THE HAGUE - From March 19th to the 26th, 2024, Secretary of State Alexandra van Huffelen for Relations within the Kingdom is conducting a working visit to Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. This visit is largely within the framework of the Mutual Collaboration Agreement for Reforms. Within this framework in all three countries, the Secretary of State engages in discussions with the prime minister and other ministers regarding collaboration, execution, and progress of the Country Package. Additionally, the official discusses the opening of the National Recovery Fund and the SDE++ arrangement for the countries.
Aruba
Secretary of State Van Huffelen's working visit commences in Aruba, where the official has a scheduled discussion with Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes concerning the Mutual Collaboration Agreement for Reforms and investment funds. There is also a meeting with Finance Minister Xiomara Maduro regarding taxation on the program. Furthermore, the Secretary of State receives a presentation on government reorganization, the healthcare agreement, and education. Additionally, the official has an informal meeting with local leaders involved in Country Package projects.
Curaçao
On March 21st, the Secretary of State travels to Curaçao, where she discusses with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas regarding the Mutual Collaboration Agreement for Reforms and investment funds. Additionally, the official talks with Minister Larmonie-Cecilia of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare, Van Heydoorn of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Silvania of Finance, and Martina of Governance, Planning, and Public Service about Country Package projects. With Prime Minister Pisas and Minister Cijntje of Economic Development, the Secretary of State discusses refinery matters, and the official also visits two schools that have been renovated with financial resources from the Netherlands.
Finally, the Secretary of State participates in the Caribbean legislative conference, organized jointly by the four countries, and also has a meeting with entrepreneurs and civil society in Curaçao.
Sint Maarten
The program in Sint Maarten begins on Monday, March 25th, where on this day the Secretary of State speaks with outgoing Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs about collaboration related to the Mutual Collaboration Agreement for Reforms and the opening of investment funds. Additionally, the official attends a lunch to bid farewell to the outgoing government of Sint Maarten and meets with leaders of the new factions. Also on the agenda is a visit to the University of Sint Martin and a session with a group of young professional focus on climate change.
On Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, Secretary of State Van Huffelen travels back to the Netherlands.