THE HAGUE - The Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) commenced on Thursday is marking a crucial opportunity for parliamentarians to engage in face-to-face discussions once again. The previous IPKO session was held in Curaçao three months ago. Chairperson Mariëlle Paul (VVD) emphasized the significance of this gathering, particularly in light of the ongoing unrest prevailing worldwide.
During the IPKO, the President of the Parliament of Aruba, Edgar Vrolijk (MEP), expressed an apology for Prime Minister Mark Rutte's historical connections to slavery. While Vrolijk acknowledged the positive shifts in power dynamics, he pointed out the contradictory nature of complying with the Financial Supervision Act, which implies that the Netherlands still maintains financial control over the islands and may potentially abuse its authority.
The discussions also encompassed the situation concerning Venezuela. With Ukraine being removed from the list of trading partners due to the war, there is a likelihood that European countries will resume business engagements with the South American nation. Member of Parliament Amerigo Thodé (MFK) expressed hope for widespread support of these plans.
The IPKO will continue with its second day of deliberations on Friday, providing a platform for further dialogue and collaboration among participating parliamentarians.