WILLEMSTAD – Governor of Curaçao, His Excellency Mauritsz de Kort, received Venezuelan Consul General Marisol Gutiérrez de Almeida on Thursday, July 9, for an official introductory visit, marking the first formal meeting since diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela were restored.
The meeting focused on recent geopolitical developments in Venezuela and their impact on the country's internal political and economic situation. The governor and the consul general also discussed the devastating consequences of the recent earthquakes that struck Venezuela and the significant humanitarian suffering caused by the disaster.
Earlier this week, Governor De Kort visited the Venezuelan Consulate to sign the condolence register as an expression of sympathy and solidarity with the Venezuelan people following the tragedy.
The discussion also highlighted the long-standing historical ties between Curaçao and Venezuela. Particular attention was given to the legacy of Carlos Manuel Piar, the Venezuelan independence hero born in Curaçao, whose life symbolizes the deep historical connection between the two nations.
To commemorate that shared heritage, an official photograph was taken not only inside the Governor's Palace but also on the fortification wall overlooking the statue of Carlos Manuel Piar.
As a gesture of appreciation, Consul General Gutiérrez de Almeida presented Governor De Kort with a handcrafted Venezuelan hammock (hamaca), a traditional symbol of Venezuelan culture and craftsmanship.
According to the Governor's Office, Governor De Kort expressed his hope for the continued strengthening of cooperation and friendly relations between Curaçao and Venezuela in the wake of the restoration of diplomatic ties.
The Venezuelan consul general was accompanied during the visit by Darrylin van der Veen, Director of the Directorate of Foreign Relations.
The meeting reflects renewed efforts to deepen dialogue and cooperation between Curaçao and Venezuela, countries that have long shared close historical, cultural and economic connections despite periods of diplomatic tension in recent years.