The Netherlands: Spotlight on Rudolf Bekink the Netherlands Ambassador to the US

President Obama and Ambassador Bekink

Mr. Rudolf Bekink who has been appointed as the Dutch Ambassador to the United States in August of this year is not new to the US.

Probably the most compelling reason for this is that he is married to an Austin, Texas business woman, Gabrielle de Kuyper Sheshunoff 

He also served as the First Secretary to the Netherlands US Embassy’s political department from 1982 to 1986. Prior to his present 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.

When he presented his Letters of Credence to President Obama following his appointment by the Dutch Government 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.

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