Yiannis Ioannou
The Netherlands, a key player in both the EU and NATO, remains somewhat of an unknown entity in Cyprus—aside from Amsterdam’s popularity as a travel destination and the well-known football club Ajax. However, beyond these familiar aspects, the Netherlands has a long-standing relationship with Cyprus, marked by strong bilateral ties and strategic significance due to the presence of major international organizations on Dutch soil.
A History of Strong Relations
The Netherlands was among the first European nations to recognize the independence of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. Just two years later, in 1962, the two countries signed an agreement lifting visa restrictions for Cypriot citizens, further strengthening their diplomatic ties. Relations have grown even closer since Cyprus' accession to the European Union in 2004, with Nicosia having established an embassy in The Hague in 1996.
Today, the Netherlands maintains an embassy and two consulates in Cyprus, and trade, economic, political, and cultural relations between the two nations are described as excellent, with significant potential for further expansion. This was highlighted by the recent official visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Cyprus—a landmark moment in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
A Partnership Built on Shared Interests
Cyprus places great value on maintaining strong ties with the Netherlands, which has played a historic role in shaping the European Union's economic framework and remains a core member of NATO. Additionally, the Netherlands hosts key international institutions and legal bodies that Cyprus, as a small EU member state still facing occupation, sees as vital allies in upholding international law.
One notable example of cooperation between the two countries was in 2013-2014, when Cyprus played a crucial role in the destruction of chemical weapons from Syria’s Assad regime. The operation, coordinated through the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), headquartered in The Hague, was a response to the chemical attacks in Ghouta that shocked the international community.
The Netherlands is also home to EUROPOL, the European Union’s primary agency for police cooperation, as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which has been particularly relevant given Cyprus’ increasing role as a hub for refugee flows and irregular migration.
Additionally, Cyprus has often served as a key transit point for the evacuation of Dutch citizens from crisis zones in the Middle East, such as Lebanon. These rescue and evacuation missions (RESEVAC) have further strengthened the operational cooperation between the two nations.
Another significant connection between Cyprus and the Netherlands is the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), which has been based in the Netherlands since 1996—the same year Cyprus established its embassy in The Hague. The ICMP has played an important role in assisting Cyprus with its long-standing efforts to determine the fate of those who went missing during the Turkish invasion of 1974.
Expanding Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
The royal visit to Cyprus placed a spotlight on numerous areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, defense, maritime affairs, education, agriculture, archaeology, and tourism. Education remains a key pillar of the relationship, with around 700-800 Cypriot students enrolling in Dutch universities each year, drawn by the country’s wide range of English-language study programs.
Discussions also covered pressing regional and global issues, including developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, migration challenges, the Cyprus problem, and EU-Turkey relations—particularly relevant as diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations continue.
A Historic Visit with Lasting Significance
The visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Cyprus was marked by a series of official engagements. The royal couple was welcomed by President Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides in a formal ceremony that included a military procession and the playing of both national anthems. The king and queen also laid a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III.
During their meeting, President Christodoulides expressed his gratitude to the royal couple, noting that it was their first-ever visit to Cyprus. “Thank you for accepting the invitation I extended during my visit to The Hague in February 2024,” he said, emphasizing the strong ties between the two countries and the importance of their discussions on education, agriculture, migration, and key European policy issues.
On behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, President Christodoulides presented King Willem-Alexander with the country’s highest national distinction, along with cultural gifts as a symbol of friendship.
For his part, King Willem-Alexander highlighted the significance of this state visit, the first of its kind since Cyprus gained independence in 1960. He underscored the Netherlands’ recognition of Cyprus’ strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean, describing the country as a valuable partner in a region that is often turbulent.
The Dutch monarch also acknowledged Cyprus’ contributions during times of crisis, particularly in humanitarian operations and emergency evacuations. He expressed his desire to further deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two nations at the European level.
A Partnership Poised for Growth
The visit of the Dutch royal couple to Cyprus was more than just a diplomatic formality—it reaffirmed the strong historical ties and shared strategic interests between the two countries. With increasing collaboration in sectors ranging from education to security, and with Cyprus serving as a crucial player in regional stability, the potential for an even stronger partnership is evident.
As both nations navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape, their commitment to cooperation and mutual support remains a cornerstone of their relationship.
