This story is free to read.

Dutch king, queen begin US visit with Obama at White House

President Barack Obama shakes hands with the Dutch King Willem-Alexander, accompanied by Queen Maxima, meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, June 1, 2015. Their visit reinforces the strong and enduring ties between the U.S. and the Netherlands that reach back more than 400 years. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President Barack Obama shakes hands with the Dutch King Willem-Alexander, accompanied by Queen Maxima, meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, June 1, 2015. Their visit reinforces the strong and enduring ties between the U.S. and the Netherlands that reach back more than 400 years. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

By Associated Press June 1, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama praised the Netherlands as among America’s “oldest and most precious allies” as he welcomed the Dutch king and queen to the White House Monday.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are on their first U.S. visit since ascending to the throne two years ago.

Obama says they spoke about the two nations’ cooperation on issues including Ukraine, fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq, and global health concerns such as Ebola.

Earlier, the royals placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery and thanked World War II veterans for the liberation of the Netherlands.

Their plans include a baseball game Monday night – Washington plays Toronto – before visiting Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Tuesday and continuing to Chicago.