Speech by His Majesty the King at a lunch on the occasion of the official visit of President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea
24 March 2014
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen,
In 2011 we celebrated fifty years of diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands. On that occasion, Madam Park, you visited our country as your President's Special Envoy. And now you are President. We are delighted that you are honouring us with an official visit. Welcome to the Netherlands!
The ties between our two countries are excellent and grow stronger every year. As dynamic and ambitious partners, we always look to the future. But we do not forget the past.
We're proud that it was a Dutchman who forged the first link between your country and Europe. In 1653, Hendrick Hamel was shipwrecked off the Korean coast and washed ashore. He stayed in your country for many years. His unique account of his travels is of great historical value to both our countries.
And we remember the more recent past, too. More than five thousand Dutch troops fought under the UN flag in the Korean War over sixty years ago. One hundred and twenty-four Dutch soldiers died in the conflict. We are most grateful to the Republic of Korea for the hospitality it extends to Dutch veterans of the Korean War, and for the respect shown to them at commemorative ceremonies.
It is precisely through bitter past experiences that we appreciate today the crucial importance of the international legal order. And the need to keep working with other countries to promote peace and security. The leadership of your compatriot Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, is widely appreciated in my country. And we value your participation in the Nuclear Security Summit today and tomorrow in The Hague. Two years ago, Korea hosted the NSS. We are honoured to take over the baton from you.
Anyone who has business dealings with Korea knows about the Miracle on the Han River. Your country's economic progress has been impressive, and the vitality of its business sector is proving as irresistible as Gangnam Style.
Partnerships between Korean and Dutch businesses clearly hold great appeal. The Netherlands is one of the main recipients of Korean investment in the European Union. And we have for years been one of Europe's largest investors in Korea. We are keen to deepen our partnership even more, for example in high-tech systems, sustainable energy, water management and agriculture.
The potential of Korean-Dutch partnership was perfectly demonstrated by the Korean national football team and their Dutch football coach Guus Hiddink in 2002. I'm sure there will be many more joint successes in many areas.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I invite you all to raise your glasses.
Madam President - to your very good health!
And to the close partnership between our two countries!
Thank you.