May 3, 2023 – King of the Netherlands Day

Our president Magali Dugardin 🇨🇬 accompanied by Frédéric Lernoux 🇲🇳, participated in the reception offered by the Honorary Consul General of the Netherlands 🇳🇱 for the provinces of Liège, Namur and Luxembourg, Mr. Bernard Piette , on the occasion of the King's Day, in the presence of HE Mr. Pieter Jan Kleiweg de Zwaan , Ambassador of the Netherlands, and HE Mrs. Savané Aïssatou Doukouré, Ambassador of Guinea 🇬🇳.

This evening took place in the magnificent 🏰 Château Cockerill, headquarters of the John Cockerill company , located in Seraing.

Cockerill Castle has a fascinating history. Built in the 18th century, it was originally the summer residence of the Prince-Bishops of Liège. In 1795, it became the property of France 🇫🇷, before being acquired by King William I of the Netherlands 🇳🇱 in 1815. In 1817, it was sold to the eponymous brothers, and in 1823, John Cockerill became the sole owner.

The coat of arms and motto of the Netherlands can still be seen on Cockerill Castle today, testifying to its Dutch past. This history gives Cockerill Castle a unique character and makes it a place of great historical importance for the region.

We were able to meet many Honorary Consul colleagues there, including Alain Palmans 🇬🇳, Luc Sougné 🇧🇬, Dominique Petta 🇮🇹, Florence Roth 🇨🇭, Jean-Marc Defays 🇫🇮, Pascale Ruth 🇱🇻