Foreign Affairs Minister Congratulates Dutch on ‘King’s Day’

Minister of Foreign Affairs Davit Zalkaliani delivered a speech at a ceremony held by the Dutch Embassy in Georgia and congratulated the Kingdom of the Netherlands on ‘King’s Day,’ a Dutch national holiday.

“I am glad that relations between Georgia and the Netherlands have a new dynamic in politics, economics, trade, tourism, education, culture and security. These relationships are based on decades of mutual trust, friendship and partnership,” Zalkaliani said.

King’s Day (in Dutch: Koningsdag), is a Dutch national holiday celebrated on April 27, the birthday of Willem-Alexander, the current King of The Netherlands, who ascended the throne in 2013 after his mother abdicated.

The original public holiday was held as Princess’ Day for the first time on August 31, 1885, Princess Wilhelmina’s fifth birthday, as a day to emphasize national unity, according to the Royal House of the Netherlands’ website.

Today the holiday is celebrated with music, street parties, and fun fairs. The day is also known for its its nationwide vrijmarkt (“free market”), where Dutch sell their used and unwanted items. It is also tradition to wear orange clothing (the national color) on King’s Day, a phenomenon known as Oranjegekte (“orange craze”).

In his speech at the embassy, Zalkaliani stressed the importance of Dutch support in safeguarding Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also noted that both countries share a common vision for a strong European future.

By Lucy Papachristou

Photo Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dakone2k/41758295202/