On April 3, the President of the German Bundesrat Anke Rehlinger visited the States General. Rehlinger was received by Senate President Jan Antonie Bruijn and House of Representatives President Martin Bosma. Rehlinger is not only the President of the Bundesrat but also the Minister-President of the state of Saarland.
In his welcome speech, Jan Anthonie Bruijn referred to the tradition of more than twenty years in which the President of the Bundesrat visits the Dutch parliament: ‘A tradition that we consider of great value and importance. The relations between our two countries, Germany and the Netherlands, are excellent. On many issues, we share the same opinion, and we work closely together at the national level and in the border region.’
The Senate President also linked history and current developments in Europe. ‘This year we commemorate in Europe that eighty years ago the Second World War ended. In the Netherlands, we also celebrate freedom this year. But while celebrating, we always keep in mind that a war has been raging nearby for over three years now. It is important that we continue to express our support to the Ukrainians. It shows the importance of European and international cooperation and solidarity. Between governments and between people, said Bruijn.
Next, the floor was given to House of Representatives President Martin Bosma. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Netherlands and Germany: ‘From friendship and mutual deep trust, constructive cooperation takes place in many areas. Not only in politics and economics but also in defense, culture, and science.’
After this conversation, the President of the Bundesrat had a discussion with members of the Committee on European Affairs of both Chambers and the Germany contact group of the House of Representatives.