Eurasia Diary presents the interview with Mr. Onno Kervers, former honorable and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Azerbaijan.

Mr. Onno K. has worked as an ambassador in Azerbaijan during 2016-2019 years.

During the interview, cooperation between the countries, cultural events, commitments, and future plans were discussed.

Eurasia Diary presents the views of Mr. Kervers:

“I can say that I had a great time, both personally and professionally, when I was in diplomatic service for four years in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is an important country for the Netherlands and we have good diplomatic cooperation in political issues, trade and economy, management, human rights, and cultural activities.

We have successfully deepened our ties in all these areas, including our cooperation with UNFPA and UNICEF in the agricultural sector, as well as the protection of girls' and women's rights and gender issues, and our active cooperation in the field of culture, such as photo exhibitions and performances by Dutch musicians at the Baku Jazz Festival.

I am pleased with these achievements, and I am confident that my successor, Ambassador Pauline Eisemann (current Ambassador of the Netherlands to Azerbaijan), will develop and expand our relations in the field of cooperation.

I have made many friends in Azerbaijan. I am sure that I will return to Baku one day after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and the relative normalization of air transport. For example, I miss the Caspian Sea, which is visible from our office in Icheri Sheher and the Caucasus Mountains but mostly kind and hospitable Azerbaijani people, whom I wish peace and prosperity in a free and democratic Azerbaijan, "he said.

Note: Onno Kervers has studied international law at the University of Leiden. Then he worked in the field of foreign policy. He is a professional diplomat with 36 years of experience. Azerbaijan is the 12th place in his diplomatic service and the second country after Venezuela to serve as ambassador. He is interested in photography. His photo exhibition was held in Baku on December 10, 2017.

Interviewer: Jamila Chebotareva

Translator: Amina Balakishiyeva