Minister Işıkhan Held Talks in the Netherlands
Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan paid a visit to the Netherlands to held various talks and attend programs.
Minister Işıkhan met with the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Hans Viljbrief within the scope of his talks in the Netherlands.
Wishing auspicious work to Minister Viljbrief in his new position, Işıkhan stated, “I thank Dutch delegation for their participation in OECD Skills Summit 2026 and valuable contribution they made.”
Putting emphasis on the importance attached by Türkiye to the diplomatic relations with the Netherlands ongoing for over four centuries, Minister Işıkhan said, “Our citizens in the Netherlands, who comprise one of the major Turkish communities abroad, have now become an integral part of the Netherlands in many fields varying from academia and economy to politics and culture. The unique bridge they built between our countries has robust foundations, raising us to the present. We take pride in the achievements of Turkish community in the Netherlands.”
Drawing attention to the fact that enhancing participation of notably youth in general and vocational education and eliminating their incompatibility in terms of skills, Işıkhan continued his words as follows:
“I am of the opinion that addressing the triple transformation consisting of green and digital transformation, which includes skills, falls upon us as Labour Ministers. Within this framework, we regard our cooperation in the fields of work life, employment, social security and social protection as strategic. Our President H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also attaches particular importance to enhancement of relations with the Netherlands in every sphere.”
Touching upon the fact that Türkiye deems the Netherlands as one of the major partners with which close cooperation is maintained on the basis of European institutions and common European values, Minister Işıkhan stated, “The Social Security Agreement in force between our countries for over 50 years and current cooperation mechanisms constitute a crucial ground, particularly in terms of the protection of our citizens’ social rights. As Türkiye, we would like to maintain and further deepen our relations in line with this current basis for agreement and other technical/administrative prospects for cooperation.
Within the scope of his programs, Işıkhan met with Turkish representatives of CSOs functioning in the Netherlands and business persons as well.
Minister Işıkhan visited Fatma Ceren Yazgan, Ambassador of Türkiye to the Hague, within the scope of his official visits in the Netherlands and thanked the Ambassador and Embassy personnel for their endeavours aiming to strengthen the relations between Türkiye and the Netherlands.
Visiting Rotterdam Consulate General as well, Minister Işıkhan congratulated the personnel and Consul General Sevgi Kısacık, extending his wishes for success.