Dutch king to visit Liverpool for talks on trade, aviation and defence

King Willem-Alexander is due to visit Liverpool on 3 November for a programme focused on Dutch-British cooperation in maritime industries, aviation, defence and community initiatives, the Dutch government has announced. [1]

The King will be accompanied by Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Vincent Karremans will attend parts of the visit. A parallel economic mission is also planned. [1]

The programme is set to begin at the Balaena Birkenhead shipyard, which supplies components for naval frigates and submarines and builds civilian vessels. The King is due to meet British and Dutch maritime businesses and speak with students training for shipyard roles.

At the University of Liverpool, the visit will focus on sustainable aviation. Karremans and his British counterpart are expected to sign a joint statement on the ambition to establish a zero-emission aviation corridor between the two countries. The King is also scheduled to see demonstrations involving circular batteries, electric passenger aircraft and aviation charging stations. [1]

The afternoon programme includes a working lunch with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, a visit to community sports and education programmes in Anfield, and the British Music Experience museum. The day is due to conclude aboard the Dutch naval vessel HNLMS Johan de Witt, where officials are expected to sign a partnership document on defence cooperation, followed by a reception at Liverpool Town Hall. [1]