Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (; BZ) is the Netherlands' ministry responsible for foreign relations, foreign policy, international development, international trade, diaspora and matters dealing with the European Union, NATO and the Benelux Union. The ministry was created in 1798, as the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Batavian Republic. In 1876, it became the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is the head of the ministry and a member of the Cabinet of the Netherlands, the incumbent acting minister is Wopke Hoekstra. The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation is a minister without portfolio within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its incumbent minister is Liesje Schreinemacher. History The Ministry was formed in 1798 as the Department of Foreign Affairs. Since 1965 a special Minister for International Development has been appointed in each government with the exception of the First Balkenende cabinet and the First Rutte cabinet). Responsibilities The Ministry is responsible for the foreign relations of the Netherlands and its responsibilities are as follows: to maintain relations with other countries and international organisations. to promote cooperation with other countries. to help developing countries accelerate their social and economic development through international cooperation. to promote the interests of Dutch nationals and the Netherlands abroad. to collect information on other countries and international developments for the Government and other interested parties. to provide information on Dutch policy and the Netherlands' position on international issues and developments. to present the Netherlands to the world. to deal with applications from and the problems of foreigners living in the Netherlands or seeking to enter or leave the country.