NordenBladet – Crown Prince Frederik participated in a digital promotion of business relations between Denmark and the Netherlands after a physical visit to the country was postponed due to COVID-19.
The business promotion has been structured around “Partnering for a Green Transition” and marks the first time a Danish royal visit has been conducted digitally. On Monday, Crown Prince Frederik gave an opening speech at the Industriens Hus in Copenhagen with Danish government ministers and business leaders also participating in events.
Frederik’s speech was streamed for both Danish and Dutch delegates, and he began his speech by noting that 2020 marks the 500th anniversary of Dutch farmers who arrived in Copenhagen. He said that the two countries’ partnership has continued since then and that, “Trade between our countries is increasing and the potential for investments and collaboration between businesses is even greater.
“At the same time, challenges arise from the climate crisis. Never have partnerships and co-creation between friends been more important.
“Present today are Danish and Dutch companies and associations who are world-leading when it comes to green solutions and energy transition. Together they represent the highly specialized expertise we need to create more sustainable societies.”
The digital promotion included three online roundtable discussions, according to the Royal House, to discuss “the business community’s solutions for green conversion of the energy sector.” Other discussion points included “Danish solutions within district heating, energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
Crown Prince Frederik spoke of the Danish Royal Family’s friendship with the Dutch Royal Family, saying that even in 2015, when King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima paid a state visit to Denmark, “sustainable energy was also top of the agenda, underlining, that this is a subject that preoccupies both our nations.”
The Royal House announced earlier this summer that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary would lead a business delegation to the Netherlands this week; however, it was later postponed due to the pandemic, though digital events would still take place in the interim.
Featured image: Crown Prince Frederik (Mogens Engelund – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)