The Presidents of the First and Second Chambers received Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman on Wednesday, April 16. He is in the Netherlands for a two-day state visit. First Chamber President Jan Anthonie Bruijn and Second Chamber President Martin Bosma spoke with the Sultan in the building of the First Chamber in The Hague.
In his welcome speech, Jan Anthonie Bruijn addressed the similarities between the two countries. Both Oman and the Netherlands have a monarchy and a parliament with two chambers. The Senate President also discussed the role Oman currently plays on the world stage, acting as a mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran regarding the latters nuclear program.
Second Chamber President Martin Bosma emphasized in his speech the maritime ties between the two countries, which date back around 400 years. The Sultans visit further strengthens the relationship between the Netherlands and Oman, particularly in the area of water management.
Also present at the meeting were the Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Development Cooperation Committee of the First Chamber, Tineke Huizinga-Heringa (ChristianUnion) and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Second Chamber, Jesse Klaver (GreenLeft-PvDA).