'Cultural connection' tour continues in the Netherlands for Holland officials

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
·1 min read

THE NETHERLANDS — Leaders from Holland met with Mayor Marco Out of Assen, the Netherlands, on Monday Oct. 9.

Mayor Nathan Bocks, Councilman Dave Hoekstra and Michael Start of Holland's International Relations Commission met with Out as part of an exchange trip to build a "cultural connection" with Assen.

From left: Holland International Relations Commissioner Michael Start, Assen Mayor Marco Out, Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks, Elizabeth Bocks and Holland Councilmember Dave Hoekstra pose for a photo in Assen, the Netherlands, on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.
From left: Holland International Relations Commissioner Michael Start, Assen Mayor Marco Out, Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks, Elizabeth Bocks and Holland Councilmember Dave Hoekstra pose for a photo in Assen, the Netherlands, on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.

“Our goal as a city and a mission for the International Relations Commission is to build and maintain meaningful relationships between the people of Holland and the wider world through cultural, educational and professional contact,” said Holland Human Relations Director Esther Fifelski.

“We recognize the demographics of our community are changing to support the area’s economic growth and development and recognize Holland’s historic link to the Netherlands.”

During the visit, Bocks will extend an invitation to the commission of the king, provincial delegates and city of Assen officials.

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Bocks also met with Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Ruttee on Monday. According to posts on Bocks’ social media page, he's joined on the trip by his wife, Elizabeth; Gwen Auwerda of Tulip Time; Hoekstra and others.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandnsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: 'Cultural connection' tour continues in the Netherlands for Holland officials