Dutch PM addresses ANU students

The Prime Minster of the Netherlands underlined the relationship between tolerant societies and international security during a recent address to ANU students.

Dr Jan Peter Balkenende spoke to more than 350 people at the University during his visit to Australia earlier this month, which coincided with the 400th anniversary of the Dutch vessel Duyfken bringing the first Europeans to Australia.

“I’m convinced that prosperous free countries like the Netherlands and Australia bear a special responsibility to make an active contribution to the peace, stability and development of people around the world,” Dr Balkenende said, adding that a “stable international environment” was best to foster domestic tolerance.

In a wide-ranging address, he outlined the lengthy history of relations between Australia and the Netherlands, including the impending collaboration between Australian troops and a Dutch reconstruction team in the Afghani province Oruzgan.

“As medium-sized countries we know that we have to work closely with others if we are to achieve our aims: prosperity, security, a life free from fear for ourselves and our children, and freedom and security for the oppressed people of the world,” he said.

The possibility of drawing on Australia’s expertise to increase Dutch engagement with Asia was also floated, with Dr Balkenende describing Australia as “the Netherlands gateway to Asia, and the Netherlands [as] Australia’s gateway to Europe”.

“We’ve been good mates for 400 years,” he said. “That’s an exceptional record. There are very few countries that can claim the same. More important than our joint past is our joint future: an exciting, promising voyage of discovery that I hope we shall make together for the next 400 years.”

After the talk, Dr Balkenende met with ANU experts for a roundtable discussion on Indonesia, which was a Dutch colony until the end of World War II.

On Campus April 2006:

Funding boost for Medical School

National first for law graduate

Harmony Day strikes cultural accord

Breaking down barriers, building communities

Swell of students predicted for migration course

Eye camera donation sees the light

Curtin Medal winner in good company

Opposition leader tours solar facilities

ANU first university in mobile recycling program

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