On 1st October 2025, the 65th Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus was celebrated at Hotel Des Indes in The Hague. His Excellency Dr. Spyros Attas, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Mrs.  Domna Paschalidou-Attas warmly welcomed over 130 guests to this vibrant reception.

The presence of the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. George Savvides, and the Deputy Attorney General, Mr. Savvas Angelides, made the celebration especially festive. Among the guests were the Director-General of the OPCW; the ambassadors of Brazil, France, Germany, Egypt, Japan, Italy, Peru, Malta, Belgium, Greece, El Salvador, Yemen, and Uruguay; Greek-Orthodox bishops; and representatives of the international and cultural community in The Hague.

In his welcome speech, H.E. Dr. Spyros Attas, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, reminded his audience that Cyprus was born out of a bitter anti-colonial struggle in 1960 and has preserved its independence in the face of exceptionally difficult circumstances, many of which persist to this day.

Ambassador Dr. Spyros Attas highlighted the enduring friendship and growing cooperation between Cyprus and the Netherlands. Over the past year, relations between the two countries have deepened, particularly in the fields of humanitarian coordination, research, agriculture, and tourism. The Ambassador referred to the visit of Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Cyprus in March 2024, describing it as “a milestone in our already excellent relations.”

His Excellency also emphasized Cyprus’s role as a reliable partner in times of crisis, noting the country’s support for Dutch and other European evacuation operations from Sudan and Lebanon. In addition, he expressed appreciation for the many Cypriot students and professionals who live and work in the Netherlands, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

Ambassador Attas underlined Cyprus’s steadfast commitment to international law, human rights, and multilateral cooperation, as well as its solidarity with nations facing aggression, including Ukraine. He also mentioned Cyprus’s humanitarian initiative, the “Amalthia Maritime Corridor”, established to deliver essential aid to civilians in Gaza.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Attas announced that Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2026, pledging to “strive for a stronger, more secure, and more resilient European Union.”

The festive atmosphere was beautifully underscored by the performance of the Jazz Trio, who performed the national anthems of Cyprus and the Netherlands in a lively and captivating way. The members of the trio were Marios Charalambous (Cyprus) on saxophone, Evan van der Feen on double bass, and Arjun Ramdas on keyboard.

The evening culminated in a heartfelt toast to the Republic of Cyprus, celebrating 65 years of independence, friendship, and shared European values. Guests raised their glasses in an atmosphere of joy and unity, reflecting the strong bonds between Cyprus and the Netherlands and their shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and prosperity.

https://www.royal-house.nl/latest/news/2025/02/18/state-visit-to-cyprus—programme