South Korean State Visit to The Netherlands 

~ Saad719

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands are hosting are hosting the President of the Republic of South Korea, His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, on their two-day State Visit to The Netherlands on December 12th and 13th to promote and celebrate diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties in the areas of sustainable energy, agriculture and high-tech. The President went on a State Visit to the United Kingdom last month.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima officially welcomed President Yoon Suk Yeol and the First Lady outside the Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam.

   

After an inspection of the guard of honour, the President laid a wreath at the National Monument on Dam Square. Later, King Willem-Alexander joined President Yoon Suk Yeol for a visit to ASML in Veldhoven, a dialogue will take place with CEOs from the high-tech sector in which Dutch-Korean cooperation in the field of innovation and development of the semiconductor industry (microchips) will be discussed.

   

In the evening, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima hosted a State Banquet in honour of President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. Both the King and President gave speeches.


Queen Máxima wore a repeated gown the Mellerio Ruby Tiara, Ruby and Diamond Stomacher, and two Ruby and Diamond Bracelets.

King Willem Alexander’s Speech:

Mr. President,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your wife to the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

Or in good Korean:

환영합니다  

The Queen and I are very pleased to have you as our guest. Your visit underlines the excellent relationship between our two countries.

South Korea is no longer a distant, unknown country for the people in the Netherlands. On the contrary: it seems as if a ‘Korean craze’ has swept our country. South Korea is everywhere! 
We have K-pop on the radio.
And K-movies in the cinema.
K-dramas on Netflix.
And K-food in the supermarket. Kimchi instead of cauliflower!
We drive KIAs on the road, follow K-vloggers on YouTube 
and K-beauty is the ideal for many.

A country that appeals to the imagination so much must be very special.

The first Dutchman to notice this was Hendrick Hamel. He washed up on your coast 370 years ago as a castaway, together with his fellow crew members of the ship De Sperwer. In his journal he describes his fascinating adventures. What a country! Densely populated and fertile. Well organized. Hospitable. A country where study and science are highly respected.

We also see all these characteristics in today’s South Korea.

In one respect, Hamel’s picture differs radically from the current situation. The Korea of ​​1653 was downright reserved in its contacts with the wider world. Reluctant to become known abroad. 

Fortunately, that self-chosen isolation is a thing of the past. Today, the Republic of Korea confidently and proudly takes its place on the world stage. And we are very happy with that! 

A strong and open attitude of the Republic of Korea is of great value. We welcome your commitment to the international legal order. Together with you, we defend a trading system based on fair rules. And we support your efforts to increase stability in your region and in the world. 

You demonstrate personal leadership. Without forgetting the past, you build bridges to the future. This is exactly what the world needs and what motivates us too! 

In many places we see the devastating consequences of aggression and abuse of power and the human suffering that results from them. Then it is invaluable to have a reliable partner like you who continues to work with us on peace, security and development.

We stood side by side seventy years ago, when Dutch blood also flowed for the freedom and independence of modern South Korea. Tomorrow we will meet a number of those directly involved who still proudly call themselves Korea veterans. The bond that was forged then continues to connect us.

After the armistice, your country made a staggering development on its own from one of the poorest to one of the most prosperous nations in the world. From recipient of development aid to major donor. And that within three generations. Your economy has boomed on the wings of technology and innovation. The engine behind this success runs on a dynamic mixture of ambition, talent and drive to work. South Koreans work hard. 

Fortunately, there is culture in its many manifestations for relaxation. We are proud of maestro Jaap van Zweden, the new chief conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. And the sports! I only have to mention the name Guus Hiddink here to make it clear how sport can inspire us. 

A Korean environment can bring Dutch people to great achievements. The Queen and I personally saw this in PyeongChang in 2018.

Mr. President, your visit to our country provides us with an opportunity to deepen our excellent relationship across the board. Technology occupies a central place in this. This also became apparent today, during our visit to ASML. But our strategic collaboration goes further than semiconductor equipment and computer chips. We combine our brain power and our efforts in many areas, such as agriculture, architecture, security, sustainable energy and the fight against climate change.

In an unstable world we must continue to hold each other and help each other. I am grateful that your visit strengthens the special bond between our countries! On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a sincere thank you:

감사합니다

May I ask you all to raise a glass with me.

Here’s to your health, Mr. President and Mrs. Kim.
To our cooperation and friendship. 

The Stuart Tiara

Dutch Sapphire Tiara

Württemberg Ornate Pearl Tiara

Dutch Mellerio Ruby Tiara

Dutch Diamond Bandeau

Queen Emma’s Diamond Tiara

Dutch Emerald Parure

Antique Pearl Tiara

Princess Mabel’s Mellerio Diamond Tiara

Pearl Button Tiara

Diamond Star Tiara

Ruby Peacock Tiara

Aquamarine Tiara

Sapphire Necklace Tiara

Queen Emma’s Diamond Aigrette

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