Ontvangst honorair consuls, 5 november 2026 

 

 

Excellencies, 

Dear guests, 

 

A warm welcome to you all. 

It is a great pleasure to host you today, honorary consuls from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. 

Here, in the Old City Hall, one of the oldest buildings in The Hague. 

I look forward to getting to know you better. 

And to exchanging views with you on the important work you do. 

 

Just last week, I had the honour of addressing the members of the corps diplomatique at the annual gathering with them. 

On that occasion, I emphasized once again the vital importance of diplomacy and international law. 

As the international city of peace, justice, and security, The Hague supports this wherever possible. 

We stand firmly behind the international organizations based here. 

After all, diplomacy and international law are essential for a peaceful, just, and safe world. 

This applies equally to the work of honorary consuls. 

You are indispensable to the international network that connects our countries. 

You assist citizens in times of need. 

You promote trade contacts. 

I would like to draw your attention to the wealth of economic opportunities available here in our city and region. 

For example within the growing security cluster. 

It goes without saying that the Municipality stands ready to assist incoming trade missions. 

 

This past March, I met with the board of the Union des Consuls à Rotterdam et La Haye. 

Today’s gathering grew out of that meeting. 

I am delighted that so many of you have accepted my invitation. 

We live in a world that gives us ample reason for concern. 

It is more important than ever to reach out to one another. 

And to stand up together for our shared values. 

In that spirit, I wish you all an enjoyable and inspiring gathering. 

And, who knows, this may be the start of a new tradition. 

 

Thank you.