Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
This historic shipyard is a wonderful and fitting place to start the day.
So many elements come together here: entrepreneurship, craftsmanship passed on to the next generation, and the power of innovation.
And this is where we, as close maritime neighbours, also come together.
Our countries share longstanding, deep-rooted ties. The Netherlands is the United Kingdom’s third-largest trading partner.
We work together in many areas, especially in the maritime and aviation industries.
With this visit, we want to further deepen that cooperation.
It’s no coincidence that we are visiting the North West. This is where it’s all happening, in and around the City of Innovation.
A region buzzing with activity.
A region with a wide range of high tech manufacturing companies, research facilities, innovative industry, a strong maritime sector and a thriving aviation sector.
This region has enormous growth potential. And we are eager to work together with you – even more than we already do.
It’s also no coincidence that a top-level trade mission has come with me to Liverpool.
Dutch companies are leading the way in making industrial and aviation supply chains more sustainable. And in developing new materials and composites, maritime technology and digital products.
Both our countries are firmly committed to making our economies more resilient.
Close cooperation and knowledge sharing are crucial to this. Especially in the sectors that we are spotlighting today.
The UK and the Netherlands are both founding members of NATO, with a strong transatlantic tradition. We want a strong Europe within a strong NATO. And greater European responsibility for our own security.
That will not just happen by itself.
A resilient economy and robust defence both require a high quality industrial base.
We can strengthen and complement one another in this respect.
Later today, we will explore this further on board the Johan de Witt, which is currently moored on the other side of the Mersey.
I am also looking forward to two other parts of today’s programme. Our visit to the Cruyff Court – where young and old come together, and retired workers from the aviation and maritime sectors still play football. And our visit to the British Music Experience, which showcases the UK’s rich musical culture and, of course, Liverpool’s musical pride: The Beatles.
Four ordinary lads from Liverpool who took pop music to new heights. Talking of innovation..! To this day, their music inspires people of all ages, all over the world.
But all that is for later today. Right now, I can’t wait to explore this inspiring place, and to meet with the British and Dutch companies represented here.
Thank you.