Nicosia: The Dutch Royal couple, King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima, are scheduled to visit Cyprus from March 4-5 for a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides, following his visit to the Netherlands last February.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a group of Cypriot journalists was welcomed by King Willem on Monday at the working palace, Noordeinde, in The Hague. During a 20-minute discussion, the King engaged warmly with the journalists, answering questions and sharing his expectations for the upcoming visit. The meeting concluded with a family photo with the journalists.
The royal visit marks the first by a Dutch royal couple since the Republic of Cyprus was established and aims to foster enhanced cooperation between the two nations. The broad agenda for the visit reflects this ambition, with discussions set to cover education, student exchange programs, agriculture, archaeology, and tourism. Approximately 700-800 Cypriot students enroll in Dutch universities annually,
and Dutch archaeologists frequently conduct excavations in Cyprus, particularly in the Paphos district. Currently, experts from Leiden University are conducting excavations in the Palloures area in Chloraka.
During the press interaction, the strategic location of Cyprus as a bridge between the EU, the Middle East, and West Africa was emphasized, along with its critical role in the evacuation of Dutch citizens during recent regional crises.
King Willem, knowledgeable about Cyprus, expressed his interest in the visit. Being a sailor himself, he noted his awareness of Cyprus athlete Pavlos Kontides, an Olympic medalist in laser sailing, and discussed Kontides’ achievements in three Olympiads with the journalists.
As part of the visit, King Willem will tour a potato crop in the Famagusta district, further underscoring the agricultural ties between the two countries.