The Hague, Netherlands
24 March 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today concluded a successful two-day bilateral visit to the Netherlands, where he met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The two leaders discussed how to strengthen the bilateral relationship and maximize the commercial benefits that will arise from the Canada-EU Trade Agreement. They also exchanged views on Ukraine, other key international security issues, as well as the Nuclear Security Summit, which Prime Minister Rutte is hosting from March 24 to 25, 2014.
The Prime Minister also had an audience with King Willem-Alexander at Noordeinde Palace. The meeting provided an opportunity to celebrate the special friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, which is underpinned by strong social, political and historical ties.
While in the Netherlands, Prime Minister Harper also had the opportunity to visit the Port of Rotterdam. The largest port in Europe and fourth-largest in the world, the Port of Rotterdam is a natural gateway for Canadian goods into the larger European market.
Finally, the Prime Minister hosted a question and answer session with Canadian and Dutch business representatives, along with James Moore, Minister of Industry. Minister Moore was in the Netherlands leading a 25-company trade mission from March 23 to 26, with a view to enabling Canadian companies to position themselves early and benefit from the Canada-EU Trade Agreement.
