From Mar. 24-25, Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), a gathering to reach international agreement regarding nuclear materials and nuclear terrorism, took place in The Hague, home to the seat of government in the Netherlands.
Dozens of world leaders and thousands of delegation members gathered in the World Forum to attend the Summit. President Obama was among the world leaders. Upon his arrival, he said warmly “I love Holland.”
Delegations stayed in 55 hotels within a 60-kilometer-radius of The Hague. The hotels had a total capacity of 8,000 beds. The army and law enforcement agencies were out in full force to ensure compliance with the extensive security measures during the two days. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol dedicated one of its runways to the arriving delegations, extra-long trains ran and highways were cordoned off in order to take the guests safely and unhindered to and from the World Forum. On the first night of the summit, the world leaders were invited to the royal palace in The Hague, Huis ten Bosch, where they dined with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
Forerunner in combating nuclear terrorism
Holland was chosen as the summit’s destination at the request of President Obama. Holland is a forerunner in the prevention of nuclear terrorism, as the port of Rotterdam and the international Amsterdam Airport Schiphol hub, which annually handle the transit of millions of people and goods, increase the risk of smuggling nuclear materials. In addition, the leading nuclear companies located in Holland require sound security.
Champion of peace, justice, and safety
Within Holland, the choice for The Hague was an obvious one. The city is internationally known as a champion of peace, justice, and safety. The Hague was not just the center of the world during the NSS, but also while the G7 meet there. The hosting of NSS once again demonstrated that the World Forum convention center is extremely suitable for conventions of this caliber, at which safety and security are of the utmost importance.
Colorful welcome
In the city of The Hague, welcome arches, banners, flags, and even NSS tulips, focused attention on the international summit. Convention city and seaside resort Noordwijk also created a colorful welcome, the highlight of which was a flower mosaic in the colors of the Chinese and American flags. Because of safety reasons and its favorable position close to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and The Hague, Noordwijk was host to the delegations of China and the U.S.
Guided tour of Rijksmuseum
During the NSS, President Obama and his entourage stayed in the five-star Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin convention hotel in Noordwijk. After landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and prior to the NSS, the American delegation visited Amsterdam. Obama enjoyed a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum. Together with Holland’s Prime Minister Rutte and Mayor of Amsterdam Van der Laan, Obama viewed masterpieces of the Rijksmuseum’s art collection, including the Night Watch by Dutch master Rembrandt.
Flawless organization
The summit concluded in the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag.
Obama praised the Dutch for the flawless organization of the summit and their hospitality.
