Message from Prime Minister Rutte

News article | March 2, 2011

On 24 February 2011 Prime Minister Mark Rutte sent the following message to Prime Minister John Key:

“I was shocked to hear of the devastation caused by the severe earthquake in Christchurch on 22 February. It must be particularly distressing for the city’s inhabitants to be struck by an earthquake for the second time in half a year. On behalf of the Dutch government, I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to the people of Christchurch and the whole of New Zealand. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this appalling tragedy. It goes without saying that the Netherlands would be favourably inclined towards a possible request for assistance from your country.

I wish you and the people of New Zealand strength and courage in recovering from this disaster.”