Toespraak minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius bij Dutch-American Friendship Day Naming and Dedication Reception of the Adams House
Deze toespraak is alleen beschikbaar in het Engels.
Thank you, Your Excellency Ambassador Popolo, for welcoming us here on this special day and giving me the honour to say a few words.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, dear friends,
More than 2 centuries ago, John Adams – the first US ambassador to the Netherlands and the second President of the United States – described the Netherlands as ‘the most steadfast of all allies’. He spoke those words at a time of uncertainty, when a young nation was fighting for its independence, and when the Dutch Republic chose to stand alongside it.
Nearly 250 years after our ‘first salute’, that spirit still lives on. It lives on in our strong and enduring trade ties, and in our role as allies – standing together to defend our freedom, our security, and our shared values. In today’s unpredictable world, that bond matters more than ever. As proud allies within NATO, we have stood shoulder to shoulder for over 75 years – from the dark days after the 9/11 attacks to confronting ruthless Russian aggression.
And that responsibility continues. The Netherlands will remain at the forefront in supporting Ukraine, and I would like to thank the United States for making American equipment available through the PURL initiative. And even as the world’s attention is drawn elsewhere, we look to the United States to remain engaged in its support of Ukraine.
True friendship means standing side by side in times of need, but it also means being honest to one another. It means challenging one another to do better. That is what we saw when President Trump urged European allies to step up. He had a point – and Europe is responding.
Last year, the Netherlands reached 2.59% of GDP in defence spending. And we will continue to invest, moving toward the 5% benchmark agreed at the NATO Summit in The Hague. At the same time, the Netherlands will always remain dedicated to an international order grounded in law, rules, and justice. We believe lasting peace is not built by clenched fists – but by extending an open hand.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Just last week, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima visited the United States. At the invitation of President Trump, they attended a dinner at the White House and spent the night there. No further words are needed to illustrate the strength of our bond. I am confident that whatever challenges lie ahead, the Netherlands and the United States will remain what we have always been: steadfast allies, trusted partners, and above all – friends.
Thank you.