The fourth round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of the Netherlands was held in The Hague on April 9, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs from the UAE, and Marcel de Vink, the Director-General for Political Affairs at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These consultations aimed to strengthen the already deep bilateral relations between the two nations. Both sides discussed various ways to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on economic collaboration, advanced technology, digital transformation, water management, renewable energy, and food security.
During the discussions, the two countries highlighted a significant growth in non-oil trade, which experienced an impressive increase of over 20% during the year 2023. This growth reflects the strengthening economic ties between the UAE and the Netherlands. Additionally, foreign direct investment flows between the two nations have also seen a substantial rise, amounting to approximately $1.07 billion in recent times.
Furthermore, the consultations provided a platform for both nations to exchange in-depth views on various international and regional developments, including the current situations in the Middle East and Europe. This dialogue underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the two friendly countries to effectively address global challenges and enhance international stability.
Both Nusseibeh and de Vink underscored their commitment to holding these political consultations regularly, which they believe will contribute to achieving shared goals that serve the interests of the peoples of both countries.
The UAE and the Netherlands have long enjoyed a robust partnership, characterized by mutual respect and collaboration across diverse fields. The consultations held in The Hague are a testament to their ongoing efforts to build on this foundation and explore new avenues for cooperation.
As the world faces increasing complexities and challenges, such diplomatic engagements become crucial for fostering understanding and collaboration. The UAE and the Netherlands are setting an example of how nations can work together to navigate the intricacies of global affairs.
In summary, the fourth round of consultations not only highlighted the positive trajectory of UAE-Netherlands relations but also reaffirmed both countries' dedication to enhancing their partnership in various sectors. The focus on economic cooperation, digital transformation, and sustainability is particularly relevant as nations strive to adapt to the changing global landscape.
With a shared vision for the future, the UAE and the Netherlands are poised to continue their collaboration, leveraging each other's strengths to address common challenges and seize new opportunities. The outcomes of these consultations are expected to pave the way for further initiatives that will benefit both nations and contribute to regional stability.
