Lord-Lieutenant,
Lord Mayor,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you, Lord Mayor, for your hospitality. This gathering in this splendid eighteenth‑century Town Hall is a wonderful way to conclude an exceptional day.
First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Lord Mayor, and all the British guests here with us, on Liverpool’s designation as a ‘City of Innovation’ by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
From what I’ve seen and heard in Liverpool today, I’m not surprised by the jury’s decision.
Amazing things are happening in this city and in this region.
I am deeply impressed by the drive, technical ingenuity and expertise that characterise the work done here.
I saw this at the Balaena Birkenhead shipyard, where ships are being built and maintained in an increasingly sustainable way. Where students are not only being trained as highly skilled craftspeople, but are also immersing themselves in high‑tech maritime solutions.
Today showcased the results achieved when research institutions and the high-tech industry work hand in hand.
It’s fantastic to see how the region is working on electric passenger aircraft and researching whether circular batteries could eventually replace kerosene.
The development of sustainable materials for producing components for the maritime and aviation sectors is also impressive.
As you know, I have not come here alone. Representatives from top Dutch businesses have travelled with me and are here in the Town Hall this evening, together with a large number of British companies.
This underlines the strong economic cooperation that already exists between our countries.
Today, British and Dutch companies have explored how to further strengthen and deepen that cooperation.
And how sharing knowledge in both directions can help move our countries forward.
Because, clearly, further steps will be valuable for both our countries. We are both acutely aware of the need to make our economies more resilient. Reducing high-risk strategic dependencies is crucial in these times. This requires investment in innovative industry – and cooperation. Between like‑minded countries.
As seafaring nations with open, export‑oriented economies, we understand each other well.
The North Sea does not separate us;
it connects us. The Netherlands is proud to be your gateway to the European mainland – a reliable partner you can count on.
I would like to thank the city and all of you for your hospitality. I can look back fondly on a day full of enterprise and opportunity – woven together by sport, community spirit and the rich culture of Liverpool.
I was able to experience this place not only as a City of Innovation, but also as a City of Music – at the British Music Experience and, of course, on the waterfront, beside the statue of The Beatles.
Liverpool can be proud of what this city has given the world. And there is much more to come. May this day make a meaningful contribution to that future.
I wish you all a pleasant evening, filled with valuable conversations and encounters.
Thank you.