Filenews 11 February 2025
The royal couple of the Netherlands are on a two-day visit to Cyprus on 4 and 5 March, at the invitation of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima respond to the invitation made during the President's visit to the Netherlands last February.
On Monday, the King received a group of Cypriot journalists at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. During the twenty-minute meeting, he answered questions about his upcoming visit and expectations, while taking pictures with journalists.
The visit is expected to mark the beginning of closer cooperation between the two countries, which is confirmed by the range of issues to be discussed. The meeting and the journalists' visit to the Netherlands were arranged by the Dutch embassy in Nicosia.
This is the first visit by a Dutch royal couple to Cyprus since 1960 and takes place at a favorable time. The meeting highlighted Cyprus' geopolitical position as a bridge between the Middle East, North Africa and the European Union, as well as the common values of the two countries as EU members.
Particular reference was made to Cyprus' role in the region and the support it has offered to the evacuation of Dutch nationals during crises, such as the civil war in Lebanon in 2006, the crisis in Sudan in 2023 and the recent crisis in the Middle East.
During their visit, the King and his entourage will discuss education and student exchange, agricultural economics, archaeology and tourism. Every year, around 700-800 Cypriot students study in the Netherlands, while Dutch archaeologists visit Cyprus as part of research missions, mainly to Paphos.
Currently, archaeologists from Leiden University are excavating at the site of Palloures in Chloraka.
King Willem-Alexander showed particular interest in Cyprus and its history, while, as a sailing enthusiast, he was aware of the successes of Pavlos Kontides in the laser category, discussing with journalists about the medals he has won in the Olympic Games.
As part of his stay in Cyprus, the King will visit potato plantations in the Kokkinochoria area.
The King ascended the throne in 2013, succeeding his mother, Queen Mother Beatrix, who retired from her royal duties.
