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King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands have arrived in Cyprus for a two-day state visit, marking the first-ever official trip of the Dutch Royal Couple to the island. The visit, following an invitation by President Nikos Christodoulides during his visit to the Netherlands last year, is seen as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The Royal Couple touched down late on Monday evening, with their official welcome taking place on Tuesday morning at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. President Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides received the King and Queen with full honors, setting the tone for a visit that is expected to foster closer cooperation in areas ranging from business and education to defense and culture.
Deepening Relations
The visit comes at a time of growing collaboration between Cyprus and the Netherlands, particularly in defense, security, and trade. Discussions during the visit are set to cover a wide range of topics, including investment opportunities, shipping, education, and tourism. Cyprus currently sends between 700-800 students to the Netherlands each year for university studies, making academic exchange a key point on the agenda.
The visit comes at a time of growing collaboration between Cyprus and the Netherlands, particularly in defense, security, and trade.
Regional developments, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, migration challenges, the Cyprus issue, and EU-Turkey relations, are also expected to feature prominently in the talks between the two delegations.
Exploring Cyprus’ Rich Heritage
Alongside diplomatic meetings, the Dutch Royal Couple will experience Cyprus' rich cultural and agricultural traditions. On Tuesday, they will visit Xylofagou village in the Famagusta district, known for its renowned potato plantations, and tour local facilities with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
Wednesday’s itinerary includes a tour of the UNESCO-listed Choirokoitia archaeological site, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou. The Neolithic settlement, one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean, highlights the island’s deep-rooted heritage. Dutch archaeologists from the University of Leiden, where King Willem-Alexander studied, are currently carrying out excavations in nearby Chloraka.
Symbolic Gifts and Cultural Exchange
During a private meeting at the Presidential Palace, the Cypriot government will present symbolic gifts to the Dutch Royal Couple reflecting the island's rich traditions. King Willem-Alexander will receive a mosaic artwork made from natural Cypriot stones, depicting two doves – a timeless symbol of peace. Queen Maxima will be gifted a handmade silver set of 'kapnistomerreha' from Lefkara, a nod to Cyprus' renowned silversmithing heritage.
In return for the warm hospitality, the Royal Couple will host a concert featuring Dutch and Cypriot artists at THOK Theatre in Nicosia on Wednesday evening, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.
A Visit to Remember
The first-ever state visit of the Dutch Royal Couple to Cyprus not only marks a milestone in the two countries' relations but also opens the door to further cooperation across various sectors. As Cyprus and the Netherlands continue to build stronger ties, this historic visit is a testament to their shared commitment to fostering peace, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
The Royal Couple is set to depart late on Wednesday evening, leaving behind a renewed sense of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
