The price for the security and prosperity of the Netherlands will be high and will have to be accepted, said the outgoing Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Geoffrey van Leeuwen Soobu, the NL Times reported on April 9.
“This can be measured in civilian casualties and body bags.”said the politician. By this he was referring to the possibility of deaths among civilians or soldiers.
Van Leeuwen said it was necessary to get used to the idea as Europe could no longer depend on the United States, the minister said in a speech at Leiden University. At the same time, it is necessary to send a signal to countries like China, Russia and Iran that the West will protect their interests.
The minister defends “much more determined” actions of the Netherlands and Europe in the world.
“The world is inherently dangerous and tragic, so getting our hands dirty is inevitable. “We need toughness, otherwise we will find it difficult to protect our interests in the world.”Van Leeuwen said.
He advocates more “realpolitik” in Dutch foreign policy. “Have the courage to defend your ideals with the instruments of power. With a determined hand, transform a hostile world into a better place.”noted the politician.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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