On Thursday, the Dutch royal couple arrived at the Presidential Palace for a two-day state visit to Cyprus. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima were invited by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and arrived in Cyprus on Monday evening, where they were welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, at Larnaca Airport.

It is worth noted that this is the first time that a Dutch royal couple is visiting the Republic of Cyprus and is expected to be the starting point for strengthening relations between the two countries. The official welcoming ceremony is currently taking place at the Presidential Palace.

Within the framework of the discussions, the issues that will be raised include bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy and investment, defense, shipping, education (with student exchange being in the foreground, as approximately 700-800 Cypriot students study in the Netherlands each year), as well as issues of agricultural economy, archaeology and tourism. In addition, regional developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Migration, the Cyprus and Euro-Turkish issues will be on the table of talks.

Further statements by both President Christodoulides and King Willem-Alexander will be made to the media following the extended talks of the delegations.