Celebrations begin to mark 400th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Netherlands

THE HAGUE (A.A) - February 29, 2012 - Celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Netherlands began with a formal ceremony on Wednesday in The Hague. Speaking at a ceremony held at the Municipality of The Hague, Turkish Ambassador to the Netherlands Ugur Dogan said that they wanted to carry the good bilateral relations to the future. The ceremony held at the Municipality of The Hague was attended by Ambassador Dogan, Mayor of The Hague Jozias van Aartsen and many Turkish as well as Dutch guests. An exhibition consisting of paintings on the first Turks who arrived in the Netherlands was also inaugurated as part of the ceremony with the contributions of the Dutch History Museum. Many activities and events have been planned in both Turkey and the Netherlands to celebrate the 400th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Such events will further develop our relations, Ambassador Dogan said. Turks living in the Netherlands play the role of a bridge between our two countries, Dogan stressed. -35,000 Turks in the Hague- Mayor Jozias van Aartsen, in his part, said that 35,000 Turks living in The Hague contributed enormously to the economy of the city. This Turkish population, to make the middle class of the future, is essential for our country and city, Aartsen said. While I feel concerned about certain efforts to alienate certain groups, I know that the future of the Netherlands lies in international cooperation and Europe, Aartsen noted. It would be a grave mistake to keep Turkey out of Europe, Aartsen underlined. As part of the ceremony, a folklore group performed local dances.