The Netherlands is not becoming an inward-looking country, prime minister Mark Rutte said on Monday during a two-day visit to Britain.

Mark Rutte and David Cameron during a video conference with business leaders. Photo: Reuters
Speaking in Birmingham, Rutte pointed out that 70% of the Netherlands’ wealth is earned from exports.
In addition, the Dutch are major supporters of the European Union, although they would like a smaller government apparatus in Brussels, the PM said.
Breakfast
Rutte is on a short promotional visit to Britain, accompanied by a trade mission. On Monday morning he met Britain’s prime minister David Cameron and will host a business breakfast on Tuesday with deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

Last month the NRC quoted several ambassadors, including Britain’s ambassador in The Hague Paul Arkwright as saying the Netherlands was becoming more introspective.
And on Saturday, employers leader Bernard Wientjes made similar comments and called for the establishment of a special minister for foreign trade in an interview with the Volkskrant.
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