WILLEMSTAD – On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Council of Ministers of Curaçao held a formal meeting with the delegation of the Permanent Committee on Kingdom Relations from the Dutch House of Representatives. The talks focused on the current political climate and the future of cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

The Dutch delegation included Members of Parliament Raoul White (GroenLinks–PvdA), Aukje de Vries (VVD), Mpanzu Bamenga (D66), Don Ceder (Christian Union), and committee clerk Eva Meijers. Representing the Netherlands in Willemstad was Saskia de Reuver, Director of Kingdom Relations and Acting Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. 

During the meeting, the parliamentary delegation congratulated the ministers on the outcome of the recent elections. They emphasized that both the Netherlands and Curaçao are at a pivotal moment to reflect on and strengthen the future of Kingdom cooperation. Their visit to the region, they noted, was motivated by a deep awareness of shared responsibilities. 

The conversation highlighted the importance of working together on the basis of equality and mutual respect. Discussions included the refinancing of Curaçao’s bond loan and the recent recommendation from the Board of Financial Supervision (Cft), which acknowledged that refinancing is justified and necessary at this time to ensure financial stability. 

The Curaçao ministers also raised concerns over the Dutch government’s proposed increase in aviation taxes on long-haul flights. They warned that such a measure could significantly impact the island’s connectivity and tourism sector, which remains a cornerstone of the local economy. 

Other topics included economic development and the emerging opportunities of green hydrogen as a driver of sustainable growth in the Caribbean region.