Secretary-General Congratulates New King of Netherlands, Willem-Alexander

 

The following statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued today:

I warmly congratulate His Majesty Willem-Alexander on his inauguration as the King of the Netherlands.  I wish him and Her Majesty Queen Máxima every success in fulfilling their important roles.

I am grateful for the Royal couple’s personal engagement and valuable contributions to United Nations efforts on the issues of water and sanitation and inclusive finance for development.  I am looking forward to their continuing support for our ongoing efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals whilst preparing for the post-2015 development agenda.

The Netherlands has been an indispensable partner of the United Nations.   The Hague, home to the United Nations International Court of Justice and other international tribunals, represents the face of international justice.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to personally thank Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix during my visit to The Hague earlier this month for the important and positive force the Netherlands has been throughout her reign, in promoting international law, the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes.

I wish to pay tribute to the outstanding public service that Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands has rendered over the past 33 years and send her my very best wishes.

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For information media • not an official record