Korte toespraak van Koning Willem-Alexander, Nieuwjaarsontvangst leden van het Corps Diplomatique en internationale organisaties, Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam
De toespraak is uitgesproken in het Engels.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are delighted to welcome you all to the Royal Palace here in Amsterdam. It is a great pleasure to celebrate the beginning of this new year together with you as members of the Diplomatic Corps.
The importance of your work cannot be overstated. My wife and I truly appreciate your commitment as diplomats to strengthen the ties between nations and to foster understanding and dialogue.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is convinced that close international collaboration offers the best guarantee of freedom, security and prosperity for all. This year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. Let us recognize the value of what has been carefully built over many years. We should treasure the multilateral system and acknowledge that we need each other, just as we did 75 years ago.
The fight against poverty and inequality is best served by joining forces at international level.
It is also crucial to take more action to combat climate change. Never before has international cooperation been so urgent for the future of our planet. We all have to accept that responsibility and join forces.
My wife and I would like to thank you for the stimulating conversations we have had with many of you in the past year. We look forward to continuing this in the year that lies ahead of us.
I also hope that this reception will inspire you to meet colleagues from other countries and share your thoughts with them. After all, there is more that unites us than divides us.
I should now like to invite you to raise your glass. I wish you all every success in your work. And I hope that 2020 brings you and your loved ones fulfilment, peace and happiness.