Harper PM concludes bilateral visit to the Netherlands March 24, 2014 The Hague, Netherlands Introduction Prime Minister Stephen Harper today concluded a successful two-day bilateral visit to the Netherlands, where he met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The two leaders discussed how to strengthen the bilateral relationship and maximize the commercial benefits that will arise from the Canada-EU Trade Agreement. They also exchanged views on Ukraine, other key international security issues, as well as the Nuclear Security Summit, which Prime Minister Rutte is hosting from March 24 to 25, 2014. The Prime Minister also had an audience with King Willem-Alexander at Noordeinde Palace. The meeting provided an opportunity to celebrate the special friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, which is underpinned by strong social, political and historical ties. While in the Netherlands, Prime Minister Harper also had the opportunity to visit the Port of Rotterdam. The largest port in Europe and fourth-largest in the world, the Port of Rotterdam is a natural gateway for Canadian goods into the larger European market. Finally, the Prime Minister hosted a question and answer session with Canadian and Dutch business representatives, along with James Moore, Minister of Industry. Minister Moore was in the Netherlands leading a 25-company trade mission from March 23 to 26, with a view to enabling Canadian companies to position themselves early and benefit from the Canada-EU Trade Agreement. Quick Facts Canada and the Netherlands have an excellent bilateral relationship, underpinned by strong people-to-people ties, a rich history of military cooperation, and close links between Canada and the Dutch Royal Family. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Canada’s diplomatic presence in the Netherlands, and 2015 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation, in which Canadian forces played a leading role. In 2013, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and the Netherlands totalled $7 billion. During that period, the Netherlands was Canada’s seventh-largest merchandise export market, valued at $3.6 billion. The Netherlands is the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada, which totalled $61.4 billion in 2012, representing 9.7 per cent of Canada’s total FDI. Prime Minister Harper last visited the Netherlands in May 2010. Quotes “Canada and the Netherlands enjoy longstanding and expanding relations, based on strong people-to-people ties and a rich shared history. This year, our countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Canada’s diplomatic presence in the Netherlands.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper “The announcement of the agreement in principle on the Canada-EU Trade Agreement is an historic win for Canada and the European Union. Through increased trade and investment, the Agreement will create opportunities, jobs and growth for citizens in Canada and the EU. I look forward to the Netherlands’ continued support as we finalize negotiations and move toward ratification of the Agreement.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:32:11 +0000
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