Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli of the City of London emphasized the need to further strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands on crucial issues such as the energy
transition, sustainability, and climate change during his visit to The Hague. Mainelli highlighted that the existing strong ties between the two nations should be cherished, especially with both countries having new governments.
Mainelli, whose role is distinct from that of London's mayor Sadiq Khan, represents the British capital's financial district. His visit to the Netherlands aims to promote London as a financial center. His itinerary includes meetings with ING, the Dutch-British Chamber of Commerce, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
In an interview at the British ambassador's residence in The Hague, Mainelli underscored the close relationships between the countries, particularly with large companies like Shell and Unilever. He noted that both trading nations share many common interests, including energy, sustainability, fintech, and climate change, advocating for even deeper relationships. "We have had good ties for centuries," Mainelli remarked.
He also highlighted the City of London’s role as an international financial hub and a key player in science and technology. Mainelli is seeking cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, space travel, and mental health, describing the City of London as a center for problem-solving.
Mainelli conveyed the financial district's readiness to collaborate with the new Labour government to stimulate growth and promote British business interests abroad. He expressed optimism about Labour's plans for growth, which include substantial investments in infrastructure and sustainable energy projects.
Labour has also expressed a desire to improve ties with the European Union by removing trade barriers. Mainelli believes that good relations between the EU and the UK are beneficial, as they can lead to lower prices for consumers and enhanced mutual trade between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Photo by Gerald Sharp Photography, Wikimedia commons.