WILLEMSTAD – Willem-Alexander will make a working visit to Aruba and Curaçao on March 18.
After completing his program in Aruba, the king will travel to Curaçao later that day. In the evening he will visit a cultural meeting place where he is expected to engage in discussions with representatives of the local community.
The conversation will focus on geopolitical tensions in the region and their potential impact on Curaçao. According to organizers, the meeting aims to provide insight into how residents and local organizations on the island are experiencing current regional developments.
The visit to Aruba will mark two important national milestones: the 40th anniversary of Aruba’s Status Aparte (1986–2026) and the 50th anniversary of the island’s flag and national anthem (1976–2026).
During the visit, attention will be given to Aruba’s development since obtaining its autonomous status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as to the challenges and opportunities facing the country today.
Aruba’s national flag and the anthem “Aruba Dushi Tera” will play a symbolic role in the commemorations, highlighting the island’s identity and unity. Officials say the visit also underscores the ties between Aruba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.