Dutch Ambassador in Dhaka Anne van Leeuwen –
Metropolis Report-
Dutch Ambassador in Dhaka Anne van Leeuwen made a speech marking the Kingdom of the Netherlands at King’s Day reception in the city recently.
Honorable Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, H.E Mr Tazul Islam MP / dear guests / all protocol observed
Thank you all for taking the time to celebrate with us!
§ Today, April 27th is King’s Day: the National Day of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We celebrate on this day the birthday of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. on this day the birthday of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.
§ This year it is even a more special King’s Day because this week it is exactly 10 years ago that Willem Alexander became King. Reasons to celebrate!
§ National Days are some sort of “new years eve moments’ for an embassy. It is a day to look back to what has been done in the year that passed and to look ahead to what lays in front of us.
§ I want to share with you some reflections on past year and also share some insights in how we approach the coming year.
§ Exactly one year ago, we were also together here in this garden of our embassy to celebrate our National Day and I had the privilege to speak here. An important part of my speech then, was dedicated to the war in Ukraine that had started just two months earlier. It is with great sadness, that we have to establish today that the war is still going on in Europe. Moreover: this war is not only affecting Ukraine: the effects are felt worldwide and also Bangladesh is seriously affected. The Netherlands feels that it is impossible to be impartial or remain neutral when it is about the war in Ukraine.
§ Russia’s unprovoked military action against Ukraine, in blatant violation of the most fundamental rules of international law, is a clear proof that defending a rules-based world order is perhaps more important today than ever. The Netherlands will continue its steadfast support to Ukraine and its efforts to defend its sovereignty and independence.
§ Against the background of international solidarity and defence of a rules-based international order, we also see today’s King’s Day celebration as an occasion to celebrate the friendship and cooperation with our friends and partners across the world. And here and now of course, we celebrate especially the friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands. The Netherlands was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh’s independence and during the five decades that passed since then, NL and BD have been proud partners in development, trade, and people-to-people cooperation. In the coming years we certainly will continue to develop and intensify this relation.
§ One of the cornerstones of the friendship and cooperation of Bangladesh and the Netherlands is that we have so much in common. We are both very densely populated delta countries. Shaped by the interplay between rivers and sea, our countries are fertile and vulnerable at the same time. The fertile soils and the strategic position between land and sea brought both countries prosperity. But we also know the destructive force of the elements: floods with devastating effects are unfortunately part of our histories.
§ As such we are highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Bangladesh and the Netherlands recognize each other in this urgency and we are now partners and world leaders in adaptation. In the year that lies behind us, we have shown this partnership to the world, first during COP27 in Sharm-Al-Sheikh where we jointly launched the International Panel on Deltas and Coasts. And last month in New York where we made commitments to achieving the SDGs during the UN Water Conference. Also we have signed a new MoU together last February, reconfirming our mutual commitment to deepen our knowledge and co-operation. Our collaboration on the implementation of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 is a great example here, and Bangladesh is recognized as a leading voice for climate vulnerable countries.
§ But our Partnership goes beyond our Delta co-operation and water management. The Netherlands is increasingly expanding its partnerships with Bangladesh, looking beyond development cooperation to trade and investment. In the coming months we will have incoming trade missions from the NL to BD to further intensify our commercial ties, for instance in the field of agriculture and food and in maritime cooperation.
§ When we think of the year ahead, one of the important events in Bangladesh will of course be the elections. A national election is a milestone in Bangladesh, as in any country.
§ We firmly believe that respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of the press, labor rights as well as having a vibrant civil society, creates stability, security, growth, and economic prosperity. The Netherlands is keenly following the preparations and positioning for the upcoming parliamentary election here in Bangladesh and we agree with all parties involved about the importance of free, fair as well as peaceful and participatory elections in line with international standards. We wish and expect for all the Bangladeshi people that they can fully use their right under the Constitution to freely express their views and elect their leaders.
§ Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Guests: The Netherlands will continue to work with Bangladesh and build on our impressive list of joint achievements through partnerships in water and delta management, climate action, green transition, food security, democracy, human rights and gender equality, support to youth and women entrepreneurs, support to those that are affected in the Rohingya refugee crises, and much more.
§ Just as we have been for the past five decades, the Netherlands and Bangladesh remain reliable partners and close friends. This year, as we celebrate King’s Day, our unity and friendship is as strong as ever. Let us dedicate this evening to the ever-growing friendship between the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
Thank you very much.
