Queen Beatrix arriving tomorrow

By Ramesh Mathew

John Groffen

The three-day visit of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands starting tomorrow would herald a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Qatar and the European country, said its Ambassador to Qatar John Groffen yesterday.
The Netherlands, which opened its embassy in Qatar only a few years ago, is looking forward to signing a number of MoUs with this country in different areas during the visit of the Queen, said Groffen.
Speaking to journalists, the ambassador said Queen Beatrix’s delegation comprised among others the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima.
The Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Verhagen, who is heading the economic mission accompanying the Queen and chairman of the Confederation of Netherlands’ Industry and Employers Bernard Wientjes are also part of the delegation.
Explaining that the Dutch delegation would be looking forward to strengthening economic and political co-operation between the two countries, Groffen said the highlight of the visit would be the economic development of Qatar and opportunities for businesses from the Netherlands.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed between the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Rijksmuseum Amsterdam to enhance co-operation in areas of mutual interest between the two institutions, said the ambassador.
Similarly, another MoU is also on the cards between Rotterdam Port and Ras Laffan Port on the second day of the visit. "Rotterdam is one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe, backed by a wonderful history and tradition and continues to be a major hub of shipping activities in the entire Europe,” said   Groffen.
Answering a query, the ambassador replied that the port at Rotterdam housed facilities for LNG storage and talks between the officials of the two ports may also include issues related to LNG.
At the Ras Laffan’s Nakilat-Damen’s Shipyard Qatar (NDSQ), Director of Ras Laffan Abdulaziz al-Muftah will receive the Queen on the second day. After her visit of Shell Pearl GTL plant, CEO of Royal Dutch Shell Peter Voser will host the Queen at a gathering there.
The day’s engagements also include a luncheon discussion on the modernisation of Qatar and later a reception of the Dutch community in Qatar at The Diplomatic Club.
As a token of appreciation of her visit of Qatar, Amsterdam’s Baroque Orchestra will offer a concert at the Katara Cultural Village.
While exploring the chances to boost the trade between the two countries, Qatar and The Netherlands would also form joint business council during the Queen’s tour, said Groffen.