Rotterdam welcomed NATO Summit partners with a museum visit and boat tour hosted by Queen Máxima and mayor Schouten.

Queen Máxima welcomes NATO partners to Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 25 June 2025 – A delegation of partners accompanying heads of state and government leaders attended a cultural and scenic programme in Rotterdam as part of the 2025 NATO Summit activities.

 

Partners of world leaders visit Rotterdam during NATO Summit

Rotterdam hosted the partners of world leaders participating in the 2025 NATO Summit, with a programme designed to showcase the city’s culture and architecture. The delegation was welcomed by Queen Máxima and mayor Carola Schouten, and accompanied on a curated visit to the Depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, followed by a boat tour on the Nieuwe Maas.

 

Guided tour of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

The visit began at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, where the group toured the rooftop with views over Rotterdam’s skyline. They were then given a guided tour of the museum’s collection storage spaces, led by general director Ina Klaassen and director of collections and research Sandra Kisters. The delegation also visited the exhibition The stories we tell, with artist Susanna Inglada present to explain her contribution to the show.

 

City viewed from the water

Following the museum visit, the delegation boarded the Prinses Amalia, a flagship vessel of Royal Spido, for a tour along Rotterdam’s most recognisable waterfront landmarks. The route included views of the Euromast, Eemhaven, ss Rotterdam, and key bridges such as the Erasmusbrug, Willemsbrug, and De Hef.

Lunch on board was provided by two-star chef Erik van Loo, his son Julien van Loo, and the Parkheuvel Rotterdam team.

 

Rotterdam contributes to international summit

Mayor Carola Schouten stated: “We shared a pleasant afternoon in our beautiful Rotterdam. I sincerely hope the discussions held in The Hague contribute to addressing the global challenges we face. As Rotterdam, we were honoured to offer a modest contribution to this important NATO Summit.”

 

About the NATO partner programme

The partner programme is a customary feature of NATO summits, offering accompanying partners of heads of state and government a cultural and diplomatic itinerary. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the municipality of Rotterdam to organise the 2025 edition.

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