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On January 9, 2019 (local time) Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
 
The Prime Minister held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Thereafter, Prime Minister Abe received a welcome from the Netherlands Marine Corps, held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Rutte and then attended a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Rutte.
 
The Prime Minister said in his address at the dinner,
 
“Prime Minister Rutte, I express my heartfelt thanks to you for hosting this dinner tonight. During my meeting with Prime Minister Rutte aboard a ship, we held an extremely meaningful exchange of views and discussion. Now, I would like to relax and enjoy this delicious cuisine.
 
At long last, the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement is soon entering into force. Afterwards, we will have access to these wonderful Dutch ingredients being served here this evening, as well as Dutch products, at lower prices than before.
 
An exhibition on Johannes Vermeer has been held in Japan since last October. 500,000 people have already visited this exhibition. It is so popular that there is always a long queue of people waiting to get in, despite the implementation of a timed entry system. For that reason, I have yet to visit the exhibition myself, but I will certainly do so if the opportunity presents itself.
 
This year, the first Imperial succession from a living Emperor will take place in Japan in nearly 200 years, marking the start of a new era. It is my heartfelt wish that the friendship between Japan and the Netherlands, as symbolized by the close relations between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family, will grow even deeper.
 
In 2020, Tokyo will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. When the Olympic and Paralympic Games were previously held in Tokyo in 1964 – I was only 10 years old at that time – I was certain Japan would win the gold medal in judo for all classes. I still vividly remember even now when Geesink defeated Kaminaga and won the gold. At the time, I was amazed by how large the Dutch people were. I expect we will see great things from the Dutch team in 2020. Dutch athletes are expected to perform well in competitions such as swimming, cycling and sailing. Furthermore, we are scheduled to welcome the Olympians from the Netherlands at one of the “Host Towns” in Japan.
 
Last but not the least, I would now like to offer a toast to the good health of Prime Minister Rutte and everyone in attendance, as well as to the further development of the relationship between our two countries.”