Mr Putin gave a ceremonial welcome to Dutch Queen Beatrix in the Kremlin’s Georgievsky Hall. This was the first visit of a Dutch Queen to Russia in the history of Russian-Dutch relations. On this trip Her Majesty was accompanied by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander.
Then President Putin and Queen Beatrix met in the Green Reception Room of the Grand Kremlin Palace where they discussed issues related to bilateral relations. After the meeting the Russian Foreign Minister and the Dutch Foreign Minister signed a programme of joint actions for 2001–2003 in the presence of Mr Putin and Her Majesty. The document outlined the major areas of bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, science, culture, justice and the military sphere.
President Putin hosted a state banquet in honour of Dutch Queen Beatrix and Crown Prince Willem-Alexander.