Toespraak van minister-president Rutte bij de handelsreceptie in Johannesburg, Zuid-Afrika

Toespraak | 17-11-2015

Ladies and gentlemen,

It’s great to be here in our shared House of the Future in the Turbine Hall.

But, if I may be blunt, this visit has of course been overshadowed by the recent dreadful events in Paris. They were a direct attack on everything we stand for. Our values, our democracy and our freedom. In Europe, in the Netherlands, and here in South Africa.

And yet it’'s encouraging, in these dark days, to see how the Netherlands and South Africa are standing side by side with France, in unity and solidarity. Standing together against terrorism. Standing together against barbaric extremists who seek to spread fear and sow divisions. That is the best way we can respond.

It is also encouraging to see how young people here, in the House of the Future, are making plans that will shape their future and the future of South Africa. I’ve just come from a ‘Get in the Ring’ session, where enterprising young people were literally getting into the ring to pitch their ideas. Each one smart and innovative. It was truly inspiring.

In Holland we have a saying: 'The future is for the young'. Well, South Africa’s future is in good hands.

Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' He was right. And education and entrepeneurship are a golden combination. It's no coincidence that these are two important pillars of the House of the Future. With initiatives like this, we can equip the next generation 'to change the world', as Mr Mandela said.

As a historian, I know that the future is always built on the past. The same is true of our countries' common future. And considering the close historical ties between South Africa and the Netherlands, that future holds a lot of promise.

I've come to this beautiful country with a large business delegation to fortify and deepen our excellent relationship. Not just the political component, but definitely our economic ties too.

Right now, trade between our countries is worth nearly 3.3 billion euros a year. More than 350 Dutch businesses are active in South Africa, including major multinationals like KLM, Philips, Shell and Unilever. But more and more small and medium-sized enterprises are also doing business here. Together they generate over 100,000 jobs for the South African economy. And there’s room for more.

Today I had a very productive meeting with President Zuma and we decided to step up our cooperation even more. At the meeting, we signed bilateral agreements on a range of topics. And tonight a series of business-to-business agreements are going to be signed as well. My compliments and congratulations to all the companies involved. I'm looking forward to witnessing that special moment.

I believe we need to find ways to maintain the dynamic of the House of the Future. So, I'm delighted to be able to announce the first 'Orange Corners'in South Africa. Orange Corners are places that function as seedbeds of innovation. They bring together young South African entrepreneurs and Dutch start-ups in their search for opportunities in South Africa.

And conversely: the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency has just opened its first office here. Because we see opportunities for more South African investment in the Netherlands.

Ladies and gentlemen, there is always room for more. More cooperation. More sharing of knowledge and know-how. More growth and more jobs.

Let me close by thanking the House of the Future and all the participants. You have truly inspired me.

I knew it before, but today confirmed it again: South Africa and the Netherlands not only share a history, we also share a future.

Thank you.