Turkish Foreign Minister Meets with Dutch Leaders in The Hague

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot in The Hague on Friday as part of the 10th Türkiye-Netherlands Conference. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries and addressing regional issues of mutual concern.

During the discussions, Fidan and the Dutch officials covered a range of topics, including the situation in Gaza, developments in Ukraine, and the ongoing fight against terrorism. They also investigated potential areas for increased cooperation between Türkiye and the Netherlands, particularly in the fields of energy, environment, climate, digital and green transformation, and new technologies.

The Türkiye-Netherlands Conference has been held regularly since 2008, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enhance relations between the two countries. The conferences alternate between Türkiye and the Netherlands, with the foreign ministers chairing the meetings.

Why this matters: The meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Dutch leaders underscores the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties and addressing regional challenges collaboratively. As Türkiye and the Netherlands mark significant milestones in their bilateral relationship, including the 100th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty and the 60th anniversary of the Labor Agreement, the conference serves as a platform to further strengthen cooperation and explore new avenues for partnership.

The Netherlands has been the largest foreign investor in Türkiye between 2005 and January 2024, with investments totaling approximately $29 billion. Both countries recognize the potential for expanded cooperation, especially in areas such as energy, environment, climate, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.

Key Takeaways

• Turkish FM Fidan met Dutch PM Rutte and FM Slot to strengthen bilateral ties.
• Discussions covered regional issues, including Gaza, Ukraine, and counterterrorism.
• Potential areas for increased cooperation include energy, climate, and technology.
• Türkiye-Netherlands Conference held since 2008 to enhance relations between the countries.