Speech by His Majesty the King on the occasion of the state visit China, the Royal Palace Amsterdam
22 March 2014
Mr President, Madame Peng, ladies and gentlemen,
Mr President, you are the first President of the People's Republic of China to pay a State visit to our country. We are most honoured to have you here with us. It is a great pleasure to welcome you and Madame Peng to the Netherlands!
We are receiving you here in the Royal Palace, Amsterdam. When it was built, in the seventeenth century, our country was still a Republic. So originally this was not a palace, but a city hall. That is why the room we are sitting in is called the Burgerzaal (Great Hall of the People). When it was completed, this building was hailed as the eighth wonder of the world.
Even back then, Mr President, your country had a magical aura for the Dutch. It held a fascination that we still feel today, almost four centuries later. We are fascinated by your country's culture, and by the ancient civilisation of the Middle Kingdom:Zhong Guo. We are fascinated by your language. More and more schools in the Netherlands teach Mandarin as a foreign language, and many pupils are choosing to study it. We are also fascinated by China's unique dynamism. By its industry and inventiveness. And by its unshakeable belief in a better future, which in recent decades has lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese out of poverty. An unparalleled achievement in the history of mankind.
That positive drive is something that my wife and I have experienced ourselves during our visits to your country.
The Netherlands cherishes our good relations with your great nation. Our ties extend far beyond purely economic affairs. The areas in which we work together are numerous, encompassing almost every sphere of life:
Agriculture: We both seek to increase production and improve the quality of our food through innovation.
- Urbanisation: Together we are working to improve urban environments and prevent pollution in areas where millions of people live in close proximity.
- Water management: Crucial for the future of both our countries.
- Trade and logistics: After Germany, we are your main partner in Europe.
- Health care: We both seek to improve quality of life, through life sciences and other forms of research.
- Art, design and music: We want to become even better acquainted with each other's creative achievements. Madame Peng, you are of course internationally renowned for your beautiful voice.
Our partnership is firmly rooted in mutual respect and in the conviction that an enduring relationship is the most beneficial for us all.
You, Mr President, are showing that China wants to share responsibility for a stable world order founded on justice and the balanced pursuit of prosperity. Your role on the world stage is crucial.
The fate of your people is the fate of the world. And vice versa. Peace, security and international law are essential conditions for us all to live happily. And together, we are working to uphold them. Take the Horn of Africa, where we are fighting piracy together. Take Mali, where China and the Netherlands are actively participating in the UN peace mission. And take The Hague in the week ahead, where we are partners at the Nuclear Security Summit.
The international community welcomes your input! The world needs China for a bright future. Just as China needs the world for balanced and sustainable development. Development that allows citizens to reach their full potential. Last year you called upon the people of China to dare to dream, to turn those dreams into reality and to help to revitalise the nation. As the Kingdom of the Netherlands - which some people in your country see as the Kingdom of Innovation - we are happy to contribute to realising those dreams.
Mr President, last month we met at the opening of the Winter Olympics. You are known as a great lover of sport. It is a passion we share. You have a special love of football. You know that success in sport - and in life in general - depends on physical fitness, a sensible strategy and the ability to work as a team. We are proud to be one of your partners.
I invite you all to raise your glasses in a toast.
Mr President, Madame Peng - to your very good health!
To the dreams, prosperity and happiness of the Chinese people!