At the invitation of His Majesty the King, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, will pay a state visit to the Netherlands on Thursday, December 11 and Friday, December 12. He will be accompanied by his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb.
Finland and the Netherlands cooperate within international organizations such as the European Union, the United Nations, and, since Finlands accession in 2023, NATO. The Netherlands and Finland aim for a strong and resilient economy through a robust energy sector and a strong defense industry.
Thursday, December 11
Morning
Welcome Ceremony
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima officially welcome the Finnish president and Mrs. Innes-Stubb at Dam Square in Amsterdam. After the delegations are introduced, the Royal Military Band ‘Johan Willem Friso’ plays the national anthems of both countries. This is followed by the inspection of the honor guard. In the Royal Palace Amsterdam, the Dutch authorities are then introduced, followed by a reception. There is also a private lunch.
Wreath Laying
President Stubb lays a wreath at the National Monument on Dam Square.
Afternoon
University of Amsterdam
President Stubb gives a lecture titled ‘Rebalancing multilateral cooperation – The West’s last chance to get it right’ at the University of Amsterdam and subsequently engages in a discussion with students about international cooperation and societal resilience.
Amsterdam Drone Lab
At the Marineterrein (MEA), the Royal Couple, the Finnish president, and Mrs. Innes-Stubb visit the Amsterdam Drone Lab where they receive explanations about the use of drones for various civil purposes, relevant to the energy and defense sectors. They also view various (air) vessels and a demonstration of the use of drones for inspecting railway lines and quay walls.
Defense Intake and Training Opportunities
Subsequently, the group receives information about various training and educational opportunities at the Ministry of Defense. Students and instructors discuss Defensity College, the Service Year, and the National Resilience Training. Students also demonstrate some skills they learn in their courses.
Business Forum
On the sidelines of the state visit, a trade mission focused on economic resilience related to energy and defense accompanies the visit. The Finnish president and the King meet representatives of various Dutch and Finnish companies and discuss trade opportunities. President Stubb and State Secretary De Vries of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation also give speeches.
Evening
State Banquet
In the evening, the Royal Couple hosts a state banquet at the Royal Palace Amsterdam. King Willem-Alexander and the Finnish president give speeches. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange is also present during the banquet.
Friday, December 12
Morning
NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA)
On Friday morning, the King and President Stubb visit the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) in The Hague. NATOs technology and cyber experts in the Netherlands ensure 24/7 protection of the organizations networks. The King and the president receive a briefing on the agencys tasks and activities and subsequently visit various NCIA labs.
Violence Against Women and Femicide
Queen Máxima and Mrs. Innes-Stubb visit the House of the City in Rijswijk. The visit focuses on domestic violence against women and femicide and starts with a presentation by Professor Liem, professor of Safety and Interventions and initiator of the Femicide Monitor. This is a scientific research project providing insight into all cases of murder and manslaughter with female victims in the Netherlands over the past ten years. A lawyer and a public prosecutor share their experiences regarding domestic violence against women. This is followed by a roundtable discussion on the Rijswijk crisis approach. The mayor explains how the domestic violence working group was formed and how all parties involved share their knowledge and experiences to tackle the problem faster and better together. An anonymized case is also discussed during this conversation. The visit concludes with a meeting with relatives of a fatal domestic violence victim and with an expert by experience.
Visit to the States General
The Finnish president visits the States General in The Hague. He meets the chairpersons of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Afternoon
Government Lunch
President Stubb and Mrs. Innes-Stubb are received by Prime Minister Schoof at Duivenvoorde Castle in Voorschoten. The government lunch takes place in the presence of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima and focuses on bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Finland. Topics include economic and trade relations, cooperation in energy transition, and geopolitical developments. During the lunch, the prime minister and the Finnish president give speeches.
Clingendael
After the government lunch, President Stubb visits the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael for an exchange with experts on European security and economy in the current geopolitical context.
Mauritshuis
Mrs. Innes-Stubb visits the Mauritshuis in the afternoon and receives a guided tour.
International Criminal Court
The state visit concludes with a visit to the International Criminal Court. The Finnish president and Mrs. Innes-Stubb are welcomed by President Tomoko Akane and Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler and discuss the work of the court with them.
RVD, no. 310
