The Netherlands’ Crown Prince Willem-Alexander has paid a surprise visit to Dutch troops in southern Afghanistan.
The prince arrived in Kabul on Monday (21.05.07) and visited troops at Kamp Holland in the Uruzgan province yesterday (22.05.07). He also met Dutch troops stationed close to Kandahar airport as part of the International Security Assistance Force.
Willem-Alexander was joined on his visit by the Netherlands’ state secretary for defence Vees van der Knaap. The prince talked at length with the troops and their commander, General McNeill, and said he admired their dedication in difficult circumstances.
Willem-Alexander left Afghanistan yesterday afternoon after meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai. His whirlwind visit was kept secret for security reasons until after his departure.
Meanwhile, the prince’s mother, Queen Beatrix, has been on a three-day state visit to Slovakia.
The queen spent Monday (21.05.07) evening in talks with president Ivan Gasparovic about Afghanistan and the Dutch no-vote on the EU constitution
© bangshowbiz.biz
Related News: