South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledges the apology that King Willem-Alexander made earlier this year for the role of the Netherlands in the history of slavery. The president said this in a press statement on Thursday morning.
“We are committed to building bridges of tolerance to pursue a better future and world,” Ramaphosa said. “Therefore, Your Majesty, I would like to acknowledge the apology you have made for your country’s role in the history of slavery, including that in South Africa. This was an important step towards reconciliation, repair and healing of old wounds.”
Willem-Alexander apologized for the Dutch slavery past on July 1. He did this during the National Commemoration of the History of Slavery in Amsterdam. “For the obvious lack of action against this crime against humanity, I ask forgiveness today, on this day when we together commemorate the Dutch slavery past,” the king said in his speech.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are currently paying a three-day state visit to South Africa, at the invitation of President Ramaphosa. During their trip, the royal couple hear about the underexposed slavery history of the Netherlands there.
2023-10-19 11:24:49
#South #African #president #acknowledges #WillemAlexanders #slavery #apology #Royal #family
