Representative Tien,

Your Excellencies,

Dear guests,

 

You always make me feel very welcome here.

Thank you for inviting me once again to join you on this special occasion,
an opportunity to reflect on Taiwan and its people.

Hospitality is a trait that runs deep in your culture, and I have had the privilege of experiencing it many times.

Having experienced it here in The Hague and during visits to your beautiful island,
your hospitality has made a lasting impression on me.

Yet the ties between us go beyond that personal connection.

 

Although we are almost ten thousand kilometres apart,
Taiwan and The Hague have much in common and much to share.

We share a history, and Fort Zeelandia in Taiwan remains a tangible reminder of that connection.

That connection is reflected in our past and continues to grow through the challenges and opportunities we face today.

 

The sea has shaped both our societies and influenced the way we live and prosper.

Trade with partners around the world has contributed greatly to our prosperity.

We also cooperate in culture, education and research.

Part of the reason is that we often face similar challenges.

 

Take population density, for example.

The Hague is the most densely populated city in the Netherlands,
both in terms of people and buildings, and our population is still growing.

In Taipei, population density is even greater.

How have you made the best use of limited space while maintaining a high quality of life?

What can we learn from one another in this respect?

 

We both face similar questions in other areas as well, including cybersecurity.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Taiwan to the annual One Conference, where cybersecurity is a key topic of discussion.

Digital technologies help our societies and economies thrive,
and our businesses are living proof of that.

They also require us to remain alert to the vulnerabilities that come with increasingly complex digital systems.

At the same time, these challenges create opportunities for cooperation and innovation.

That spirit of cooperation has long connected Taiwan and The Hague.

Let us make sure it will continue to do so.

I wish you a wonderful gathering.

As the International City of Peace and Justice,
The Hague values its friendship with Taiwan deeply.

May the bond between Taiwan and The Hague continue to flourish for many years to come.

Thank you.