Secretary Byrd,
Thank you for your warm welcome to the Sunshine State. The Queen and I have been looking forward to this visit. It’s great to be here in Miami.
Florida means a lot to us. First, of course, because part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is located in the Caribbean.
So we’re much closer than many people think. Palm trees and mangroves are as much a feature of the Kingdom’s landscape as tulips and windmills.
For three of the countries in our Kingdom – Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten – Florida is the main US trading partner. The islands are popular destinations for American tourists. And students from the Caribbean part of our Kingdom like to come here for their studies. These close contacts are a key reason why we are so happy to be visiting.
But there’s a second connection that makes Florida special to us: we both face similar challenges.
Wherever you are in Florida or the Netherlands, the sea is never far away. It’s a wonderful gift from Mother Nature, but also a constant source of concern. Because rising sea levels and urbanisation increase the risk of flooding. Good water management is crucial.
One thing’s for sure: Hans Brinker, with his finger in the dyke, isn’t going to help us. But what will help is innovation. Smart coastal defences, better water storage, new forms of urban planning – that’s what we need. It’s great to have the opportunity to discuss this important topic here, and to look together at practical solutions.
It’s a similar story in the maritime industry. There too we see enormous opportunities for innovative cooperation. The Netherlands has an ocean of know-how and experience, and we’re keen to share it with you here in Florida.
Another thing we both care deeply about is elder care. Florida is a paradise for seniors, who pursue active lives in its sunny climate. And although we may get a little less sunshine in the Netherlands, we too have a growing population of senior citizens. Demographic ageing is a reality we both have to face. We need advanced care technology with a human touch, and digital tools to support people in their day-to-day lives. The Netherlands has a lot of experience in this area, and we’re happy to share it.
These are just three examples of what Florida and the Netherlands have in common. There are many others. In a little while, during the roundtable meeting, we’ll talk more about the countless ways in which we can help each other through the power of innovation.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands believes that international dialogue and cooperation are crucial to achieving the kind of sustainable growth and prosperity that benefits everyone.
At the end of this year, Miami will welcome the delegates of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. We wish the city every success in hosting that event. And we hope that, there too, steps can be taken on the road to a future where we focus on shared interests and look beyond national borders.
We’re embarking on that journey today. And we’re looking forward to it!
Thank you.