Varied Reactions to Putin Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay the Netherlands a short visit on Monday to open the Netherlands-Russia year together with Queen Beatrix in the Hermitage museum in Amsterdam. Sensitive topics will also be discussed and more than 3.3 thousand people plan to protest against the Russian anti-gay law. According to Nu.nl, with the celebration, both countries want to strengthen and deepen their centuries-long trade relationship. The Netherlands is one of the biggest investors in Russia and it is also the main export destination of Russia in the EU. The Russians initiated the celebration. Premier Mark Rutte will include the human rights situation in Russia in his discussion with Putin when they meet in the maritime museum, het Scheepsvaartmuseum, in Amsterdam. “Discussing difficult topics is also part of a good relationship.” The anti-gay law that the Russians will vote on in July is another sensitive topic. More than 3.3 thousand people signed up for a demonstration on Monday evening initiated by the gay interest group COC in front of het Scheepsvaartmuseum.