The visit is largely focused on the Mutual Regulation on Cooperation on Reforms.
State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen of Kingdom Relations is undertaking a crucial diplomatic mission to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. From March 19 to 26, 2024, she will pay an intensive working visit to Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, with the aim of strengthening ties and discussing the progress of important reforms. This trip is an important step in cooperation within the Kingdom, mainly aimed at economic and social development through the Mutual Regulation on Cooperation on Reforms and investment funds such as the National Growth Fund and the SDE++ scheme.
In Aruba, Van Huffelen will discuss the implementation of the Mutual Arrangement and the impact of investment funds with Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes. Important themes such as tax reforms, government reorganization, education and health care are high on the agenda. The focus is also on the progress of projects within the National Package, a series of agreements made between the Netherlands and the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom to stimulate economic reforms.
In Curaçao, Van Huffelen holds discussions with a wide range of ministers, including Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, and delves deeper into the implementation of the National Package projects. The topics range from social development, labor and welfare to education, finance, and economic development. Special attention is paid to the renovation of schools with Dutch resources and cooperation in the field of refineries. The visit also includes a meeting with business and civil society and marks the end of the Caribbean Legislative Conference.
State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen visits Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten offers Van Huffelen a platform to reflect on the collaboration and discuss the future direction of the investment funds with outgoing Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs. The focus here is on climate change, with conversations with young professionals and a visit to the local university, emphasizing how important young generations are in the fight against climate change.
Van Huffelen's trip emphasizes the importance of cooperation and dialogue within the Kingdom, with a strong focus on reforms that should increase the economic and social resilience of the Caribbean areas. This visit is not only crucial for the progress of specific projects, but also for deepening mutual relations and understanding between the Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Image: Martijn Beekman – Alexandra van Huffelen.
