Iran–Netherlands relations

Iran–Netherlands relations

Iran	Netherlands

Iran–Netherlands relations refers to diplomatic relations between Iran and the Netherlands. Relations between the Netherlands and Persia has existed since the 17th century. However, the relationship changed significantly after the Iranian Revolution.

Development

Beginning the Relation in 17th Century

The political relations between Persia and the Netherlands was started during the Kingdom of Shah Abbas. In 1626, the first Persian ambassador to Holland, Mousa Beig (Persian: موسی بیگ) presented his Credentials at the States-General of the Netherlands.

20th Century

The Netherlands' Prince Bernhard, Shah of Iran and Queen Farah, Tehran, 1970s

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Persian and Royal Dutch Families had various state visits to each other's countries.

Relations with the Islamic Republic

The Netherlands has condemned Iran over its nuclear program.

In 2011, Dutch Foreign Minister announced the suspension of official relations between the Netherlands and Iran, in the aftermath of the execution, in Iran, of a Dutch-Iranian woman.

Trade

The Netherlands was formally one of Iran's leading trade partners in Europe. At least 65 Dutch companies have economic ties with the Islamic Republic. In spite of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, Shell, an UK-registered Anglo-Dutch oil company continues to buy billions in crude oil from Iran each year.

Political-Economic Conflicts

In the 1970s, the Persian Embassy in Wassenaar and later in The Hague was occupied by the Persian students. In 1974 the Persian (Iranian) government suspended all imports from Netherlands for a while. It was a sign of protest on that time.

In 2008 Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the Iran's Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, warned the Netherlands not to Air Controversial 'Anti-Muslim' Film by Geert Wilders.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has on various occasions criticised the Netherlands for funding the station. During the 2009 public unrest and demonstrations in Iran, Majid Ghahremani, Iranian ambassador to the Netherlands, accused the Dutch government of interfering in Iran's internal affairs. At the same time, a Dutch foreign ministry spokeswoman told Reuters that they had decided to continue to provide funding to the radio station, with the aim of improving the situation of human rights in Iran.

Other relations

Iran has accused the Netherlands of supporting terrorism in Iran. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said "We can see an example of the wrong path of Western countries, especially the Netherlands, in supporting terrorist groups... who have over 12,000 killings in their records," Mehmanparast said at his weekly press conference.

Cultural relations

In 2011 Iran established a series of cultural exhibits showing pictures featuring Iran's historical monuments and tourist attractions.

See also

• Iranians in the Netherlands
• Anti-Iranian sentiment in the Netherlands

Literature

• Herbert, Thomas. Travels in Persia 1627-1629. Edited by Sir Williams Foster, London, 1928.
• Perzië Blokkert Import Uit Ons Land. Nieuwsblad van het Noorden, 19-04-1974.
• Meilink, M. A. P. The earliest Relations between Persia and the Netherlands. "Persica" (Annual of the Dutch-Iranian Society), Vol. 6, 1974.
• Hotz, A. Journaal der reis van den gezant der O. I Compagnie, Joan Cunaus naar Perzië in 1651-1652 door Cornelis Speelman. Hist Gen., Utrecht, Amsterdam, 1980.