Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Mr. Séverin MBARUBUKEYE, Permanent Secretary in charge of East African Community (EAC) Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, joined the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Burundi and the Dutch community living in Burundi in the ceremonies celebrating the birthday of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.
In his address, Mr. Séverin MBARUBUKEYE indicated that this celebration is a special moment to pay tribute to the history, values and achievements of the Dutch people, known for their innovative spirit, their attachment to freedom and their commitment to sustainable development.
He also noted that the Government of Burundi appreciates the role played by the King in the stability of this prosperous nation, which respects its chosen system, as well as the harmonious relationship between the King and his people. He wishes him excellent health and much success in his noble duties. Relations between Burundi and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are long-standing and have been characterized by valuable cooperation in essential areas of national life in key sectors such as food security, reproductive health, the rule of law and youth entrepreneurship which have benefited from support estimated at over euros 500 million since 2004.
The Permanent Secretary concluded his remarks by expressing Burundi’s gratitude for the Netherlands’ contributions to sustainable development. He also emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening this bilateral partnership in an evolving international context, and noted that this celebration of King Willem-Alexander resonates as a symbol of enduring friendship between two nations destined to renew their cooperation.
In her speech, Ms. Lianne Houben, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Burundi, recalled that the Netherlands and Burundi have enjoyed strong relations of friendship and development cooperation for over 60 years. Key sectors such as food security, reproductive health, the rule of law, and youth entrepreneurship have received support estimated at over €500 million since 2004. These interventions have improved the living conditions of hundreds of thousands of Burundians. Regarding the question of the Embassy’s closure by July 2027, Mrs. Houben indicated that it was a difficult decision due to overall budgetary constraints. Nevertheless, Ambassador Houben emphasized the commitment to continuing ongoing projects to their completion and ensuring a sustainable transfer to other partners.