Dutch FM visits Ukraine, reaffirms strong bilateral ties

Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp has arrived in Ukraine on an official visit, marking a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between the Netherlands and Ukraine.

His itinerary included high-level meetings and symbolic gestures of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

As part of the visit, Minister Veldkamp traveled to Lviv, where he joined a Ukrainian delegation in honoring the memory of the country’s fallen defenders. The delegation laid flowers at a memorial site, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in defense of Ukraine.

Lviv’s Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, who welcomed the Dutch Foreign Minister, highlighted the importance of the visit and its comprehensive agenda. “The program includes participation in an important conference and a series of working meetings,” Sadovyi noted, emphasizing the broader significance of Dutch-Ukrainian relations.

Key topics discussed during the visit included Ukraine’s European Union integration and the strengthening of cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands, particularly at the municipal level. Mayor Sadovyi underlined the value of such diplomatic engagements in deepening bilateral ties and advancing Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership.

This visit builds on a strong foundation of support from the Netherlands in recent months. In January, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the Netherlands would provide military assistance aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

In March, the Dutch government confirmed that it would fast-track a portion of its €3.5 billion aid package initially scheduled for 2026. According to Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s spokesperson, the Netherlands will now allocate €2 billion of that amount within 2025. The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Paris on March 27.

Furthermore, following a working visit to the Netherlands, Defense Minister Umerov revealed that the Dutch government would also allocate €700 million specifically for drone-related support to Ukraine. Discussions also included the development of a dedicated "Drone Line," underscoring the growing technological cooperation between the two nations.

Minister Umerov praised the Netherlands for being among the leading supporters of Ukraine, stating that their commitment has remained steadfast. “The Netherlands is one of the leaders in supporting Ukraine, and their support continues unwaveringly,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova