Happy New Year to you all.

Since I arrived in the Netherlands on September 28th 2010, I have taken advantage of several opportunities to meet with a number of governmental officials, representatives from international organisations, business, academic and cultural circles in this country. Over the past three months I have also visited towns and cities as far as Limburg and was happy to note on these occasions that the long and historic ties of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands continue to remain firm.

The cordial ties between the members of the Imperial and Royal families form an important part of broad Japanese-Dutch relations. Our two countries have much in common, sharing fundamental values such as the rule of law, market economy and democracy and co-operate closely in both the political and diplomatic arenas. In the field of direct investment, we have been enjoying the largest bilateral partnership in Europe in both ways over last several years. This year we will continue co-operating closely each other for the taking effect of the new Tax Treaty between Japan and the Netherlands and for the conclusion of Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. With your support, I will endeavour to consolidate our existing relations in the coming year.

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous year.

                                                                                    Takashi Koezuka
Ambassador of Japan

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