King and Queen of the Netherlands meet with President Christodoulides, First Lady (pics)

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on the morning of Tuesday, 4 March, where they were welcomed by President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides.

Following the official welcoming ceremony, during which the National Anthems of the two countries were performed, the King laid a wreath at the Monument of Archbishop Makarios III.

A private meeting followed and then extensive talks were scheduled to take place between the delegations of the two sides.

This is the first time that the Dutch Royal Couple are visiting Cyprus and the visit is set to mark the beginning of a closer cooperation between Cyprus and the Netherlands.

The agenda includes issues of bilateral cooperation such as economy-investments, defense, shipping, education-student exchange (approximately 700-800 Cypriot students go to the Netherlands to study each year), issues of agricultural economy, archaeology and tourism. On the agenda are also regional developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, migration, the Cyprus issue and EU-Turkey relations.

After extended talks between the delegations, the President of the Republic and the King of the Netherlands will make brief statements to the press.

During the expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries, the Dutch Queen will tour the Presidential Palace Garden with the First Lady. This is a model organic farm, within the framework of a European Cross-Border Cooperation programme. 

The Royal Couple will then proceed to the House of Representatives, where they will be welcomed by the President of the House Annita Demetriou. 

Also read: The King and Queen of The Netherlands in Cyprus for a state visit

(Sources: CNA/PIO)