Understanding the historical ties between India and the Netherlands is the key to furthering the relations between the two countries, said Venu Rajamony, India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, here on Monday.
Delivering the Diplomat Lecture 2019, organised by the K.P.S. Menon Chair for Diplomatic Studies of the School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University; Mr. Rajamony said there was great potential for both the countries to build a strong future together and emphasised the need to enhance their historical relations through political, economic and cultural collaborations.
The Netherlands has great expertise in land reclamation, water management and in recycling technologies.
Food processing
It is capable of offering technical expertise in flood control. India can have fruitful economic relations with the Netherlands in the areas of food processing, waste management, sanitation, urban planning and higher education.
Success story
“Despite being buffeted by natural calamities for centuries, the Dutch people are a success story and this has a direct relevance to Kerala, which is just recovering from a devastating floods recently,” he said.
As part of assisting the State in dealing with the aftermath of the recent floods, Mr.Rajamony is slated to hold consultations with the State government on the possibility of extending the Dutch assistance.
Sabu Thomas, Vice Chancellor-in-charge was the guest of honour. A.M. Thomas, Director, School of International Relations and Politics, also spoke on the occasion.