THE HAGUE – Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten opened his weekly press conference on Friday with remarks emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the European Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Speaking at the press center Nieuwspoort in The Hague, Jetten said the meeting followed the second regular Council of Ministers of the new Dutch cabinet and the first session of the Kingdom Council of Ministers under the new government.
According to the prime minister, the meeting provided an opportunity to speak with the ministers plenipotentiary of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten about issues affecting the entire Kingdom.
Jetten stressed that the Kingdom’s Caribbean territories play an essential role in shaping the identity of the Netherlands.
“The strong bond between the countries of the Kingdom makes the Netherlands much more than just a delta on the North Sea,” he said.
He added that the Caribbean part of the Kingdom—including Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba—adds cultural richness, a unique history and diversity to the broader Kingdom.
Jetten also indicated that his government intends to pursue a cooperative approach with the Caribbean countries based on equality and partnership.
The prime minister said the cabinet looks forward to strengthening cooperation across the Kingdom, highlighting opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic to further develop society and the economy.
His remarks suggest that the new Dutch government may take a different approach to Kingdom relations compared to the previous administration led by former Prime Minister Dick Schoof.