Dutch King and Queen Arrive in Cyprus for Their First State Visit

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands have arrived in Cyprus for a two-day state visit. This marks their first visit to Cyprus. The invitation was extended by President Nikos Christodoulides during his visit to the Netherlands last year.

The visit takes place against the backdrop of strengthening cooperation in defense and security, as well as the expansion of trade and business relations between the two countries.

The official welcoming ceremony took place on Tuesday morning at the Presidential Palace, followed by a private meeting between the two leaders. Expanded discussions between the delegations of both nations are also scheduled.

The agenda includes key topics such as the economy and investment opportunities, defense, shipping, education and student exchanges, as well as agriculture, archaeology, and tourism. Regional issues, including the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, migration, the Cyprus issue, and EU-Turkey relations, will also be addressed during the discussions.

Accompanying the royal couple is the Dutch Minister for Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, who is replacing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kaspar Veldkamp. Veldkamp had to cancel his trip due to urgent matters.

As part of their visit, the royal couple will tour the Cypriot Parliament, where they will be welcomed by the Speaker of the House, Annita Demetriou. They will then travel to Larnaca to visit the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), where they will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Kombos. The royal couple will also visit potato fields in Xylofagou and a potato production facility in Liopetri.

On Tuesday evening, a State Dinner in honor of the Dutch royal family will be held at the Presidential Palace, hosted by the President and First Lady. On Wednesday, March 5, the President and First Lady will accompany the royal couple to the Nicosia Municipality, followed by a walk through the Old City along the buffer zone and a visit to the Panagia Faneromeni Church. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will depart Cyprus late Wednesday evening.