WILLEMSTAD – The governments of Curaçao, Aruba, the Netherlands and Sint Maarten will meet in Sint Maarten on November 17 and 18 for the first-ever “Kingdom Summit,” a new high-level consultation aimed at strengthening cooperation between the four autonomous countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The summit will bring the four governments together to discuss areas where closer or new forms of cooperation could benefit the countries and the Kingdom as a whole.
According to the Curaçao government, the meeting is intended to strengthen ties between the governments while creating greater continuity and cohesion in regular consultations among the four countries.
The initiative places particular emphasis on mutual respect for each country’s constitutional position, stronger connections within the Kingdom and a willingness to support one another.
The four countries have their own governments and responsibilities, but also share a number of interests and Kingdom affairs. The summit is intended to identify areas where cooperation can be strengthened without losing sight of the differences between the countries.
Sint Maarten Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, whose country will host the inaugural meeting, said his government looks forward to welcoming delegations from Curaçao, Aruba and the Netherlands.
“By working together while simultaneously recognizing our differences, we are building a stronger Kingdom that is prepared for the future,” Mercelina said.
The November meeting will be the first to take place under the Kingdom Summit format. The governments hope the initiative will lead to more structured and continuous dialogue between the four countries.