From shared sacrifices in past crises to thriving trade and agricultural innovation today, the Kurdish–Dutch partnership is evolving into a long-term, values-driven alliance rooted in trust, resilience, and sustainable growth.
A Dutch Delegation Strengthens Economic Ties
On September 8, 2025, a nine-member Dutch business delegation landed in the Kurdistan Region, marking a new chapter in the Kurdish–Dutch relationship. Their agenda includes high-level meetings with senior government officials and chambers of commerce in Erbil and Sulaimani, signaling a strong commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
The visiting delegation represents diverse sectors such as health, construction, branding, marketing, and agriculture. Business events were convened by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Erbil, followed by targeted matchmaking sessions with Kurdistani counterparts to convert dialogue into concrete partnerships.
Building on Recent Forums and Agreements
This mission follows the successful economic forum held in the Netherlands from June 9–13, 2025, co-organized by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department of Foreign Relations and the Dutch Consulate General. The event was led by H.E. Begard Talabani, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, and H.E. Dr. Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of the Board of Investment, alongside various Kurdistani business leaders.
Now, the delegation’s meetings in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah aim to turn interest into memorandums of understanding (MoUs), contracts, and purchase orders. The Consulate General plays a key role in ensuring introductions and follow-ups, building on nearly 15 years of Dutch diplomatic presence in Erbil.
Agricultural Innovation as a Cornerstone
Agriculture has emerged as one of the strongest areas of collaboration. Thanks to Dutch expertise and value-chain support, potato harvests in Kurdistan have increased from a few thousand tons to hundreds of thousands, showcasing how shared know-how translates into tangible success.
In addition, Dutch cooperation continues to fuel private-sector growth by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs. Through funding programs and business mentorship, Dutch advisors help transform ideas into investable projects, boosting local employment and innovation.
Partnership Forged Through Crisis and Solidarity
Kurdish–Dutch ties extend beyond commerce. In the early 1990s, during Operation Provide Comfort, the Netherlands supported humanitarian and security efforts in the Kurdistan Region. More recently, during the fight against ISIS, the Dutch government contributed military support, Peshmerga training, and aid for displaced families.
Dutch experts also assist with defense and security reforms through the Global Coalition and EU missions, with military advisors based in the Kurdistan Region to strengthen institutional capabilities.
A Symbolic and Values-Based Relationship
The partnership carries powerful symbols of solidarity. In The Hague, the Halabja Monument, inaugurated on March 29, 2014, stands at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons headquarters, honoring Kurdish victims of the 1988 chemical attack. This lasting reminder underscores the Netherlands’ moral commitment to Kurdistan, anchoring the relationship in dignity, remembrance, and respect.
Practical Opportunities for Business Growth
For the companies now engaging in Erbil and Sulaimani, the opportunities are real and immediate. Dutch firms bring world-class expertise in health services, infrastructure development, branding, and agricultural value chains. The matchmaking sessions led by local chambers of commerce are designed to accelerate deals, bridging the gap from first introductions to signed contracts.
A Long-Term Vision for Shared Prosperity
At the core of this week’s visit lies a consistent message: partnerships built on trust, strengthened through training and advisory support, and focused on practical solutions offer the strongest path to sustainable growth.
This delegation’s arrival is more than just another diplomatic event. It represents a strategic step forward in a relationship that Kurds and the Dutch have carefully nurtured over decades—a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for long-term prosperity.
