Thank you very much for joining us for the sixth edition of the NBCC North Sea Neighbours Dinner. You all together are the driving force behind the UK-NL relationship.
The evening started with H.E. Joanna Roper CMG, British Ambassador to the Netherlands, highlighted the enduring strength of the UK–Netherlands relationship and the positive steps taken in recent years towards an even closer economic partnership. Outlining the UK’s economic priorities with the Netherlands, she said, “In a period of challenge and change, some things remain stalwart and strong, such as the relationship with the Netherlands. As we approach the Summit on 19th May that looks to foster a stable, positive and forward-looking relationship between the UK and the EU, we look forward to working with the Netherlands in all areas of cooperation, including on shared defence and security, trade and investment and more.”
Followed by the welcome speech of the NBCC Chair, Heba Bevan OBE, she said, "The relationship between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom has historically been characterised by strong economic ties, cultural exchange, and collaborative efforts across various sectors. Both nations share a commitment to open markets and international trade, which has fostered a robust bilateral relationship that is vital for their respective economies."
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Minister Reinette Klever, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, who spoke about the "long-standing partnerships" between the Netherlands and the UK, due to a shared interest in trade and security. She stressed the importance of long-term cooperation between governments and the private sector to tackle challenges like geopolitical tensions and economic resilience. Minister Klever also highlighted three British ways of dealing with uncertainty in the current global economy. In her remarks, Minister Klever stated, she called the business and the Dutch and UK governments to “Keep calm and carry on, stay resolute, and play to our strengths on the world stage.”
These words served as a strong call to action, urging continued strategic partnership and shared confidence in our global positioning.
Neil Cosgrove, Director at the Office for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade, spoke about the need for growth and the role of the Office for Investment.
Paul Drechsler CBE, Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Business and Trade, encouraged businesses in the Netherlands and in the UK to make their voice heard ahead of the upcoming Leaders’ Summit on 19 May as THE best opportunity to improve the EU-UK trading relationship. Read his full speech here: https://bit.ly/4iUx5c2
Rem Korteweg, Senior Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute, highlighted the EU-UK reset on 19 May as a crucial opportunity to begin rebuilding a closer, more effective partnership within the contours of the Brexit agreements. He emphasised that this moment should mark the start of a sustained process of engagement, driven by shared economic and security interests between the UK and the EU amidst geopolitical tumult, adding that “The summit is a rare opportunity for the EU and the UK to chart a path towards closer relations. But the question is whether both sides can be ambitious enough to move beyond the symbolic and initiate a real process for realignment on security, energy, trade and other matters."