H M Sultan Haitham's visit bolsters Oman-Dutch ties
Amsterdam, Netherlands – An official reception ceremony was held at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam for His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Tuesday morning on the occasion of his state visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Upon His Majesty the Sultan's arrival, he was received by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his spouse Queen Máxima. The king and the queen welcomed His Majesty the Sultan, wishing him and the official accompanying delegation a successful visit and a pleasant stay in the Netherlands.
After that, His Majesty the Sultan, the king and the queen ascended the main dais, where the Omani Royal Anthem and the Netherlands Royal Anthem were played.
Then, His Majesty inspected the guard of honour followed by the king escorting him to the interior of the palace.
Prior to entering the palace, His Majesty the Sultan was welcomed by a group of Omani students pursuing studies in the Netherlands, along with families of the Omani Embassy's staff in Amsterdam.
The two leaders headed to the main hall, where His Majesty the Sultan shook hands with members of the welcoming party. The king and the queen shook hands with the official Omani delegation.
This was followed by His Majesty the Sultan being greeting and shaking hands with Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and other Dutch officials.
The two monarchs held a cordial meeting in the presence of the Omani and Dutch sides. The meeting reviewed the relations, cooperation and partnership, and means of promoting these to serve the two countries.
H M visits National Monument in Amsterdam
H M Sultan Haitham visited the National Monument in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
Built in 1956, the monument is of great significance to the Dutch people. It stands in Dam Square – the historic heart of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam.
H M, King of Netherlands exchange Orders, mementos
H M Sultan Haitham and King Willem-Alexander exchanged orders and commemorative gifts at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
His Majesty the Sultan conferred the Al Said Order on King Willem-Alexander honouring him and in a reflection of the advanced relations of cooperation and partnership between the two countries.
His Majesty the Sultan also conferred the Oman First Order on Queen Máxima and Renaissance of Oman 1st Class Order on Princess Catharina-Amalia, the Princess of Orange and heir apparent to the throne of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
His Majesty also conferred Royal orders on a few senior officials in the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, King Willem-Alexander awarded His Majesty the Sultan the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands, the oldest and highest civilian order of chivalry in the Netherlands honouring him and in acknowledgment of the two countries' distinguished relations.
The King also awarded Royal orders to the Honourable Lady Sayyida Ahd Abdullah Hamed al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, and members of the official delegation accompanying His Majesty.
Additionally, the two leaders exchanged commemorative gifts.
The event was attended by members of the official delegations from the Omani and Netherlands sides, as well as senior officials of the Netherlands.
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