His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Dick Schoof on the occasion of the formation of the new government in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and his swearing-in as Prime Minister. His Royal Highness expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes for success to His Excellency and for further progress and prosperity to the friendly people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This congratulatory message comes within a diplomatic context reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's keenness to maintain and strengthen its relations with its international partners, especially in light of the significant political transformations taking place on the European scene. The formation of the new Dutch government follows a lengthy period of negotiations that lasted for months after the parliamentary elections held in November 2023, which resulted in a new political landscape in the country.
Background to the formation of the Dutch government
Dick Schoof, a non-partisan figure with a distinguished security background, assumed the premiership of a four-party right-wing coalition government in a political move described as historic in the Netherlands. This shift marks the end of a long era under former Prime Minister Mark Rutte and signals new political directions that could influence Dutch domestic and foreign policy, particularly on immigration, the economy, and relations with the European Union.
The importance of Saudi-Dutch relations
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands share strong historical and economic ties spanning decades. The Netherlands is a significant trading partner for the Kingdom and a key gateway for its exports to Europe via the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe. Areas of cooperation between the two countries include vital sectors such as energy, with the Netherlands being a major importer of Saudi oil, as well as sustainable agriculture, water management, technology, and logistics.
Within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, promising opportunities emerge for expanding the partnership between the two countries. Leading Dutch companies, with their global expertise, can contribute to the Kingdom's major development projects, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and food security. This diplomatic cable is not merely a protocolary gesture; it affirms the shared desire to advance bilateral relations to broader horizons, serving the common interests of both friendly nations and promoting stability and growth at both the regional and international levels.
