Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al Abdullah on Tuesday attended an official dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in honour of Their Majesties and the accompanying Jordanian delegation.

A number of senior Dutch officials also attended the dinner, which was held at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

In remarks at the dinner, King Abdullah affirmed the strong ties of friendship between the two peoples.

“When I think of the great friendships between the Dutch and Jordanian people; when I think of the long ties—Your Majesty as you mentioned—between our royal families; I must tell you, that coming to the Netherlands is like stepping into the house of an old friend,” His Majesty said.

The King praised the Netherlands for supporting the dreams of young people in all fields of endeavour.

“And this is only one way the Netherlands sets an example for the world. We see your strong culture, your economic achievements, your advanced education, your diplomacy for peace and global progress,” His Majesty said.

“The Netherlands knows what all countries today need to know: we are part of one world; we need to engage; and engage in a positive way,” the King added.

“If the world’s people can learn anything from your country’s history, it is that challenges can be met when neighbours help neighbours, with durable solutions and sustainable action that create foundations for a better future,” His Majesty noted.

“This is Jordan’s commitment, as well. It is why my people have reached out with generosity and compassion to take on the burden of today’s refugee crisis. It is why we are dedicated to sustainable development, interfaith harmony, and peace,” the King said.

“In all this, the Netherlands is our deeply valued partner. Your country is helping advance education and innovation, create opportunity through investment and trade, and help refugees and those who are sacrificing so much to host them,” His Majesty added, noting Jordan’s cooperation with the Netherlands to address the global terror threat within a holistic approach.

“When we strengthen cooperation, and coexistence, and moderation, and shared prosperity, and hope, we are building a better future for all of us,” the King asserted.

“Time and again, the Netherlands has taken a lead in responding to injustice. Time and again, your country has stood as a model of tolerance and partnership. We in Jordan thank you and proudly stand side-by-side with you,” His Majesty concluded.

In his remarks, King Willem-Alexander welcomed Their Majesties, expressing the Netherlands’ commitment to strengthening cooperation with Jordan and noting the ties of friendship between the two countries’ royal families.

“Jordan is a beacon of stability in a region fraught with conflict. With God’s grace, it provides shelter in a turbulent neighbourhood,” he said.

“You are also reaching out to people in need. More than 1 million refugees from Syria and 2.5 million from other countries have sought sanctuary within your borders. And they have found it,” King Willem-Alexander added.

“The impact on daily life for the Jordanian people has been enormous. They are sharing what they have. Food and shelter. Water and electricity. Schools and jobs,” he noted.

“The international community will be forever grateful to Jordan in this regard. The Jordanian people may be modest in number, but their humanity is immense. You are right to be proud of that,” he added.

The Dutch monarch praised His Majesty’s role in combating extremism and terrorism.

“You have made it a personal priority to combat hate and violence. Not only in your own country, but throughout the Middle East and surrounding regions. In your role as initiator of the Aqaba Meetings, you bring leaders together in the name of peace,” he said.

“Your message of understanding and tolerance deserves to be heard and upheld everywhere,” King Willem-Alexander added.

“Peace demands more than moral support. It demands concrete action too… That’s why we must work together to promote growth and development. And indeed, this is the focus of your visit,” he said.

“Your Majesty, like most people in your country, you have heard and used the words of the traditional Arabic greeting ‘assalamu alaikum’ from a young age. But for you and Queen Rania these words are more than a simple pleasantry. They are a personal motivation and mission. Both in your own country and beyond it,” King Willem-Alexander noted.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, Trade Minister Yarub Qudah, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Ahmad Al Mufleh attended the dinner.

Earlier on Tuesday, Their Majesties were accorded an official welcoming ceremony at Noordeinde Palace.