Dutch foreign minister joins EUMA patrol to Armenian-Azerbaijani border areas

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp, during his visit to Armenia, visited the Armenian-Azerbaijani border area with EU monitoring mission personnel.

“Honoured to host Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, Ambassador Marieke Monroy, and the visiting delegation,” the EU monitoring mission (EUMA) said on X. It added that EUMA head of mission Markus Ritter briefed Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp “on the Mission’s activities and current situation during a patrol to border areas.”

Honoured to host Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, Ambassador Marieke Monroy @marieke_monroy, and the visiting delegation. #EUMA HoM briefed @ministerBZ on the Mission’s activities and current situation during a patrol to border areas. pic.twitter.com/cPAJRp2Q66

— European Union Mission in Armenia (@EUmARMENIA) March 12, 2025

The Dutch FM, in a post on X, lauded EUMA for fostering stability and security in the region.

“Glad to witness firsthand the important work of EUMA and to meet Dutch colleagues at this mission. Their contribution to fostering stability and security in the region is invaluable, building trust among local communities. I commend EUMA Head of Mission Markus Ritter and his team for their pioneering work setting up this mission. The Netherlands supports their efforts,” he said.

I commend EUMA Head of Mission Markus Ritter and his team for their pioneering work setting up this mission. The Netherlands supports their efforts. 2/2

— Caspar Veldkamp (@ministerBZ) March 12, 2025

FM Veldkamp arrived in Armenia on March 12 and met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. He attended the official opening ceremony of the Dutch embassy in Yerevan. Armenia and the Netherlands signed a declaration of strategic partnership during the visit.