WILLEMSTAD - The relationship between Curaçao and Colombia is witnessing significant growth, marked by increasing collaboration across cultural, business, and social sectors. The recent visit of Carolina Olarte-Bacares, the Colombian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening their ties. Her visit, the second in just six months, reflects Colombia’s renewed focus on building relations with the Caribbean territories of the Dutch Kingdom, including Curaçao.
Carolina Olarte-Bacares
Shifting Dynamics from Venezuela to Colombia
Historically, Curaçao’s close ties have been with neighboring Venezuela, but recent challenges in that country have led to a strategic pivot towards Colombia. According to Ambassador Olarte-Bacares, this shift reflects a growing recognition of mutual interests. "We are working together to address shared challenges, from economic collaboration to social exchanges," she noted. The ambassador emphasized that Colombia's relationship with Curaçao has become increasingly important, as both regions explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Strengthening Economic and Cultural Collaboration
The recent visit highlighted several collaborative initiatives, focusing on economic development, risk management, and agricultural capacity building. Ambassador Olarte-Bacares noted that Colombia's South-South cooperation strategy is playing a key role in these efforts, particularly in areas like sustainability and climate change adaptation. Discussions with political and private sector leaders in Curaçao have paved the way for a promising future, she added.
A notable example of this collaboration was the cultural and academic exchange program led by the Colombian delegation. As part of the project "Building Bridges Between Colombia and the Caribbean States of the Kingdom," the ambassador arrived with a group of young dancers from the Pacific region of Colombia, aged 12 to 17, who performed urban dances and engaged with local dance groups in Curaçao. "This exchange allowed us to explore our shared cultural roots while celebrating our differences," said Olarte-Bacares.
The program also featured a culinary project led by Colombian chef David Ruiz from Nariño. His culinary expertise was showcased through a special dinner event that offered a sensory gastronomic experience to government officials and private sector representatives in Curaçao. "We aimed to highlight the diversity of Colombian products and the potential for expanding our gastronomic offerings in Curaçao," explained the ambassador.
Joint Efforts on Security and Crime Prevention
Beyond cultural exchanges, there has been growing cooperation in security between Curaçao and Colombia. The ambassador met with Commander Walter Hansen to discuss joint efforts in combating transnational organized crime in the Caribbean. "Our historical collaboration between naval forces has strengthened over the years," said Olarte-Bacares. The partnership involves sharing intelligence and conducting joint operations, enhancing security in the waters between the two nations. The involvement of Dutch authorities has also played a critical role, making it a multi-faceted and reciprocal relationship.
A Promising Future for Curaçao and Colombia
Ambassador Olarte-Bacares expressed optimism about the future of Curaçao-Colombia relations, highlighting the strong foundation built through recent initiatives. "Our growing collaboration is evident in many sectors, from business to cultural exchanges," she said. The ambassador’s visit concluded with a lecture by Colombian tourism entrepreneur Luisa Conto, who shared insights on developing sustainable tourism practices that could benefit both regions.
The visit has set the stage for a deeper partnership, with upcoming projects aimed at fostering greater economic and cultural integration. As both countries continue to navigate the evolving dynamics in the Caribbean, the strengthening relationship between Curaçao and Colombia promises to open new avenues for cooperation and shared prosperity.