Dutch State Visits: General Discussion, Suggestions, Musings

[Koningin]

In October we'll have a stare visit to Portugal. What do you think of 2018?

[Koningin]

My opinion:
- In spring a state visit to Sweden
- In autumn (maybe september) a state visit to one of South America countries (Chile or Colombia, not Argentina yet)
- President of Vietnam will pay a state visit to the Netherlands
- King and Queen of Spain will pay state visit to the Netherlands

[EmmaNL]

My only hope is a Dutch State Visit to the UK. That would be so amazing!
Since the Dutch and the British share Shell (which is a huge company), I kind of think it may be a possibility in the near future. They are pretty important trading partners, and I think they both hope they can remain trading partners despite of Brexit.

[Blog Real]

Is it likely a state visit from Spain to the Netherlands?

[tommy100]

In many ways I suspect now is one of the most opportune times for a Dutch state visit to the UK. The Government seem to be prioritising highlighting links to European countries ahead of Brexit and with the King being one head of state due a State Visit having not been invited before I'm guessing its a strong possibility.

[Marengo]

Although I wish you were correct, I would argue to opposite and think that such a visit on the short term is unthinkable.

Both from a Dutch as from a UK perspective it makes no sense at all. It will only lead to even more hollow phrases than usual, about historical ties etc. while the British government has decided to cut those ties.
No amount of soft diplomacy -such as these visits- will in short terms undo the diplomatic damage that was, and still is, inflicted by incoherence of the government of Mrs. May in recent months. The upcoming year it is likely that the relations with the continent will sour further as hard and unpopular decisions still need to be negociated.

I would be extremely surprised if the Foreign Office will send an invitation to The Hague. Their priorities will probably be to forge good relations and trade deals outside of Europe. I believe the invitation to Spain was issued before the referendum. Even if the above is wrong, the foreign office will have other priorities in Europe over a small country like ours, the new French president comes to mind. It is notable that the Spanish king was invited before his slightly longer reigning colleagues in The Netherlands and Belgium.

Normally The Hague would be thrilled with an invitation, but this time it will be impossible to accompany such a state visit with a trade mission as investments and trade with the UK are decreasing and will continue to decrease until the uncertainty ends. It will be more sensible to send an invitation after the Brexit has been settled. Until that is the case such a visit can sadly only be a farce and a waste of time and money.

It is quite a pity as such a state visit would be a great opportunity for the king to pay tribute in person once again to the British soldiers that helped liberate our country in 1945. Less and less of those who risked their lives for us will be around as time passes.

[Kingen]

Originally Posted by Koningin

My opinion:
- In spring a state visit to Sweden
- In autumn (maybe september) a state visit to one of South America countries (Chile or Colombia, not Argentina yet)
- President of Vietnam will pay a state visit to the Netherlands
- King and Queen of Spain will pay state visit to the Netherlands

I assume that is reasonble guesses or predictions. Especially I hope for a state visit to Sweden, however I don't know how likely it is. Additionally, the postsponed state visit from Jordan is likely to take place next year, so not sure of how many incoming state visits they could manage.

I think a state visit to UK is a wish, for any European monarchy now. I guess their focus is elsewhere, and the purpose of such a state visit would indeed be strange.

[Tilia C.]

I'm not sure about a SV to the UK. With the Brexit it might become a priority to strengthen relations with European countries. And let's not forget that the new Monarchs of Spain have already payed a visit to London. So I'm not giving up hope for a Dutch Visit to the UK.

[lucien]

Originally Posted by Tilia C.

I'm not sure about a SV to the UK. With the Brexit it might become a priority to strengthen relations with European countries. And let's not forget that the new Monarchs of Spain have already payed a visit to London. So I'm not giving up hope for a Dutch Visit to the UK.

Not with the present stand in the Brexit negotiations,a SV would be unwise and NL can not conduct on it's own regarding policies.UK first has to be removed from the EU,and maybe then SV makes sense at one time later.Much later.

But I think we will see Charles,as in HM King Charles,here sooner for a quick visit after he becomes the
new Monarch.

[Duc_et_Pair]

Despite four Anglo-Dutch wars, the Dutch have always tried to keep the UK aboard as a counterbalance, as the Benelux is surrounded by the Big Three of the EU: Germany, France and the UK.

Also for the UK, the Netherlands have always been a close ally while Belgium/Luxembourg always were more on the axis Berlin-Paris.

The Netherlands share various giant companies with the UK, amongst them Shell, Unilever. It would not surprise me when the Dutch Government supports a State Visit to the UK as a signal: sadly you are leave us, but you remain our neighbour overseas, you remain a NATO-partner, you remain a major economic partner for us, etc.

But ONLY when Máxima manegs to get her shameful appearances back in order again and does appear as a Queen indeed and not as a scarecrow, otherwise she can better stay home (read: globetrotting to Nigeria and the likes).

[An Ard Ri]

Originally Posted by Blog Real

Is it likely a state visit from Spain to the Netherlands?

Yes I was hoping we'd see one in 2017,but maybe we'll know more in 2018!

[Iza Borowiec]

Hello! Have you any bets for state visits in 2018?

[Duc_et_Pair]

Originally Posted by Iza Borowiec

Hello! Have you any bets for state visits in 2018?

Any guess is as good as it is, there is no systematic in it, as far as I can see.

2017 - to Portugal (republic)
2017 - to Italy (republic)
2017 - to the Holy See (monarchy)

2016 - to New Zealand (monarchy)
2016 - to Australia (monarchy)
2016 - to France (republic)

2015 - to China (republic)
2015 - to Denmark (monarchy)

2014 - to Korea (republic)
2014 - to Japan (monarchy)
2014 - to Poland (republic)

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2017 - from Argentina (republic)

2016 - from Belgium (monarchy)

2014 - from China (republic)