President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the special occasion commemorating the 49^th birthday of His Royal Highness King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands.

Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, was born on April 27, 1967 in Utrecht and is the oldest child of Beatrix of the Netherlands and German diplomat Claus van Amsberg. He became Prince of Orange and heir apparent to the throne of the Netherlands on April 30, 1980, when his mother became queen regnant, and he ascended the throne on April 30, 2013 when his mother abdicated.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs release, in her message to His Highness King Willem-Alexander, President Sirleaf extended to the Government and people of the Netherlands, heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in her own name.

The Liberia leader furthered that as the people of Liberia join in celebration, Liberians are particularly elated and noted with appreciation that under King Willem-Alexander’s wise leadership, Netherlands and Liberia bilateral ties have overawed all odds for the mutual benefit of both countries.

President Sirleaf stressed that Liberia is honored to pay tribute to His Highness King Willem-Alexander as the first male monarch of the Netherlands in 123 years, whose outgoing personality and creativity have inspired hope and confidence throughout the Dutch Kingdom.

She then wished His Royal Highness, good health, and for the Government and people under his leadership, the blessings of peace, unity and prosperity.