Dutch PM stresses Cyprus' important role in region in meeting with President Christodoulides (vid)

President Nikos Christodoulides and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, as the two officials met in The Hague during President Christodoulides’ working visit to the Netherlands.

President Christodoulides also met with the King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, during which they discussed the Cyprus issue, the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as issues concerning the exchange of experience between Cyprus and the Netherlands in water management.

Prime Minister Rutte pointed out the important role that the Republic of Cyprus plays in the region, expressing at the same time gratitude to President Christodoulides for helping to evacuate Dutch nationals from the region.

According to a Presidency statement, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands said that this is a historic visit, since it is the first visit by a President of the Republic of Cyprus, after so many years, adding that the visit of President Christodoulides coincides with the 20th anniversary of Cyprus's accession to the EU.

He also pointed out that the two countries have common views and strong cooperation in areas such as the economy, defence, immigration, regional stability and issues related to the European agenda.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands also thanked the President of the Republic for the assistance provided by Cyprus in evacuating Dutch nationals from the region and pointed out the very important role played by the Republic of Cyprus in the region. At the same time, he underlined the importance of Cyprus’ initiative to create a maritime corridor to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

For his part, the President of the Republic said that 34 years have passed since a Cypriot President visited the Netherlands and added that the two countries maintain "excellent bilateral relations” while also agreeing on important issues both at EU and international level.

He also stressed that his visit to The Hague coincides with the 20th anniversary of “the most important development” for the Republic of Cyprus since its establishment, the accession to the EU, while this year marks 50 years since the illegal Turkish invasion.

The President added that "a few days ago was the second anniversary of another illegal invasion, the Russian invasion of Ukraine".

President of the Republic also noted that “in the Middle East region we are witnessing another war”, pointing out that "Cyprus, as the closest EU member in the region, is doing everything possible to help deal with the humanitarian crisis".

After their private meeting, Prime Minister Rutte hosted a working dinner for the President of the Republic.