From left to right: Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Mammad Ahmadzad; Mistress of the Robes of the Royal Household, H.E. Ms. Bibi Countess van Zuylen van Nijevelt-den Beer Poortugael and Mrs. Aynura Huseynova.

28 May – Official Reception on the Occasion of Independence Day

THE HAGUE – 26 May 2026 – The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted an official reception to celebrate 28 May – Independence Day. The event also highlighted the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku and marked the inauguration of the Azerbaijan–Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.

The reception brought together representatives of the Dutch Royal Court, government, parliament, international organizations, the diplomatic corps, business and academic communities, media, religious groups, and the Azerbaijani diaspora. 

Following the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the Netherlands, Ambassador Mammad Ahmadzada emphasized the historical significance of Independence Day, Azerbaijan’s development under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, and growing bilateral cooperation with the Netherlands. He also highlighted WUF13 and the declaration of 2026 as Azerbaijan’s “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.”

Guest speakers Erik Weststrate, Director for Europe at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, congratulated Azerbaijan and underlined the positive momentum in bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and the successful organization of WUF13 in Baku.

The event also introduced the Azerbaijan–Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, established by leading Azerbaijani and Dutch companies such as NEQSOL Holding, Royal Dutch LV Logistics, Damen Shipyards, Royal Haskoning, Signify, Van Oord, TAMM Solutions, TRAST BV, AZ Legal Services, and BDO, to strengthen business partnerships and expand economic cooperation.

The cultural program featured Amsterdam-based ensemble Watergang Kwartet, whose performances of Azerbaijani and Dutch musical works symbolized the friendship between the two nations.