Seychelles toasts the Netherlands new King
Almasalla Travel News – Seychelles-based diplomats and high government officials of the islands gathered on Tuesday evening to mark the stepping down of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and her son Prince Willem-Alexander taking the throne.
The 75-year-old monarch signed the formal documents declaring her abdication in Amsterdam after 33 years on the throne and Willem-Alexander has now become the country’s first king since 1890.
Tuesday’s event in Seychelles, held at the Sunset Beach Hotel, was hosted by the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Albert Geers, and among the guests was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam.
Addressing the guests, Minister Adam said that over the years, Seychelles and the Netherlands have shared a special bond of friendship, which has been characterized by their will to collaborate on issues that are of mutual interest to their states.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the Netherlands’ efforts in the fight against piracy. A battle that we hold dear for the protection of our oceans is essential to all states, and not only to those in the Indian Ocean,” he said.
“We will not forget that the Dutch have provided strong support to our cause through the capture, as well as the transfer, of pirates. Their role in the Atalanta EU Navfor operations must also be emphasized, for as a European Union member state, your engagement has helped make many of the actions taken against piracy possible.”
Speaking about Queen Beatrix, Mr. Adam said she has made a bold move to abdicate in favor of her son, and from that day he shall be known as King Willem-Alexander.
“I am certain that his ascension to the throne will only bring forth further cooperation, and I do not doubt that the legacy that has been left behind by Queen Beatrix, now known as Princess Beatrix, will be upheld by him. King Willem-Alexander has made valuable contributions to the domestic and international communities alike. His experience will only enhance his ability to further lead the Netherlands towards success and prosperity,” he said.
After that he proposed a toast, first to Queen Beatrix’s success in future endeavors, and also to King Willem-Alexander, wishing him success in his new role.
The guests, which included Minister Rolph Payet and Minister Alain St.Ange, then spent the rest of the evening socializing.
