NEW YORK, WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas held a bilateral meeting this week with Ambassador Michael Kozak of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The discussions centered on key regional issues, including correspondent banking, human trafficking, the crisis in Venezuela, and broader Caribbean security in light of rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

Pisas stressed the importance of safeguarding correspondent banking services, which he described as vital for both families and businesses in Curaçao. He emphasized that losing access to these services would have serious consequences for the island’s economy and daily financial transactions.

The two officials also discussed opportunities for greater cooperation in combating human trafficking, with Pisas reaffirming Curaçao’s commitment to align with international efforts and improve protections against exploitation.

On the situation in Venezuela, Pisas and Kozak exchanged views on the humanitarian and political crisis, while also addressing the growing strain between Washington and Caracas. Both underscored the need for regional coordination to maintain stability and security in the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Prime Minister Pisas concluded by reaffirming Curaçao’s readiness to continue working closely with the United States on shared challenges affecting the region.