Dutch King and Queen Welcome Chinese President

The Dutch King and Queen yesterday welcomed the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for a two-day state visit that is the first state visit by a Chinese President to the Netherlands.

President Xi and his wife, Mrs Peng Liyuan, arrived yesterday morning at Amsterdam Schipol International Airport, and were greeted with the traditional military guard of honour. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima headed the welcoming committee.

The Queen wore a brown full A-line skirt paired with a black blouse featuring a large bow around the neckline and a brown cape-style coat. The Chinese First Lady was elegant and simple in a white dress underneath a pale grey coat.

In the afternoon, the King hosted an audience with the President at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, before the official party attended a gala banquet in the evening.

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, President Xi and First Lady Peng, along with Princess Beatrix, posed for photos before the start of the banquet in the Burgerzaal. Queen Máxima repeated a light pink Valentino evening gown first worn in 2004, modified to include lace overlay on the skirt panels. This was paired with the Antique Pearl tiara and the full version of the Devant de Corsage. First Lady Peng wore a pale green silk gown, with an embroidered black jacket.

During the banquet, King Willem-Alexander gave a speech in which he spoke of his country’s fascination with China – the culture, the history, the language, the industry. He also spoke of the similar outlooks and combined work in a number of areas (agriculture, water management, trade and health care were some of the King’s examples). “The world needs China for a bright future. Just as China needs the world for balanced and sustainable development,” the King remarked, when referencing China’s emergence in international politics and the international community.

President Xi will remain in the Netherlands until March 25th, during which time he will attend the Nuclear Security Summit. He will pay a state visit to Belgium next week, March 30 to April 1.

Filed under The Netherlands
Tagged Bilateral Relations, China, Fashion, Jewellery, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, President Xi of China, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, State Visit, Tiaras.

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