THE HAGUE – Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has described Venezuela as a crucial economic partner for Curaçao, emphasizing the importance of restoring economic relations as developments in the neighboring country create renewed opportunities for the island's oil and energy sectors.
Berendsen made the remarks during a debate on the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs' budget in the House of Representatives, where parliamentarian Michiel Hoogeveen of JA21 questioned the government about Curaçao's economic prospects following political changes in Venezuela.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen
Hoogeveen specifically raised the potential benefits for Curaçao's oil industry, including the renewed use of the Bullenbaai oil terminal for petroleum storage and transshipment.
According to the parliamentarian, the reopening of the Venezuelan oil market presents opportunities to strengthen economic and energy cooperation between Curaçao, Venezuela, and the Netherlands.
He referred to a meeting held in New York in late September between Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, and Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Hoogeveen wanted to know what concrete agreements had resulted from those discussions and how the Dutch government intends to support Curaçao in taking advantage of developments in Venezuela's energy sector.
He also questioned the role of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in discussions with the United States concerning American sanctions and Curaçao's potential position as a regional logistics hub.
In his response, Berendsen emphasized the longstanding economic relationship between Curaçao and Venezuela.
"Curaçao and Venezuela have a history. Just think of the oil refinery in Curaçao, which is designed to process Venezuelan oil," the foreign minister said.
He explained that relations with Venezuela are gradually returning to normal, creating opportunities to address longstanding economic issues.
One of those issues involves outstanding debts between Curaçao and Venezuela.
Berendsen indicated that resolving the debt situation remains an important part of the discussions and expressed support for Prime Minister Pisas' efforts in this regard.
He explained that the debt issue was among the reasons Pisas participated in the meeting with Rodríguez alongside the Dutch prime minister and foreign minister.
The Dutch foreign minister also acknowledged Curaçao's particular interest in developments across the Caribbean Sea, given the island's historical economic ties with Venezuela and its substantial Venezuelan community.
According to Berendsen, Curaçao is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, while the Dutch Embassy in Caracas plays an important role in keeping the island informed.
The debate highlighted the potential economic importance of Venezuela's changing circumstances for Curaçao, particularly in relation to petroleum storage, maritime logistics, and energy cooperation.
However, the remarks provided did not identify specific new agreements concerning Bullenbaai, oil exports, or the expansion of energy cooperation.
Berendsen also did not provide details in the cited exchange about the outcome of discussions with Washington concerning American sanctions.
For Curaçao, the central question remains how the normalization of relations with Venezuela can be translated into concrete economic opportunities while addressing outstanding financial and diplomatic issues.