A Dutch government delegation is currently visiting Odessa on a working visit, assessing the city's security and humanitarian situation and identifying potential avenues for business cooperation and post-war reconstruction support.
The visit builds on momentum established in March 2026, when the Odessa branch of the Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine and the Port of Rotterdam signed a Memorandum of Cooperation covering logistics, port security, infrastructure recovery, and technical assistance.
During the visit, Robert Dreisen of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Robert Dekker, head of the political department at the Netherlands Embassy in Ukraine, met with members of the Odesa City Council. They also held separate meetings with Nadiia Zadorozhna, First Deputy Head of the Odesa City Military Administration, and Alla Bekh, Deputy Mayor of Odessa.
The Dutch representatives reaffirmed their country's unwavering support for Ukrainian sovereignty, condemning Russian aggression in unambiguous terms. The delegation pledged that the Netherlands would continue providing comprehensive assistance to the Ukrainian people for as long as necessary — both to achieve victory and to rebuild the country.
Beyond expressions of political solidarity, the talks turned to practical matters. The Dutch side expressed interest in understanding how Odessa's two parallel governance structures — the elected city council and the wartime military administration — divide responsibilities and function together. Discussions also covered the city's current needs, its long-term development vision, cross-border cooperation, and sectors with potential for future investment.
