groupâ, âThe Commercial Real Estate ĐĄo.â, âRawasi Kuwait Holding Co.â, âKuwait Investment Co.â (KIC), âAlJaber Group Holdingâ, âBiomedix Medical Group Co.â, âAdvanced Medical German Co.â, âKAMCO Investment Co.â, âAlkandari General Trading Co.â, âUnique Goodsâ, âZenith Business Solutionâ, âGolden Carpetâ, âAlMawashiâ, and other companies.
A key development in bilateral trade in 2024 was Uzbekistanâs first-ever export of over 20 metric tons of fresh fruits and vegetables to Kuwait, marking an initial step toward expanding commercial ties.
Undoubtedly, the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kuwait will give an additional impetus to deepening bilateral interaction, expanding economic and humanitarian ties, and will contribute to further advancing the partnership to a new level.
The priority areas of practical cooperation have been identified as: âgreenâ energy, industrial cooperation, agriculture, transport and logistics, infrastructure, urban development, healthcare, and tourism.
In order to promote joint projects, it was agreed to establish such mechanisms as the Investment Platform and the Business Council, as well as to open a trading house in the city of El Kuwait.
Special attention was paid to building up a portfolio of projects with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development under the new Partnership Programme.
In addition, the sides agreed to hold cross cultural and tourism weeks in Uzbekistan and Kuwait and actively promote the participation of representatives of the two countries in cultural and humanitarian events in the fields of art, music, cinema, education and sports.
