7 May 2010
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today at the conclusion of his meeting with Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands:
"We are here to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, which is a historical link between our two countries. The links between Canada and the Netherlands are one of the strongest international relationships that Canada has anywhere in the world. We always feel very much at home whenever we come to this country, and we appreciate the warm hospitality shown to all Canadians today by the people of the Netherlands.
"Prime Minister Balkenende and I discussed a wide range of issues, including the financial crisis, the need for continuing stimulus measures, and exit strategies. We also focussed on our trade relations.
"Prime Minister Balkenende’s government has been one of the strongest supporters of the ongoing Canada-European Union trade negotiations, and we were able to share views on the good progress that’s being made on that front.
"We also discussed our wider global interests, including development and humanitarian aid, climate change and international peace and security issues, including, of course, our shared mission in Afghanistan. Let me just conclude by saying there are very few places in the world a Canadian can go and feel as at home as in the Netherlands. All the students and veterans I have spoken to have been received very warmly and had a fantastic time here. The same is true for me. We look forward to seeing you again."
