Royal Trade Mission

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima start on Monday with a two days journey to Germany. The trip is an introductory and trade visit to the two German states of Hessen and Baden-Württemberg. It is, after a short trip to Luxemburg, the second foreign trip of the royal couple. The trade mission to these states of Germany was already planned before Queen Beatrix announced her abdication in January. The Netherlands are underrepresented in Hessen and Baden-Württemberg and Dutch companies would like to present themselves as reliable and good business partners. Besides Berlin, the cities of Wiesbaden, Frankfurt and Stuttgart will be visited. Berlin is not situated in the two states, but since the king now visits Germany officially for the first time as Head of State, he has to visit the capital of the country. On Monday morning the royal couple will first have a meeting with Angela Merkel. After visiting Merkel the king and queen will be the guest of the president of Germany Joachim Gauck at the presidential residence Bellevue castle. They will first be welcomed with a military ceremony, which will be followed by a lunch at noon. After the ceremonies in Berlin the couple flies to Wiesbaden where the trade part of the visit will start. On Monday they will be welcomed by the government of Hessen. On Tuesday, among other visits, the royal couple will visit Opel and Diehl Aerosystems. The goal of Willem-Alexander and Maxima is to seek attention for the industrial and innovative qualities of Dutch businesses partners.