PRIME MINISTER WIM KOK

I am very pleased that I as first after Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Claus in name of the State Cabinet Council am able to congratulate today's engaged couple. I am sure I speak in name of many people in The Netherlands, the Dutch Antilles and in Aruba when I hearty congratulate Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima Zorreguieta with this engagement and the intended marriage. A special marriage, as it here concerns the future of our Crown Prince.

Over the past months I have spoken with the Crown Prince and his future bride many times and lengthy. That were intensive and pleasant meetings. The devotion of both of them has made a big impression to me. Of course we together have spoken intensively about the ideas and feelings in our country with relation to the serious occurrences in the recent history of Argentina. In name of the Government I just have sent a letter to both Chambers of the States General. In that letter also this subject is spoken about, in a way that to my opinion considers with what is going on about this between the people. I will speak about it more clearly in the later press conference.

In her letter to the Parliament the Government also announces to ask permission to the States General for the wedding. In my meetings with the Prince of Orange and his future wife I have noticed that they are very well aware of their future responsibility. I trust that in the coming years they both will prepare for the heavy tasks that wait for them with many devotion. About Máxima I can tell that she with full devotion shall dedicate to the new life that starts for her from today. I am sure that Máxima on the side of Willem-Alexander will win the hearts of the Dutch people. We are wiling to see the coming engagement with full trust. I again will wish the young couple all happiness, and a good future.