Dutch foreign minister inaugurates new embassy in PH
The Netherlands formally opened its new embassy building in Makati on July 23, underscoring its long-term commitment to the Philippines as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
In a news release, the embassy said Netherlands Foreign Minister H.E. Tom Berendsen, together with Dutch Ambassador H.E. Marielle Geraedts, led the inauguration of the embassy’s new office at Ayala Triangle Garden Tower II during the minister’s official visit to the Philippines.
Joining the ceremony were Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines H.E. Archbishop Charles John Brown, who also serves as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and led the blessing of the new office, and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Economic and Cultural Diplomacy Maria Andrelita Austria.
The opening coincides with the milestone anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Netherlands. Berendsen is the second Dutch foreign minister to visit the Philippines in recent years, signaling the growing importance both countries place on their partnership.
Designed around the principles of openness and sustainability, the new embassy features an open layout that allows natural light to flow throughout the building, reflecting Dutch architectural values of transparency. Its design also draws inspiration from water — an element shared by both the Netherlands and the Philippines — symbolizing cooperation, resilience, and sustainable development.
The embassy said the expanded space will better support its diplomatic, economic and consular functions while providing more room for meetings and events that strengthen ties between Dutch and Filipino partners.
Berendsen said the 75th anniversary is ultimately a celebration of the people who have strengthened bilateral relations over the decades.
“An anniversary like this [75 years, red.] is, of course, about history – about cooperation between nations, about trade, education, culture, and diplomacy. But above all, it’s about people. About connections that have deepened and strengthened over time,” he said.
The Dutch government said the new embassy reflects its long-term investment in the Philippines and its commitment to expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, maritime security, and the international legal order.
Austria echoed the importance of the bilateral relationship during the ceremony and shared that she is an alumnus of an educational institution in the Netherlands, highlighting the strong people-to-people links that continue to underpin relations between the two countries.
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