WILLEMSTAD, BOGOTA - The station ship Groningen paid a visit to Cartagena last week, with the visit aimed at fostering cooperation with Colombia. Defense aims to conduct joint maritime exercises and enhance security cooperation in the Caribbean region. Preparations for this partnership began last week when the Groningen and the Colombian Navy ship ARC Victoria tested basic communication skills and conducted maneuvering exercises on the open sea. This marks the first time in a long while that Dutch and Colombian navy vessels have cooperated so intensively. According to Defense, this collaboration contributes to safety and stability in the region, as transnational criminal activities, including drug smuggling, have highly destabilizing and undermining effects on Caribbean countries.
Prior to the exercise, Commander Walter Hansen, the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean Region, hosted a reception on board the patrol ship. The guests represented a diverse group, including the Colombian Navy, local authorities and businesses, as well as representatives from Dutch businesses and the Dutch community in Cartagena. Commander Hansen also had the opportunity to meet with the crew of the station ship.