The relationship between the Netherlands and Cyprus is “broad and multifaceted,” with notable cooperation in the agricultural sector, Dutch Ambassador Wouter Plomp said.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Plomp noted that it is a little-known fact that potatoes exported from Cyprus to various countries are actually grown from seed potatoes imported from the Netherlands.

He added that the two countries are also exploring ways to collaborate on introducing drought- and saline-resistant crops to the island.

“Whether you like it or not, across Europe and the world, climate change is already here. We need to mitigate it, but also adapt. One way to adapt in agriculture is by growing crops that are more resistant to dry conditions,” Plomp said.

Regarding efforts to address Cyprus’ water crisis, the ambassador said that Delft University is already cooperating with the Larnaca Sewerage and Drainage Board and is close to submitting a feasibility study on reusing brine water left over from desalination. This technology, he said, could help reduce the environmental footprint of desalination plants.

On energy cooperation, Plomp highlighted that the VTTI oil storage terminal in Vasiliko is a Dutch-Cypriot joint venture and the largest foreign direct energy investment on the island.

“It is a state-of-the-art facility where oil and gas are brought to shore and then distributed,” he said. “But of course, we are also working on new forms of energy that contribute to a more sustainable and renewable future.”

Plomp also mentioned that the University of Cyprus is working with the University of Groningen to enhance solar energy capacity through the Horizon 2020 programme, incorporating innovations from China.

He went on to express appreciation for Cyprus’ assistance in evacuating Dutch nationals from conflict zones such as Lebanon and Sudan.

In the cultural sphere, Plomp recalled that students from Leiden University have been excavating Neolithic sites in Chlorakas for more than a decade.

Meanwhile, the number of Cypriot students attending Dutch universities continues to rise, currently estimated at between 750 and 800.