Carlijn Lubbinge

Europe Department @DutchMFA 🇳🇱 / Responsible for Southeast Europe relations / Previous postings 🇹🇷 🇬🇷 & short-term assignments in 🇮🇹 🇨🇦 🇲🇹 🇪🇺 🇺🇬

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

As EU foreign ministers gather in Cyprus to discuss Ukraine and Europe’s security, @eddyvanwessel’s photographs show the human stories behind those conversations.

@andrii_sybiha and I visited his exhibition. A powerful reminder of why Europe must continue to stand with Ukraine.

[Rob Jetten @MinPres]

Türkiye is an important partner and NATO ally for both the Netherlands and the EU. We share close economic ties and work together closely on security and migration. Türkiye also acts a mediator on a number of major geopolitical conflicts, such as Ukraine and Gaza. I discussed these matters this afternoon with President @RTErdogan.

Of course, the war in Iran and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz also featured heavily in our discussion. Iran borders Türkiye, so this war is taking place on its doorstep. We also discussed stability in Syria and looked ahead to the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. I look forward to meeting President Erdoğan there.

[Rob Jetten @MinPres]

In view of all the geopolitical challenges and threats on and around our continent, it's vital that Europe acts as one. The countries of the Western Balkans are therefore important partners for the European Union.

At today’s EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, we discussed our European future. We are working together to strengthen our resilience to hybrid threats and step up sanctions against Russia. It’s also crucial that these countries continue to work on reforms and on measures to strengthen the rule of law, also with a view to their future in the European Union.

This year the Netherlands is celebrating 20 years of diplomatic relations with Montenegro. As I noted when I spoke with Prime Minister @MickeySpajic and President @JakovMilatovic, this is a special milestone. We look forward to further cooperation with Montenegro and the other countries of the Western Balkans.

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

Good to touch base with Western Balkan colleagues in Brussels. On behalf of the Benelux countries, I underlined the importance of our cooperation and regular dialogue. I also stressed the need for reforms, especially on anti-corruption and rule of law. 1/2

[Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 @DutchMFA]

Following his announced resignation, the Netherlands would like to thank Mr Christian Schmidt for his efforts as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past five years. We remain a staunch supporter of the @OHR_BiH to foster stability and progress on reforms.

[Rob Jetten @MinPres]

Had a pleasant first call with Prime Minister @ediramaal of Albania, a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the EU.

Our economic ties and security cooperation are already strong. We discussed scope for further expanding our partnership, e.g. on infrastructure and tourism.

Also talked about how Albania is taking significant steps to meet the criteria for the EU accession process. I look forward to meeting PM Rama at the EU-Western Balkans summit in June.

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

The bond between the Netherlands and Türkiye is strong. Glad to meet with Minister @HakanFidan in Ankara and to discuss shared priorities.

We spoke at length about our economic ties, NATO cooperation, EU-Türkiye relations, and the situation in Iran and the broader region. 1/2

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

This morning, I laid a wreath to honour the memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: the founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

He transformed the young Republic and led it to a better and progressive future. His legacy is celebrated by many, in Türkiye, the Netherlands and beyond.

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

Türkiye is our strategic partner and key NATO Ally. In these turbulent geopolitical times, we must work to deepen our ties.

That is why I am visiting Ankara. I will meet with my Turkish colleague @HakanFidan to discuss our cooperation, the situation in the Middle East, and more.

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

We agreed on the importance to prevent further regional escalation. And discussed the safe return of stranded travellers. 2/2

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

The Netherlands strongly condemns UAV and missile attacks towards Cyprus, our EU partner and friend. I called with Foreign Minister @ckombos and expressed my solidarity. 1/2

[Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ]

Europe works best when we stay closely connected.

I had warm introductory calls with @kajakallas, @prevotmaxime, @Xavier_Bettel and @AussenMinDE. Good, open exchanges about how we can advance our shared ambitions.

A good start. Looking forward to working together!

[Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 @DutchMFA]

Peace and stability in the Western Balkans equals a safer and more resilient Europe.

That is why the Netherlands will continue its support for effective arms control via @UNDP and @UNODC's Western Balkans Multi-Partner Trust Fund. A concrete example of arms control in action.

[Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 @DutchMFA]

Today, our MFA’s Deputy Secretary General raised the flag to mark the start of the #OrangeTheWorld campaign.

With this campaign we underline the importance of unity - women & men, in NL & worldwide - to combat the local and global challenge to end all violence against women.

[ReinoutVos @ReinoutVos]

A wonderful reunion of four famous Dutch and Albanian football veterans, who celebrated their memories of a match that took place in 1970, the year that our two countries started diplomatic relations. Thanks for flying in, Arie Haan and Ruud Krol!

[Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 @DutchMFA]

Caspar Veldkamp and Hanneke Boerma have tendered their resignations as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Foreign Trade, respectively. Their tasks will temporarily be carried out by defence minister Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin).

https://t.co/aOpYOQuQzM

[Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 @DutchMFA]

Today we mark Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day 🇺🇦

Ukrainians have been bombed, robbed of their homes and even their children. And yet they persist and stand strong.

The Netherlands will remain firm in its support. Our commitment to a free and independent Ukraine is unshakeable.

[Dutch Embassy in Serbia and in Montenegro @NLinBelgrade]

Good discussion between Vice Minister for European Cooperation Heleen Bakker and Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević about Montenegro’s progress towards EU accession. Quality of reforms matters more than speed – sustained commitment is key. NL stands ready to support.

[Dutch Embassy in Serbia and in Montenegro @NLinBelgrade]

Valuable discussion with 🇲🇪 civil society organizations on societal developments, the rule of law and Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations. The only path to 🇪🇺 membership is through profound and transformative reforms, and civil society plays an important role in this.

[Dutch Embassy in Serbia and in Montenegro @NLinBelgrade]

Current international challenges require close collaboration. Today, during bilateral consultations, Vice Minister Heleen Bakker and DG for Bilateral Affairs Aleksandar Drljević discussed 🇳🇱-🇲🇪 cooperation in the areas of EU accession, NATO, security, migration and the economy🤝