Meet the ambassador

Robert-Jan Siegert

Dutch ambassador in Islamabad

Robert-Jan Siegert has been ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pakistan since 2025.

See the curriculum vitae of ambassador Siegert on rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch).

Robert-Jan Siegert serves as the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan. He works closely with Pakistani partners across a wide range of areas, including trade, climate and water management. ‘Our relationship with Pakistan is broad and long-standing,’ he says. ‘We work together on many different levels, and that creates trust and opportunities on both sides.’

Ambassador Siegert visited the Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, spoke with the leadership about international officer courses, and explored the impressive facilities.
The Embassy of the Netherlands at the Faisalabad factory of Dutch company AkzoNobel.

Why did you want to become Ambassador to Pakistan?

‘Pakistan had been on my radar for a long time. Colleagues who had served here spoke about the culture, the people and the richness of the country. That stayed with me. I had worked in Africa and in Europe, and I was looking to broaden my geographical experience.

What makes this posting particularly interesting is the breadth of our cooperation. There are strong economic ties, but we also work together on migration, regional security, human rights and regional stability. Pakistan plays an important role in the wider region, and that makes engagement both relevant and meaningful.

Geographically, Pakistan sits at the crossroads of South and Central Asia. With neighbours such as China, India, Afghanistan and Iran, developments here have a wider regional impact. Being able to follow and contribute to those dynamics up close is very valuable.’

‘Pakistan is a very welcoming and open country. People are warm, hospitable and pragmatic.’

What struck you when you first arrived in Pakistan?

At 'ThinkFest' in Lahore where BargadYouth trained women in business skills and linked them to markets with support from the Embassy of the Netherlands.

‘Pakistan is a very welcoming and open country. People are warm, hospitable and pragmatic. While the security situation requires attention, daily life continues with remarkable resilience.

The scale and diversity of the country immediately stand out. Pakistan has around 250 million inhabitants and consists of very large provinces, each with its own character and history.

You also notice how positively the Netherlands is perceived. There is a strong association with water management, agriculture and climate expertise. These are areas where the Netherlands has long-standing experience and where Pakistan faces major challenges and opportunities.

Climate change is very visible here. Floods cause enormous damage and affect large parts of the population every year. This underlines the importance of cooperation on climate adaptation and water management.’
 

‘Trade and investment form a strong foundation of the Dutch-Pakistani relationship.’

In which areas do the Netherlands and Pakistan work together?

The Embassy of the Netherlands at the Faisalabad factory of Dutch company AkzoNobel.
‘Our relationship is broad, but trade and investment form a strong foundation. The Netherlands is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner within the European Union. Pakistan exports textiles, leather goods, agricultural products and medical equipment, while Dutch companies are active in agro-food, water management and logistics.

Economic cooperation is complemented by collaboration on migration. Pakistan has hosted large numbers of refugees from the region for decades, particularly from Afghanistan. Our joint efforts focus on stability, support for communities and strengthening local capacity.

We also work together on human rights, education, culture and sport. For example, many Pakistani diplomats receive training in the Netherlands through Clingendael, which contributes to professional exchange and long-term relationships.’

Can you give an example of this cooperation?

‘A strong example is the joint venture between FrieslandCampina and the Pakistani company Engro. It has become the market leader in fresh dairy products, with around 60 per cent market share. This shows what long-term partnership and investment can achieve.

In the area of migration, we support urban cohesion hubs. These are community centres where refugees, internally displaced people and residents can access education, medical and psychological care, as well as social activities. They also create spaces where people from different backgrounds meet and support one another.

We also work closely with international organisations and NGOs, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to prevent radicalisation in border regions. In addition, we support Pakistani human rights organisations and recognise the work of human rights defenders through initiatives such as the Human Rights Tulip.’

What can the Netherlands and Pakistan learn from each other?

Ambassador’s first visit to Karachi: stories at Mohatta Palace about the first Governor-General Muhammad Ali Jinnah and paid his respects at his mausoleum
‘There is strong interest in Dutch expertise on water management, climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture. This knowledge aligns well with Pakistan’s priorities and long-term development goals, particularly in dealing with climate impacts and food security.’

At the same time, the Netherlands can learn from Pakistan’s resilience and pragmatism. People here are used to navigating uncertainty and change, often with remarkable flexibility. The way communities support each other, and the importance placed on personal relationships and hospitality, are striking.

Pakistan is also an important international actor. It currently serves on the UN Security Council and this year joins the UN Human Rights Council. Exchanging perspectives on complex international issues is valuable, even when views do not always fully align.

Cultural and sporting exchanges contribute to that mutual understanding. Hockey and cricket are widely followed here, and sport offers a natural way to build long-term connections.’
‘I hope we will have further strengthened the relationship between our countries.’

Looking ahead, what would you like to look accomplish in Pakistan?

‘I hope we will further strengthen the relationship between our countries. Trade and investment will remain important, particularly in agriculture and water.

It would be good to see cooperation broadened further, with education, culture and sport playing a more visible role. If we achieve a deeper and more balanced partnership, that would be something to be proud of.’