Overview

The Honorary Consulate in Rhodes is one of the oldest diplomatic missions on the island. It dates back at the beginning of 1600 as vice consulate of the Dutch Consulate in Smyrne part of the Ottoman Empire at the time. The principal task of the the consul in Rhodes was to protect Dutch shipping and trade and represent the interests of Dutch nationals. This included keeping records of incoming and outgoing Dutch ships, mediating in disputes between ship's captains' and seamen, providing assistance in the event of shipwreck or damage to a vessel etc. As early as after the second world war the Netherlands have appointed an Honorary Consul in Rhodes who became of an important role assisting the Dutch citizens on the island from the 70's and onwards. The Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Rhodes is Mr Savvas Savvaidis appointed on April 1st, 2013.