KUWAIT: The Netherlands Embassy in Kuwait marked ‘King’s Day’ on Wednesday by reaffirming the enduring ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to defending international principles of freedom and prosperity.
“These principles are not as self-evident as they should be. Countries like ours must uphold and defend an international order where our people can enjoy freedom and prosperity,” Ambassador Laurens Westhoff said in his opening remarks.
Reflecting on six decades of diplomatic relations, Westhoff emphasized the longstanding friendship between Kuwait and the Netherlands and praised Kuwait’s international role. “Kuwait and the Netherlands have stood shoulder to shoulder in promoting sovereignty and territorial integrity, including in 1990/91, when the Royal Netherlands Navy joined the international coalition for the liberation of Kuwait.” He also highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism and their ongoing collaboration in areas such as food security and climate change.
Westhoff highlighted the countries’ maritime heritage and history of trade. “Just like Kuwait, my country borders the sea. As early as 1650, we traded with pearl merchants between Basra and Bahrain. Around 1750, the Netherlands was the most active European trading partner in the Gulf,” Westhoff said.
The ambassador stressed the importance of people-to-people connections beyond commerce. “Our ancestors realized the importance of good connections — not just for trading, but for building mutual understanding. It is the best antidote against global instability,” he added.
Acknowledging geopolitical similarities between Kuwait and the Netherlands, the ambassador praised the two countries’ approach to international challenges. “Being relatively small countries surrounded by large neighbors, Kuwait and the Netherlands have always relied on diplomacy, soft power, and economic cooperation to protect their interests,” he said.
King’s Day, celebrated on the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of Orange, is a national holiday in the Netherlands marked by orange-clad festivities, national colors, and community events. “It is a tradition that underscores the bond between the Dutch Royal Family and our citizens — a connection that has lasted over 500 years,” Westhoff noted.
