NLTR 400: 400 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Turkey

NLTR 400: 400 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Turkey

In 1612, the Dutch envoy Cornelis Haga presented his letters of credence on behalf of the Republic of the United Provinces to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. So next year, in 2012, Turkey and the Netherlands will be celebrating 400 years of diplomatic relations. The government is looking forward to a memorable year.

Relations between the Netherlands and Turkey

Turkey is becoming an increasingly important trade partner for the Netherlands. The volume of trade between the two countries has doubled in the past ten years, and is projected to rise. Apart from economic ties, there are a growing number of cultural and social exchanges, and more and more Dutch tourists are taking holidays in the Turkish sun, or enjoying a city break in Istanbul. And of course, the two countries are united in a very special way, now that the Netherlands is home to 380,000 people of Turkish origin.

In other words, there is every reason to celebrate this 400th anniversary together. Preparations are already well under way in both the Netherlands and Turkey.

Bilateral celebrations in 2012

In 2012, we plan to present a programme with a wide range of activities and events in both the Netherlands and Turkey. The main focus will be on cooperation and exchange. The mission network in Turkey, ministries, local authorities and cultural and community organisations like the Turkey Institute and the Dutch Centre for International Cultural Activities (SICA) will all make an important contribution. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a project group to coordinate the many initiatives to be launched by government authorities and other parties.

The celebrations will look to the future, with the aim of boosting bilateral relations. The focus will be on economic diplomacy and people-to-people contact, spotlighting infrastructure, water and maritime affairs; the environment, energy and waste treatment; the automotive and agri-food industries; international law and security; the creative industry and culture sector; science, technology and education; social initiatives; talent development and sport. Both the Netherlands and Turkey believe that it is important to involve young people in the celebrations.

Website, information and newsletter

This page will keep you informed of events. We will be launching a dedicated website at the start of 2012. If you have any questions or want to receive our newsletter, please send an email to: NLTR400@minbuza.nl.

For more information on the Netherlands’ relations with Turkey, go to:

Dutch Embassy, Ankara: http://turkije.nlambassade.org

Dutch consulate-general, Istanbul: http://www.mfa.nl/ist

NL Agency: http://www.agentschap.nl/; http://www.hollandtrade.com

Dutch Centre for International Cultural Activities (SICA): http://www.culturalexchange-tr.nl/

Turkey Institute: http://turkije-instituut.nl (in Dutch)