Speech by King Willem-Alexander at the state banquet on the occasion of the state visit by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman, Royal Palace in Amsterdam
Your Majesty,
A very warm welcome to Amsterdam’s Royal Palace. This is the first time we are receiving a state visit by an Omani head of state, and we are delighted to have you here.
Your visit reflects the excellent relations that have developed between the Netherlands and Oman, and the warm personal ties between our families.
We have shared special moments together – you attended my investiture, for example. And we’ve been there for each other in difficult times too. This state visit opens a new chapter in the story that we are writing together.
Four hundred years have passed since the first Dutch ships appeared on the Omani coastline. They dropped anchor to take on supplies of fresh water and food. This was the modest beginning of a maritime partnership that would grow closer and closer.
As seafaring nations, we share an open outlook on the world and a deeply-rooted belief in stability and peaceful cooperation. Over the years, your country has demonstrated its expertise as a mediator in the region. We appreciate the way in which Oman builds bridges and promotes cooperation, at both bilateral and multilateral level.
Over many decades Oman has shown what it has to offer as an international partner. We aren’t even close to exhausting the opportunities for further cooperation.
And your state visit is an excellent chance to explore such opportunities together.
We know that you have high ambitions for the future of your country, as set out in the Oman Vision 2040. It’s a vision based on cohesion and balance, where priorities go hand in hand. A competitive economy, good governance, opportunities for all citizens to develop their talents and a sustainable living environment: all these things are deeply interconnected.
We are proud to be playing a role in the achievement of your ambitions.
Our economic cooperation is especially close. For over 20 years, the ports of Rotterdam and Sohar have worked together with outstanding success. And we’re determined to continue that partnership in the future.
A future in which hydrogen will play a big role. So it’s great to see that Oman and the Port of Amsterdam are also collaborating on liquid hydrogen.
Oman is working to broaden and diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Together we can make that ambition a reality. Mother Nature has blessed you with an abundance of sunshine and reliable wind on your southern coast. The perfect conditions for a transition to sustainable energy.
The Netherlands is also working on that transition. So we have plenty to offer each other. Wouldn’t it be great, in the future, if we had clean energy in the form of green hydrogen flowing from Oman, via the Netherlands, into Europe? Green growth for you and for us!
Good water management is also essential for a healthy future. This is a subject close to my heart.
I’m well aware of your reputation as the water managers of the Gulf region. For thousands of years, your famous aflaj irrigation system has been channelling water from the mountains to your villages and distributing it efficiently. A technology that UNESCO has designated as World Heritage. And a tradition that goes back much further than our Dutch water boards. We are keen to work more closely with such accomplished water experts!
A strong economy and a healthy living environment are fundamental requirements for our future. That future is equally dependent on good governance and respect for human rights. It is good that our countries are seeking and developing partnerships in these areas too.
A unifying force in this respect is the Oman Human Rights Commission. We feel a strong connection with its mission ‘to disseminate the culture of human rights among all members and institutions of society’.
The Commission is working with our embassy in Muscat on training courses and knowledge exchange.
We are also sharing knowledge at local-governance level, for example on food security.
Our ongoing dialogue in all these areas is immensely valuable.
Your Majesty, 400 years ago a few Dutch ships appeared off your coastline. We don’t know their names, but we do appreciate their historical significance. Because these modest vessels represented the very first contact between the peoples of Oman and the Netherlands.
In August this year, during the SAIL Amsterdam festival, we will be welcoming the Shabab Oman II to our waters. Built by the Dutch shipbuilder Damen and used as a training vessel by your Royal Navy, this tall ship has 29 sails and a speed of 17 knots!
It’s a fitting illustration of the outstanding way in which our maritime relations have developed over the past four centuries.
We can’t wait to welcome this proud Omani ship to the Netherlands.
With the wind in our sails, I’m sure we can set a common course towards a wonderful future.
Let me close by wishing you health and happiness. And I wish all the Omani people peace and prosperity. We’re very keen to contribute to that goal!
Thank you.