Australia–Netherlands relations

Australian–Dutch relations

Australia

Netherlands
Monthly value of Australian merchandise exports to the Netherlands (A$ millions) since 1988
Monthly value of Dutch merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

Australia–Netherlands relations refer to bilateral relations between Australia and the Netherlands. Australia has an embassy in The Hague. The Netherlands has an embassy in Canberra. The two countries communicate and cooperate on a range of issues, including counterterrorism, climate change, human rights, and the Millennium Development Goals.[1] In 2001 the countries signed an agreement on social security for those who have lived or worked in both countries.[1]

During the period 1606-1770, Dutch seafarers visited Australia numerous times.[2]

As of 2006 the Dutch ambassador to Australia was Niek van Zutphen.[2]

During the period 1947–1971 about 160,000 Dutch people emigrated to Australia, and As of 2006 there are around 90,000 Australians of Dutch descent.[2]

Historically, diplomatic issues have arisen over West New Guinea,[3] and Indonesia's independence from the Netherlands.[4] In 1955, Prime Minister Robert Menzies visited the Netherlands to discuss the issue of West Papua with Dutch officials including the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Willem Drees and Foreign Minister Joseph Luns.[5][6]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Relations of Australia and Netherlands.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Netherlands country brief". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Australian Government. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "400 years of bilateral relations". Holland Focus. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  3. "Australia 'Won't Back' Dutch in Guinea Fight". The Calgary Herald. 24 Jan 1962. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  4. Ismail, Sah-Hadiyatan (May 2011). "Australia and the Indonesian Independence". Asian Social Science (Canadian Center of Science and Education) 7 (5): 151–157.
  5. "Menzies on Tour: Netherlands". Menzies on Tour: Travelling with Robert Menzies, 1950-1959. eScholarship Research Centre, The University of Melbourne. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  6. "Mr Menzies arrives in Amsterdam". The Canberra Times. 22 February 1955. p. 1. Retrieved 18 December 2014.