The newly appointed Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk have started work in their new roles at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, as part of the new Jetten government.
Yeşilgöz (48) is the successor to Ruben Brekelmans and Boswijk (36) succeeds Gijs Tuinman.
4 years of war: “Ukraine can count on us!”
The 24th of February marked 4 years since the start of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a show of support, the Ukrainian flag was flown over the Ministry of Defence and other Dutch government buildings. Our country has already provided nearly €12 billion in military aid. “Despite diplomatic talks, Russia is only intensifying its attacks,” the new Netherlands Minister of Defence, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius commented recently, adding, “But we will not let the Ukrainians down, and will continue our support.”
State Secretary visits Dutch troops in Lithuania
Netherlands State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk recently completed his first international working visit. Last week, he visited Dutch military personnel in Lithuania, who are part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence as a deterrent to Russia. “Your work here is more important than ever,” Boswijk told the troops.