The King and Queen of Spain, Felipe, and Queen Letizia, began their state visit to the Netherlands with a meeting with more than 200 guests of Spanish citizens living in the country.
Those present were able to enjoy a pleasant and relaxed evening in one of the rooms of the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace Hotel.
King and Queen of Spain visit the Netherlands
King Felipe made a brief speech in which he highlighted the solid relations between both nations and praised the Spanish residents in the Netherlands.
In his first words, the Spanish King wished that the visit would contribute to boosting a greater Spanish business presence in the Netherlands, the fifth largest economy in the EU, and an increase in trade and investment exchanges.
“We want this trip to serve to reaffirm and deepen the close friendship that unites the Netherlands and Spain, different in many areas, but also very close and similar in others,” said the king.
“The progress of the Netherlands relies on the talent and initiative of Spanish entrepreneurs and businessmen,” the king praised.
The monarch expressed his desire to encourage Spanish business presence in the Netherlands.
King Felipe expressed his conviction that Dutch society feels “admiration” for the contribution of Spanish citizens, whose colony numbers around 50,000 people, of whom some 6,000 are university students.
Official state trip
This Wednesday, April 17, they will be officially received by the Dutch King and Queen at Dam Square, where a review of the troops will take place, followed by national anthems and a parade.
While King Philip VI and Queen Willem of the Netherlands pay official visits, Queen Letizia and Queen Máxima will have activities of their own, including a visit to the Cruyff Foundation and the port of Amsterdam to learn about the green corridor between Amsterdam and Bilbao.
In the evening, a gala dinner will be held at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, attended by Crown Princess Amalia, along with other royals.
The following day, the kings and queens will hold separate activities. Philip and William will chair a meeting of cybersecurity companies, while Letizia and Máxima will visit a center dedicated to mental health.
Then the queens will attend the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival.