Diplomatic relations exist between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. History The Kingdom of the Netherlands recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 31 December 1991. Since 1 April 1992, bilateral relations between two countries have been started. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order on opening an embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands on 20 September 2005. On 24 April 2007, Ambassador Fuad Iskenderov presented his credentials to the Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard. On 26 June 2009 the Government of Netherlands decided to open an embassy in Azerbaijan and in August of the same year ambassador of Netherlands to Czech Republic Lucas van Horn was appointed to the post. On 23 October 2009 Y.L.van Horn presented his credentials to the president of Azerbaijan and began its activity. On 16 August 2010 new ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands presented his credentials to the president of Azerbaijan. Presently Onno Kervers is the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Azerbaijan. Diplomatic relations State visits Contracts So far 10 agreements have been signed between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Netherlands: Azerbaijan and Netherlands signed an agreement on air transportation on 11 July 1996. A memorandum of Understanding on cooperation program was signed on 24 April 1998. An Agreement on mutual administrative assistance on the proper application of customs legislation and prevention, investigation, and combating of customs offenses was signed on January 30, 2002. An Agreement of Understanding on cooperation program was signed on February 22, 2002 An Agreement of Understanding on cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Netherland and the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan. An Agreement on international auto shipping was signed on 25 May 2004. An Agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital. Memorandum of Understanding between the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Repatriation and Departure Service of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the fight against illegal migration (1 July 2009) The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the field of non-operating cooperation (10 August 2010) The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Infrastructure and