King Willem-Alexander has said that ongoing global challenges including suffering in Israel, the war in Ukraine, conflict in South Sudan, and climate-related disasters such as flooding in various countries remain a source of global concern.
The issues were highlighted as a call for collective international action to build a better world during the traditional New Year’s reception for the diplomatic corps hosted by the Dutch royal family in the Netherlands.
Speaking at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander said he was pleased to see broad global representation at the event and underscored the shared responsibility of nations to work towards peace and justice.
“We should seek ways to find peace and justice.” he said.
Kenya’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Halima Mucheke, was among members of the diplomatic corps hosted by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the annual reception, which brings together diplomatic representatives from around the world.
Speaking to the Voice Daily, Ambassador Mucheke said she was humbled and impressed by the recognition accorded to her despite the order of precedence.
“This was my second time attending, and once again I was struck by how seamlessly everything unfolds. At the Palace, guests are arranged according to order of precedence, and I found myself almost in the first row, an experience that was both humbling and memorable,” Mucheke said.
She described the King’s address as refreshing and deeply resonant.
“It was a beautifully refreshing message. I left the Palace feeling renewed, inspired and energised to contribute towards making the world a better place,” she added.
Ambassador Mucheke also said the 55th Annual Ambassadors’ Breakfast, convened by Royal Jaarbeurs Chief Executive Officer Jeroen van Hooff, provided a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, trade promotion and the showcasing of innovation in tourism.
During the exhibition, Mucheke said the Kenyan delegation met several Kenyan exhibitors, who reported that their participation in the annual event has consistently generated positive business outcomes.
The event brought together organisations, exhibitors and professionals from the global travel and tourism industry.
The engagements come as Kenya continues to promote tourism, investment and diplomatic cooperation in Europe, using international platforms to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations.
Edited by John Majau.
