Kingdom of the Netherlands Celebrates Dutch National Day

The Kingdom of the Netherlands marked its National Day in Fiji with a reception held in honour of the birthday of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

The reception was hosted by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Fiji, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu, His Excellency Ard M.M. van der Vorst, together with the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Fiji, Mr. Roderic Evers.

Guests in attendance included the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, invited guests and members and friends of the Netherlands community in Fiji.

The presence of Dutch water sector representatives underscored the potential for meaningful collaboration in water resource management, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure, areas of shared priority for both nations as Pacific Island communities continue to face the mounting challenges of climate change.

Ambassador van der Vorst expressed his appreciation for the warm fellowship shared at the reception and reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to its partnership with Fiji and the Pacific.

Principal Foreign Service Officer, Mr. Hansel Whippy conveyed Fiji’s appreciation for the continued support of the Kingdom Netherlands and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to deepening this partnership in the spirit of mutual respect and shared progress.