Dutch King preaches importance of working with NATO, UN & Europe

King Willem-Alexander emphasized the importance of cooperating with NATO, the United Nations and Europe in his traditional New Year's speech on Tuesday. According to him, "a highly developed country like the Netherlands can not be indifferent to developments in the wider world", AD reports.

Peace, freedom, stability and prosperity don't just happen, the King said. "Without our international partners it is simply impossible. It is therefore good if our voice continues to be heard in Europe, the UN, NATO and everywhere people think past their borders."

The New Year's speech was giving in the Royal Place in Amsterdam in the presence of Queen Maxima, Princess Beatrix and specially invited guests, including politicians and representatives from the world of education.

King Willem-Alexander also addressed the teachers in his speech, calling to mind his own school attending daughters. "You can not start young enough exploring the world around you. Life is learning and learning is life. As a society, we expect a lot from you. Your work involves more than just imparting knowledge and skills to the next generation. Sometimes it seems that education should give the answer to all social questions. The responsibility and pressure you feel is enormous. I think I speak for almost all parents when I say: thank you for your commitment and passion."

Ankie Broekers-Knol, president of the Eerste Kamer, the Dutch Senate, also gave a short speech. "Fear and anxiety should not take a grip on our lives", she said. "If we allow ourselves to be guided too much by worry, fear, we lose the very think we are trying to protect: an open, free society." According to her, a lot happened in 2016 that gave rise to fear, but there were also many positive developments.