Short speech by Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the farewell reception at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Ladies and gentlemen,
It’s lovely to see you all here at the Museum of Fine Arts, at the invitation of Ambassador Haspels. This evening with you is the perfect conclusion to a superb week. We’ve come to the end of two fantastic days in Texas, following two wonderful days in California. Later this evening I’ll be going back to the Netherlands, full of impressions and above all a great deal of appreciation and admiration for what you’re accomplishing here.
Texas is our biggest economic partner in the United States. Yesterday and today I was able to see and hear first-hand the value of that partnership.
Not only in economic terms, but also in finding solutions to the great challenges of our time. Like the transition to sustainable energy, water security and good healthcare for everyone.
It’s striking how well we complement each other and how often we take the lead together. Over the past few days I’ve spoken to hundreds of people, and everywhere I came across inspiring examples of Texans and Dutch working together and sharing their knowledge. Like the ports of Houston and Rotterdam, which are helping each other make their infrastructure more sustainable. Like Dutch know-how on coastal protection that’s being applied over here. And the academic medical centers breaking new ground together. I could go on.
I hope that with this visit, we have further strengthened the ties between us. Business leaders, experts and government representatives from Texas already know how to find their way to the Netherlands. And to all of you I’d like to say: you’re welcome anytime!
In 2015 my husband and I visited Washington DC, Grand Rapids and Chicago. Now – seven years later – this visit to California and Texas has unfortunately had to take place without him. I hope it won’t be too long before we pay our next visit to the United States again together.
We wish you all every success in your work and in your Texan-Dutch initiatives. Enjoy this wonderful evening and we hope to see you again soon.
Thank you.