WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao will receive a delegation from Venezuela at the end of this month for consultations about the reopening of the borders with the ABC islands. Both the Netherlands and Aruba will join the Curaçao delegation on Monday 30 January.  

According to Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, the intention is for the borders to open in phases, starting with the maritime borders. This offers the opportunity for Venezuelan fruit and vegetable boats to return to the islands.  

Prime Minister Pisas previously clarified that reopening the borders to boats with fresh produce was not only important to reduce the high cost of food, but that it was also crucial to restore air traffic with Venezuela so that people can travel back to their country.  

It is not clear what stage the talks are at now. There have been technical consultations in Caracas for some time. In October, Pisas invited the Venezuelans to a first consultation, which is only now taking place.  

The Netherlands is wary because it does not want the talks to be used by Venezuela as a sign of recognition of the Maduro regime.  

Venezuela closed its borders with Aruba and Curaçao in February 2019. A year earlier, Venezuela had closed its borders with Aruba for a short period of time.