Night of the Stars (400 jaar vriendschap NL-VS)
Gelegenheid: Night of the StarsLadies and gentlemen,
It is an honour to welcome you at this “Captain’s Dinner” in the Ridderzaal, which has been decorated in true Henry Hudson style! At my side are Michael Gallagher, Chargé d’Affairs at the US Embassy and Buford Alexander, Chairman of the Holland America Friendship Foundation. The three of us are happy to officially open the NY400 year in the Netherlands tonight. We will do so shortly. But first, I’d like to say a few words to mark this special occasion.
It is wonderful to see so many people who cherish the friendship between the Netherlands and the United States gathered here. And it is a special pleasure for me to see Mr. and Mrs. Sobel, the founders of this event, here as well. Thank you for starting this marvellous tradition.
There are countless ties, both personal and professional, between our countries. In fact, all of you gathered here are living proof of those wide-ranging ties. I would especially like to acknowledge the students that are present. You have left your homes not only to study, but also to explore the other side of the Atlantic. You all are Henry Hudsons in your own way, contributing to the future relations between the United States and the Netherlands. I consider the scholarships that assisted in bringing you here an invaluable instrument of diplomacy, and I hope that we can maintain or even increase their number in the years ahead!
This year, in which we celebrate 400 years of friendship, the stars are shining even brighter than usual. And with good reason, because our friendship is here to stay! It is a friendship that runs deep, because of our shared history and shared values. Values such as tolerance and democracy, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. These ideals may be challenged at times, but we continue to safeguard them vigorously and passionately under the rule of law. We stand side by side, the Americans and the Dutch, in upholding these values – they are at the heart of our own societies. And they are also at the core of our foreign policy.
The international conference on Afghanistan, which took place here in The Hague, is a great example of the Netherlands and the USA working together. I was delighted to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. There is much common ground between us; we share many ideas and ideals. It was truly a pleasure to talk to her – we came straight to the point and quickly agreed on what needed to be done. Same sense of determination, same sense of urgency. And all in good companionship.
As you can imagine, I am extremely pleased with the conference’s outcome: over eighty countries and international organisations have shown renewed commitment to Afghanistan’s future, inspired by president Obama’s new strategy for Afghanistan and also – and this fills me with great pride – with the Dutch experiences in combining diplomacy, defence and development.
The atmosphere very much reflected those important New Amsterdam characteristics: tolerance, flexibility and willpower. If we work hard together, and in good faith, there is little we cannot achieve, I am certain of it. As Secretary of State Clinton said, I too hope that this will bring a new phase in international diplomacy!
The world sure needs strengthened international cooperation, as we face many challenges that can only be met if we work together. There are other important events this week: the G20 meeting tomorrow in London, followed in the coming days by the NATO summit in Strasbourg and Kehl. You will no doubt believe me when I say that tonight is by far the most relaxed night of my week!
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am optimistic about the road ahead. I believe that with the new US administration we have many opportunities to work together to resolve the world’s most pressing concerns. Together, the United States and Europe should work to be a decisive force for good in the world. And I believe it is possible! Let me pose a question that President Obama first asked several years ago: ‘Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?’ I think you already know my answer. Not only do we have a shared history and shared values, we also have a shared future. Let us celebrate that fact tonight – and in the years ahead!
I would now like to invite Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Alexander to join me in officially opening the NY400 year in the Netherlands.
Gentlemen….