Thaindian News

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday congratulated the people of the Netherlands on their annual Queen’s Day celebration, or Koninginnedag as it is known locally.

“On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Netherlands as you commemorate Queen’s Day this April 30,” Clinton said in a statement released by the U.S. State Department.

Queen’s Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands and celebrates the birthday of Queen Beatrix, although her actual birthday is on January 31st. It is also a day of national unity.

The Netherlands and the United States have had close diplomatic ties for more than 200 years, although its ties go back more than 400 years. “The Netherlands was one of the first European powers to recognize the United States, cementing our close relationship early in our histories,” Clinton said. “Since Henry Hudson landed on Manhattan in 1609, the Netherlands and North America have been inextricably linked.”

Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer who, under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company, explored the region around what is now known as New York City. He also explored the Hudson River, which was named after him, and laid the foundation for the 17th century colony New Netherland.

“Today, our partnership is as strong as ever as we work together on a range of global issues,” Clinton noted. “The Netherlands and the United States share a special economic, cultural and military alliance that is building a safer, more peaceful world. This is a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values, including an unwavering commitment to tolerance, freedom, democracy, and justice.”

She added: “I wish Queen Beatrix and all the people of the Netherlands, Aruba, and the Dutch Antilles a happy celebration, and look forward to deepening this partnership even more as we work for a brighter future for all our people.”