Toespraak van Koning Willem-Alexander bij de Nieuwjaarsontvangst voor leden van het corps diplomatique en internationale organisaties
De toespraak is uitgesproken in het Engels.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Queen and I are delighted to welcome you all to Amsterdam’s Royal Palace at the start of this new year. We are truly grateful that you have joined us here today. Your presence illustrates the bond you feel with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the bond we feel with you!
We live in a time of rapid change and great uncertainty. A time in which violence and abuse of power are manifesting themselves in many places around the world, impacting the lives of millions of people.
The Netherlands has always had an open outlook on the wider world, and that won’t change. Together with you, we aim to continue working to protect and strengthen the international legal order.
We all benefit from clear, fair rules that govern international cooperation, promote human rights and create a level playing field for businesses.
We look forward to working with you in the year ahead to advance these goals.
We cherish our bilateral relations with every one of you. And we consider ourselves fortunate to have such a wealth of ties uniting our countries. From trade, innovation and sustainable development to justice, security and culture. These are interests that reinforce each other.
We are open to all ideas and initiatives that can bring us even closer together.
Too often still, international relations are clouded by a lack of knowledge and mutual understanding. It is crucial that we keep seeking out the things that unite us as peoples. With an open mind and an outstretched hand.
As diplomats, you make an invaluable contribution. The Kingdom of the Netherlands greatly values the unifying role you fulfil. And we are thankful that we can continue to count on you in 2025!
We sincerely wish you health and happiness in the year ahead, and success in your essential work.
May I now ask you all to raise your glasses with me, to 2025!