NLTR400: the Netherlands-Turkey 2012

Preparations for programme in full swing

In 2012, Turkey and the Netherlands will mark 400 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both the Netherlands and Turkey are excited about this and are in full swing to prepare next year’s celebration under the flag NLTR400. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established the Project Group NLTR400 to coordinate programmes, official visits and joint communication, in cooperation with the Embassy in Ankara and Consulate-General in Istanbul. The Dutch-Turkish initiative focuses on strengthening the strategic, diplomatic, economic, social and cultural bonds between the two countries. Many activities will take place in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and some other Turkish cities and throughout the Netherlands. The launch of the programme in the Netherlands will be in April 2012. Contact: NLTR400@minbuza.nl.

SICA is coordinating the cultural activities in Turkey and is the contact point for the cultural sector. The Turkey Institute is the contact point for the civil society. SICA and Turkey Institute have received more than 300 ideas and project proposals. A 2012 committee is active in Turkey, too. It has received over 60 (cultural/ social) project proposals for activities in the Netherlands. For more information on the cultural programme contact SICA, Laurens Runderkamp or Veysel Yuce and visit the digital platform Cultural Exchange