WILLEMSTAD - Bonaire and Curaçao will work together more closely. Both islands have therefore signed a "brotherhood agreement".

This should give impetus to trade and industry, by transporting goods tax-free and free of import duties between the islands.

The connections via air and sea transport can also be better and cheaper. But much more is possible and that will be worked out in the coming period.

The agreement was signed by the Prime Minister of Curaçao Eugene Rhuggenaath and Commissioner Elvis Tjin-Asjoe of Bonaire.