Mr. Rudolf Bekink was formally accredited this week as the new Dutch Ambassador to the United States. He presented his Letters of Credence to President Obama on Monday.

In press release Mr. Bekink spoke of the historical ties between the two countries. "It's a great honor to represent the Netherlands in the United States. Our countries have a strong bond that spans more than four centuries and continues to thrive today. The Netherlands is the 3rd largest foreign investor in the U.S. and we have a vibrant partnership in many areas such as peace and security and economics. I look forward to strengthening our ties further,” said Ambassador Bekink.

His predecessor, Mrs. Renee Jones-Bos, returned to the Netherlands this summer and is now Secretary-General for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A return to the United States

Ambassador Bekink's posting to Washington is a return to the U.S., where he served as the First Secretary to the Embassy's political department from 1982 to 1986. Prior to this new posting in Washington, Ambassador Bekink served as the Dutch Ambassador to three countries: the People's Republic of China (2008-2012); Belgium (2004-2008); and Sweden (2000-2004).

Throughout his 36-year diplomatic career, Ambassador Bekink has served as the Chargé d'Affaires in Ghana; Deputy Head of Division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Deputy Head of Mission to the Mission of the Dutch Permanent Representation to the Office for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris; and Director of Protocol for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Bekink is married to Austin business woman Gabrielle de Kuyper Sheshunoff.