News item | 07-12-2023 | 12:54
The annual ambassadors’ conference will take place from Monday, January 29 to Thursday, February 1. Dutch top diplomats who work for the Netherlands worldwide will then come to The Hague for a working conference on how they promote the interests of the Netherlands abroad. After all, diplomats are there for the Netherlands, worldwide.
Program
Minister Hanke Bruins Slot of Foreign Affairs and Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation will discuss with the ambassadors. Meetings with Prime Minister Mark Rutte, various other ministers and MPs will follow later in the week.
This year special attention is paid to the security situation in the world. Discussions are held about the conflict situations that grip the world and the position the Netherlands occupies in this regard. Information security and personal safety at our posts also receive extensive attention. The ambassadors will also visit the port of Rotterdam where geopolitical developments, trade policy and the energy transition have tangible consequences.
Speed dating with entrepreneurs
The ambassadors also speak to social organizations, knowledge institutions and companies. On the business day, entrepreneurs can talk to the diplomats and explore international trade opportunities during the speed dates.
Global network
Worldwide, the Netherlands has 113 embassies, 28 consulates general, 12 permanent representations at international organizations such as the EU, UN and NATO and 2 embassy offices. According to the Australian Lowy Institute, the Netherlands has 16e diplomatic network of the world.