Statement on the Occasion of Koningsdag in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Statement

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and the people of the Netherlands on his first Koningsdag.

I was privileged to travel with President Obama to the Netherlands last month for the National Security Summit and the G-7. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Rutte showed tremendous leadership in reaffirming the democratic ideals that we believe make all nations stronger. In these trying times, we must work together more than ever to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries under threat.

For 400 years, the United States has shared an extraordinarily important and successful relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch settled the territory of what is now New York City. They were among the first to recognize and support American independence, and The Hague hosted our first American embassy. Ever since, the United States and the Netherlands have worked together to take on some of the world's toughest challenges. I recently had the privilege of swearing in Timothy Broas as the next United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He is a skilled, committed advocate who brings energy, optimism, and leadership to the job. I know he will work closely with the people of the Netherlands to promote our shared values in human rights, democracy, justice, and economic prosperity in order to strengthen our alliance and deepen the bonds between our people.　　　

Today as always, the Netherlands remains one of our most steadfast partners and the Dutch people among our most trusted friends. I wish the people of the Netherlands the very best as you celebrate today with a toast to the health of King Willem-Alexander.

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