King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands are set to arrive in Cyprus later for a two-day state visit, following an invitation from President Nikos Christodoulides.
The couple are known for their dedication to public service and international diplomacy. King Willem-Alexander ascended the throne in 2013, following the abdication of his mother, Queen Beatrix. Queen Máxima, originally from Argentina, has been a beloved figure in the Netherlands since their marriage in 2002.
This marks the first visit of the couple to Cyprus, aiming to strengthen cooperation between the two nations. The official welcoming ceremony will take place at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday morning, followed by a private meeting and expanded talks between the delegations.
Discussions will cover bilateral cooperation in areas such as economy, investments, defense, shipping, education, agriculture, archaeology, and tourism.
Regional developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, migration, and Cyprus-EU-Turkey relations will also be on the agenda, according to Cyprus Radio
In what appears to be a varied schedule, the couple will visit the House of Representatives, the Search and Rescue Coordination Center (SRC) in Larnaca, and later tour potato plantations in Xylofagou and a potato production company in Liopetri.
Xylofagou, one of the main potato-producing areas, even has a potato statue, highlighting the importance of potato farming in the local economy. It is unknown if the couple will visit the monument.
They will also tour the old city along the ceasefire line and visit the Church of Panagia Faneromeni, followed by a meeting with graduates of Dutch universities at the House of Cooperation.
The couple will then visit the archaeological site of Choirokitia. Dutch archaeologists from the University of Leiden are currently excavating at the Palloures site in Chloraka.
The royal couple will depart Cyprus late Wednesday evening.
