The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands promotes the interests of the Kingdom abroad. The Ministry coordinates and carries out Dutch foreign policy at its headquarters in The Hague and through its missions abroad. It is the channel through which the Dutch Government communicates with foreign governments and international organizations.

As a country that looks beyond its borders, the Netherlands is committed to building a safe, stable and prosperous world, addressing issues such as poverty reduction, climate change, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and eliminating conflict. The Directorate-General for International Cooperation is responsible for development cooperation policy and for its coordination, implementation and funding. Priority themes for funding include: water; security and the rule of law; food security; and sexual and reproductive health and rights (including HIV/AIDS).

The Dutch government currently focuses its assistance on 18 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Vietnam, and Yemen. Funds are dispersed through multiple channels, including bilateral agreements, cooperation with international and national NGOs, and support to multinational organizations, including The Global Fund.