Speech by King Willem-Alexander at a gala dinner for the Diplomatic Corps, Royal Palace Amsterdam
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
The Queen and I are delighted to welcome you all here today.
In the year that Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary, it’s a special pleasure to have you here with us at the Royal Palace, in the heart of the city.
Relations with other countries and peoples near and far made a large contribution to the growth and prosperity of Amsterdam and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The international orientation of our open society and economy is one of the Netherlands’ biggest strengths. You represent the many countries we share ties with today. And we greatly value your presence.
The world we all live in is changing fast. Long-standing rules and agreements are under pressure. Increasingly, healthy competition is turning into bitter rivalry. And sadly, tensions and conflicts are disrupting the lives of millions of people.
Our hearts go out to the victims of violence in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and other troubled regions.
The future is unpredictable. In these turbulent times, the Netherlands is working to promote stability and security, prosperity and good governance. Everyone ¬– all around the world – wants the same basic things: a decent life for themselves and their loved ones. Food on the table. A strong economy. Security and healthcare. Effective governance. That’s the only way people can build successful lives in their own countries.
Everyone needs socioeconomic security and prospects for the future.
It is with that conviction that the Netherlands seeks cooperation with partners. And we do so above all in areas where we have something special to contribute. Our reputation in the field of food production is well known. Dutch companies and knowledge institutions have a wealth of skills and expertise. They work with partners around the world to boost food security, often in very challenging conditions.
Water management is another Dutch core competence. We’re keen to share our expertise. And the same goes for other areas, such as healthcare and sustainable energy.
A stable and secure world is built on stable and secure countries and regions, where people can live in freedom, without fear. That’s why we also want to work with each of you to protect and promote universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The unifying role you play as diplomats is crucial. And the significance of your work has only increased as global tensions have risen. Tonight, you will have plenty of opportunity to meet your fellow diplomats and seek common ground. The Queen and I warmly invite you to do so.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands hopes to further bolster our ties with you. To that end, we have once again invited a group of special guests. They are people who already work closely with international partners, and who now wish to broaden and deepen their contacts.
In 2022, we welcomed a group of Dutch government representatives.
In 2023, our special guests were scientists and researchers.
And last year they were innovative entrepreneurs.
This year, you’ll be meeting leading figures from the world of art and culture.
They are artists, musicians, writers, performers, architects, designers, heritage experts and museum directors.
They are based in the Netherlands, but feel a deep connection with the wider world and the many cultures represented here this evening.
This is how it’s always been for Amsterdam and the Netherlands. And our self-assured, free and open society, which has always considered its international orientation a strength.
In times of polarisation, with public discourse growing more strident, art and culture are extra important.
They help us find new words, form new images and discover unexpected connections, both at home and beyond our borders.
May I now ask you all to raise your glasses.
To friendship and partnership without boundaries!