Press statement by Minister Veldkamp at the Political consultations between the Republic of Kenya and the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Speech | 19-03-2025

Thank you, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, for hosting me today, and for the very warm welcome to Nairobi.

We had much to discuss this morning, that also shows the depth and broad character of the relations between our countries.

I’m delighted to accompany his Majesty King Willem-Alexander and her Majesty Queen Maxima on their very first state visit to Kenya.

It is also my first visit to your country. Like the many Dutch tourists who come here, I am struck by Kenya’s warmth, its beauty – but above all, its energy and its vibrancy.

During our political consultations this morning, we discussed many topics, such as current affairs, peace and security, multilateral cooperation, development and trade and investment. We discussed ongoing conflicts in the region and elsewhere, such as Sudan, South-Sudan, DRC, Somalia, the Red Sea and the Houthi’s – and we discussed Ukraine.

Running through all these discussions was a shared focus on the future: on a partnership that unlocks opportunities for the next generation – for both Kenyans and Dutch alike.

Because although our countries have maintained close ties for over 60 years, it is the future where I believe our nations truly meet.

First of all, because we want to.

We share many similarities that make our partnership a natural fit.

Both our countries are outward-looking, trade-orientated and driven by entrepreneurial spirit. We are both regional hubs in our parts of the world – Kenya in East Africa and the Netherlands in Europe.

We both value sustainability and innovation. Kenya is leading in renewable energy, while the Netherlands is known for its expertise in sustainable agriculture and water management.

And we both believe in multilateral cooperation, the rules based international order and respect for international law. We actively contribute to peacekeeping, conflict resolution and have a strong voice on issues like climate change and human rights.

This natural fit creates a strong foundation for our people, our businesses and our governments to connect, to collaborate and to grow together.

So yes – I am confident that on this solid base our ties will grow stronger over the next years.

But secondly, we need to deepen our relations.

The world is changing rapidly. Global power shifts and rising geopolitical tensions make partnerships with stable, forward-looking countries like Kenya more important than ever.

As new powers increase their influence, it is vital that we stand together with partners who share our commitment to stability, sustainability and the rules-based international order.

This state visit is more than a confirmation of our long-standing friendship. It is a joint commitment to deepen and elevate our partnership – for the benefit of both our nations.

Your country is full of opportunity, driven by a dynamic young population that has the potential to play a transformative role in shaping Kenya’s and Africa’s growth in the years to come. It is important to tap into this potential, and it is important to listen to young people’s concerns.

The Netherlands is eager to work with you to promote sustainable trade and development, to tackle shared security challenges, and to champion our common values on the global stage.

This is a partnership of opportunity, a partnership for prosperity, a partnership for our shared security and stability. This is a partnership for the future.

Let’s continue building this future together.

Asanteni sana.
Thank you.