Within a month the Ambassador-designate after arriving in Slovakia he made a first regional visit to the Prešov -region together with the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Prešov Mr. Matus Murajda. The Ambassador met with local authorities and organizations and the Dutch business community as well as stakeholders that shared a regional perspective on support for Ukraine. The visit helped to build connections with the regional government, proved insights into ways to strengthen economic ties between our countries and was also useful with regard to the ongoing support for Ukraine.

The trip consisted of two days full of meetings and discussions. On the first day, the Ambassador met the Governor of the region, Mr. Majerský and his team to discuss the Dutch and other foreign investments in the region, local support for Ukraine and the strong benefits stemming from Slovakia’s EU-Membership for the region of Prešov.

Two Dutch companies that were visited are a shining example of strong economic ties between the Netherlands and Slovakia. These companies as well as other Dutch investors and entrepreneurs active in the region support local jobs, knowledge and income together with their Slovak partners. The Dutch company De Jong is currently building a new production facility for stainless hot water tanks which will provide hundreds of local jobs. Another Dutch company De Heus – a global producer of animal nutrition, is working together locally with Slovakia’s agricultural sector.

On the second day, the Ambassador visited the Mayor of Prešov, Mr. Frantisek Oľha. They discussed a wide range of topics ranging from cycling (the Mayor is inviting cycling tourists from the Netherlands to come and enjoy cycling infrastructure in the city and its surrounding nature) and the upcoming European football championship. The Mayor and the Ambassador also discussed the destructive impact of disinformation to society and shared insights on economic opportunities also related to reconstruction of neighboring Ukraine. Mr. Olha accompanied the Ambassador to the beautifully restored Synagogue which hosts one of the oldest Jewish expositions in the region. The Ambassador also visited the almost finished football stadium, which will host the Dutch football team at the 2025 UEFA European under-21 Championship in June.

The remaining time of the visit to the Prešov region was dedicated to Ukraine, which is only an hour and a half drive from Prešov. The Ambassador met with Ambassador of Transcarpathia Mr. Eduard Buras who shared his expertise on Ukraine. Finally, the Ambassador met with local community of volunteers engaged in support for Ukraine.

The whole trip in Prešov was organized together with Mr. Matus Murajda, who has been the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for almost 20 years. The Honorary Consul accompanied the Ambassador on all his meetings and organized an informal dinner with the Dutch business community to welcome him in the region and discuss the interests of Dutch companies.