83R13471 BPG-D
By: Strama H.R. No. 1056
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Rudolf Simon Bekink, the Dutch ambassador to the
United States, is visiting the State Capitol on May 9, 2013, and
this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to commend him for his
achievements and to celebrate the vibrant trade relationship
between the United States and the Netherlands; and
WHEREAS, Born in the town of Assen, Netherlands, Ambassador
Bekink completed his master of arts degree in economics at the
University of Groningen in 1974, and two years later, he began his
distinguished career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; he was
posted to Greece, Angola, and the East Asia Division before joining
his country's embassy in Washington from 1982 to 1986; and
WHEREAS, Ambassador Bekink later served in Ghana and France,
as well as in positions in his home country; before becoming U.S.
ambassador, he served as ambassador to Sweden, Belgium, and the
People's Republic of China; he is the father of three sons, and in
August 2011, he formed a personal link to the Lone Star State with
his marriage to Austin business executive Gabrielle de Kuyper; and
WHEREAS, The Netherlands is the third largest foreign
investor in the United States, with more than $217 billion in direct
investment; in turn, our nation accounts for over $521 billion in
direct investment in the Netherlands; Dutch firms have created
nearly 350,000 jobs in the United States, and approximately 280,000
additional U.S. jobs have been created by exports to the
Netherlands; and
WHEREAS, Both the United States and the Netherlands benefit
greatly from this dynamic and enduring trade relationship, and it
is indeed a pleasure to honor Ambassador Bekink at this time; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby welcome Ambassador Rudolf Bekink to the State
Capitol and call on all Texans to recognize the importance of the
strong economic ties between the United States and the Netherlands;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ambassador Bekink as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.