WILLEMSTAD – Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten says geopolitical tensions, rising living costs, and stronger cooperation within the Kingdom were among the main topics discussed during his official visit to Curaçao.
In a public message following his arrival on the island, Jetten described Curaçao as a country that is “flourishing and growing” and thanked Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas for the warm welcome.
Curaçao marked the final stop of Jetten’s first official tour of the six Caribbean islands within the Kingdom since becoming Dutch prime minister.
According to Jetten, discussions with Pisas, Parliament chairman Fergino Brownbill, members of parliament, and the Council of Ministers focused on several current international and regional developments.
Among the key issues discussed were growing geopolitical tensions and the impact these global developments are having on the cost of living, including in the Caribbean region.
The talks also focused heavily on strengthening administrative and political cooperation between the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Jetten confirmed that discussions included plans to organize a future Kingdom Conference, which would serve as a recurring consultation platform between the four governments of the Kingdom as equal partners.
According to the Dutch prime minister, the proposed conference would allow the countries to discuss important Kingdom-wide developments and explore how closer cooperation can create opportunities to improve the lives of residents throughout the Kingdom.
The proposal reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue between the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten amid increasing discussions about autonomy, economic resilience, sustainability, migration, and regional security.
Jetten’s visit comes at a time when the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom are playing an increasingly important strategic role due to geopolitical developments in the region, including the situation in Venezuela, energy security concerns, and broader international tensions affecting trade and living costs.
