Wednesday 16 / April / 2025
Amsterdam: In honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his spouse Queen Máxima hosted an official dinner at the Royal Palace.
Prior to the dinner, His Majesty shook hands with the distinguished guests attending the banquet.
Then, His Majesty the Sultan delivered a speech on this occasion. It reads as follows:
“Your Majesties,
It is a great honor to be here in the Netherlands to celebrate the enduring friendship between our two nations.I extend my sincere gratitude for your warm hospitality and the invaluable contributions that have strengthened our partnership over the years. This warm reception is a reflection of the deep-rooted cooperation between our nations, which has flourished over centuries through maritime trade, exploration, and mutual curiosity.
This visit stands as a testament to the historic ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Early Dutch merchants and voyagers have extended bridges of friendship since the 17th century, forming the foundation for today’s dynamic collaboration. Today, this legacy is reflected through Suhar Port, which is a joint venture between Asyad Group and the Port of Rotterdam to manage and operate the port of Suhar and the free zone. This Port stands as a symbol of our seafaring heritage and our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and a forward-looking vision. It has become a thriving hub for global trade and investment-a testament of what can be achieved when nations work together with openness and determination.
Dutch expertise in clean energy and water management is globally recognized, and I am grateful that this visit has provided an opportunity to discuss our collaboration and early successes, particularly in green hydrogen production and innovative water solutions.
Beyond economic collaboration, our two nations continue to strengthen ties through political consultations, academic exchanges, and cultural dialogue. The mutual understanding between our peoples has never been stronger. As we continue to uphold our common values-justice, multilateralism, and the rule of law-I am confident that our collaboration will contribute to promote peace and stability in Europe and the Middle East.
Building on our shared achievements in logistics, commerce, and energy, we must now extend our cooperation to address pressing global challenges, particularly in upholding international law and ensuring security for all. In these efforts, we must be judicious in our perspectives and bold in our actions, recognizing that our shared responsibility in shaping a better future extends beyond our borders.
Your Majesties,
As we move forward with this shared vision, allow me to conclude by reaffirming my deep appreciation for the enduring friendship between Oman and the Netherlands. I look forward to the privilege of welcoming Your Majesties to Muscat soon and to continuing our collaborative efforts in the months and years ahead.
Thank you.”
On his turn, the King of the Netherlands delivered a speech in which he renewed his welcome to His Majesty the Sultan and the official accompanying delegation. He underlined his country's commitment to diversifying areas of partnership and investment between the two nations, in a manner that boosts the economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands across various sectors.
The dinner was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and some senior officials in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
