QUEEN'S DAY IN THE NETHERLANDS

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Queen's Day in the Netherlands
Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State Washington, DC
April 27, 2012
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Netherlands on Queen’s Day this April 30.
Diplomatic relations between our two countries go back to 1782, when the Netherlands was one of the first countries to recognize the United States. Since then, our close relationship has flourished based on the strong bonds of our shared history and culture, united by our people. Today, our relationship continues to thrive as we work to advance our common interests and our shared values. The United States and the Netherlands work together on a wide range of issues, from promoting democracy and safety in Libya and Afghanistan to our global efforts to support sustainable development and empower women and girls.

I wish Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and all the people of the Netherlands, Aruba, and the Dutch Antilles a very happy birthday celebration. The United States remains committed to strengthening the deep bonds of friendship between our nations and peoples for years to come.