Dutch king, queen to lead state visit to Australia & New Zealand

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima will be paying state visits to Australia and New Zealand later this year, the Royal House announced on Monday. "The visits are devoted to the history and broad bilateral ties the Netherlands has with Australia and New Zealand", according to the statement. The Dutch Royals will be in Australia from October 31st to November 4th and in New Zealand from November 7th to 9th. They will be accompanied by Minister Bert Koenders of Foreign Affairs. At the same time there will also be a broad economic mission to the two countries. In Australia this will be led by Minister Lilianne Ploumen of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and in New Zealand by Minister Henk Kamp of Economic Affairs.