Trump to be judged by his deeds: Dutch FM

In his first response to Donald Trump's being elected President of the United States, Dutch foreign affairs minister Bert Koenders said Wednesday it would now wait to see the political agenda of the new president of the United States.

"We will judge him by his deeds," he said.

"The American people have spoken, after a tense election campaign during which many tensions and divisions have been made visible," said Koenders in a statement published by his ministry.

Koenders is currently accompanying Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima on an official visit in New Zealand.

"During the campaign, (Donald) Trump made statements which completely contradict how we would like to see our society and world order, for example, on NATO, on the relationship with Russia and Europe, and on different population groups," said Koenders.

The Dutch minister stressed the importance of cooperation with the United States and expressed belief that the cooperation would continue.

"We need each other in this world," he said. "We face global challenges such as climate change and the fight against terrorism and we should work together to tackle the crises in the ring of instability around Europe."

For the Netherlands, Koenders noted that "cooperation with the U.S. is essential for our prosperity because our economic interdependence is significant."

The trade and investment relationship with the United States provides more than 600,000 jobs in the Netherlands, he added.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Facebook: "As allies and like-minded partners, the Netherlands and the United States work closely together for a secure and prosperous world."

"I assume that the new U.S. administration will continue its cooperation with the Netherlands and the rest of the world on the basis of shared values and principles. I look forward to continuing the good cooperation with the new U.S. administration," said Rutte. Endit