The Netherlands is considering opening an embassy in Windhoek as part of plans to expand its diplomatic network in response to changing geopolitical and economic priorities.
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen said the government will explore establishing embassies in Namibia and Montenegro in collaboration with Belgium and Luxembourg under enhanced Benelux cooperation.
“The government will also explore the option of eventually opening embassies in Podgorica (Montenegro) and Windhoek (Namibia), in collaboration with Belgium and Luxembourg,” Berendsen said.
The potential Windhoek mission forms part of a broader restructuring of the Netherlands’ diplomatic network, backed by an additional €35 million, approximately N$657 million, for new missions and investment in existing embassies and consulates.
The Dutch government said decisions on where to strengthen its diplomatic presence will be guided by geopolitical developments, economic interests, government priorities and its responsibility to support Dutch citizens abroad.
Under the planned changes, the Netherlands will also strengthen its diplomatic presence in Damascus, Syria, citing interests related to migration, security and stability.
The government has meanwhile reversed an earlier decision to close its consulate-general in Antwerp, Belgium, as it moves to deepen cooperation within the Benelux region.
Berendsen said the Antwerp mission plays an important role in supporting businesses and organisations involved in energy, logistics and port cooperation.
“The consulate-general plays an important role in supporting businesses and other organisations in the region, including those concerned with energy, logistics and port cooperation. In light of this, and given our long-standing close economic ties with Belgium, I have decided to keep the consulate-general open,” he said.
The Netherlands has also reversed the planned closure of its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, because of the humanitarian situation in the country.
In the United States, the Dutch government plans to relocate its consulate-general from Atlanta to Houston, Texas, citing economic opportunities in sectors including high-tech and semiconductors, energy, water, infrastructure and defence.
However, several previously announced diplomatic mission closures will proceed.
These include Dutch embassies in Tripoli, Libya; Bujumbura, Burundi; and Yangon, Myanmar, as well as the consulate-general in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Dutch embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, will also close, with the Netherlands planning to manage its interests in affected countries through diplomatic missions in neighbouring states.
The Netherlands currently operates 113 embassies and 27 consulates-general worldwide.
