Meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burundi and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

On August 3, 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, received Ms. Lianne H. W. S. Huben, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Burundi, who came to bid farewell at the conclusion of her diplomatic mission.

In her remarks, Ms. Lianne Huben expressed her deep appreciation for the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that have united Burundi and the Netherlands for more than six decades. She commended the Ministry’s consistent collaboration and support throughout her tenure, noting that her country has supported Burundi in key areas such as food security, health, human rights, and youth employment.

She noted that, for budgetary reasons, certain diplomatic missions have been closed, and that the Embassy of the Netherlands in Burundi will cease operations on July 31, 2027. From that date forward, bilateral relations will be managed by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dar es Salaam.

She reassured, however, that ongoing projects will continue to be implemented through Dutch funding provided to the European Union, the World Bank, the United Nations, and other local partners and organizations such as the Red Cross and UNICEF. She also highlighted her country’s regular contribution of 4 million euros to the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) as part of regional peacebuilding efforts.

Taking the floor, His Excellency Minister Édouard Bizimana warmly thanked Ms. Lianne Huben for her commitment, courage, and exemplary collaboration during her time in Burundi. He wished her success in her future career, while reaffirming the importance of cooperation between the two countries, which will continue through the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dar es Salaam.

The Minister particularly emphasized the relevance of ongoing projects, notably those related to youth employment and security, which he described as initiatives of paramount importance for the development of Burundi and the region as a whole.