The Netherlands has confirmed plans to close diplomatic missions in five countries across Africa, Asia and South America.
The Dutch embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, is the latest mission added to the closure list. Embassies in Tripoli, Libya; Bujumbura, Burundi; and Yangon, Myanmar, had already been scheduled for shutdown, alongside the consulate-general in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Neighbouring embassies to take over
After the closures, Dutch embassies in neighbouring countries will manage the Netherlands’ interests in the affected nations.
These responsibilities will include promoting and protecting Dutch political, economic and consular interests. However, the Dutch government has not provided specific dates for when the missions will close.
Diplomatic network to be reduced
The Netherlands currently operates 113 embassies and 27 consulates-general around the world.
The planned closures will reduce the country’s diplomatic presence across four continents.
The affected regions include sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.
For countries such as Zimbabwe and Burundi, the change means Dutch interests will be handled from missions based in neighbouring states rather than from embassies within their territories.
