Ministers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning and thank you for joining us this morning – some physically – even more virtually. 

I find opening this particular event very exciting: my first official virtual business conference ever. 

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, this has been a year of postponements and cancellations. We all looked forward to visiting the Netherlands this June, but current times call for new ways to meet and collaborate. 

You plan for the best, but sometimes you find yourself confined to the second best solution. And this is where we are. Present in each our own country, but together in virtual terms. 

We are fortunate, that both the Netherlands and Denmark head rankings when it comes to digitalisation. It is thus no coincidence that we were able to convert our visit to a virtual format in cooperation with our Dutch partners. 

Deep and longstanding ties characterize the relation between our two countries. Both diplomatically and commercially. 

In fact, this year marks the 500-year anniversary of the arrival of Dutch farmers to Copenhagen. 

Already in 1520, King Christian II saw the great potential for Dutch-Danish partnership: He invited Dutch farmers to Denmark to cultivate the fertile soil of the island of Amager. 

Thanks to the skilled Dutchmen, Amager was nicknamed the “pantry of Denmark” for centuries to come. 

Today, we continue to build on this partnership. Trade between our countries is increasing and the potential for investments and collaboration between businesses is even greater.   

At the same time, challenges arise from the climate crisis. Never have partnerships and co-creation between friends been more important. 

Present today, are Danish and Dutch companies and associations who are world leading when it comes to green solutions and energy transition. Together they represent the highly specialized expertise we need to create more sustainable societies. 

On a more personal note, the close friendship between the Dutch royal family and my own goes back many years. 

Not least because of our special bond, we were very happy to host the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maximá to Denmark in 2015. 

Back then, sustainable energy was also top of the agenda, underlining, that this is a subject that preoccupies both our nations. 

With today’s topic “Partnering for Green Transition”, we hope to add a new dimension to Dutch-Danish relations.

It is with great anticipation that I open this first royal digital business conference with a live stream between the Netherlands and Denmark. 

I wish you all a successful digital venture and look forward to a follow-up in real life as soon as possible. 

Thank you.