King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands held the annual Gala Dinner for the Diplomatic Corps at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in Dam Square on the evening of April 23rd.
The Gala Dinner is hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in order to maintain international relations and strengthen ties, this year’s theme is politics and administration.
In addition to strengthening international relations, the annual dinner is also intended to bring Dutch and foreign representatives into contact with one another. Each year, a central theme is chosen. This year, ‘politics and administration’ is the central topic.
In addition to the approximately 140 foreign representatives in the Netherlands and Brussels, government ministers, members of parliament, mayors, and chairpersons of important institutions have also been invited. Previous editions featured themes such as art and culture, public administration, international law, and international business.
Queen Máxima is wearing the Ruby Peacock Tiara and Parure.
King Willem-Alexander gave a speech regarding international cooperation and the indispensable role played by diplomats:
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
The Queen and I extend a warm welcome to you at the Royal Palace Amsterdam.
We are pleased that you have accepted our invitation. The tradition of this dinner with you as members of the Diplomatic Corps is dear to us. We wish to express our appreciation for you and your important work, and also give you the opportunity to meet and discuss the matters that concern you.
There is much – a great deal – of urgent matter to discuss. Today’s reality gives cause for concern. Many of you are here this evening with a heavy heart, thinking of the situation at home.
Violence prevails in many places around the world. Millions of people are at risk of losing their lives. Many are on the run, fearful, hungry, desperate, seeking support and help.
We sympathize with all victims of violence in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and so many other regions.
Conflicts ripple uncontrollably across national borders and cause great damage to communities, cultures, and economies. They undermine the security and trust of people all over the world.
No matter where we come from, we all feel the vibrations of the tense times in which we live. A time for which we bear shared responsibility.
The lesson history teaches us is clear. Injustice sows injustice. Oppression breeds anger and resistance. Lessons we must take to heart.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore continues to feel an undiminished and strong responsibility for promoting the international legal order. Last week, I was at the Peace Palace in The Hague for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice. An important UN body that advocates for the peaceful settlement of disputes between states.
We are proud to host this organization! Just like the International Criminal Court, which opposes impunity in conflicts.
The way forward lies in international cooperation. Cooperation compels us to seek what connects us. And that is a great deal. People all over the world want stability, security, a roof over their heads, food on the table, care in case of illness, education for their children, respect for their culture, good governance, and the freedom to be themselves.
Collaboration also makes us think about the longer term. About the question of how people all over the world can build a good life. How we keep our planet habitable for future generations and protect our natural resources on land and in the oceans.
Geopolitics must not be a zero-sum game. Our lives are too intertwined to simply ignore and violate the rights and freedoms of others. This applies to smaller countries just as much as to larger ones.
Especially in times of turbulence, we need guidance and stability. Institutions, treaties, and agreements are essential for this. Let us strengthen them!
As diplomats, you play an indispensable role in this. Solutions often start with you. Breakthroughs are often due to your talent for finding small openings. Your work is discreet and often invisible. But its impact can be significant.
That is why we cherish our Diplomatic Corps. We hope you feel welcome with us. And we are happy to assist you in your important work.
This evening is an example of that. Whoever you would like to speak to, the chance that he or she is present tonight is considerable.
To make your work even easier, we have invited another special group of guests this evening. They are representatives of the Dutch government across the board: ministers from the cabinet that took office two months ago, members of parliament, mayors, chairs of important institutions, and many others.
Just like you, they have an open view of the world and see the added value of meeting and connecting across borders. So take advantage of the opportunities this evening offers!
May I ask you to raise your glass with me.
To the power of diplomacy.
To our friendship and our cooperation.
