THE HAGUE – The Netherlands intends to deepen its relationship with Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands, with greater emphasis on equality, closer cooperation and regular high-level dialogue within the Kingdom.
Gerbert Kunst, Representative of the Netherlands in Willemstad, outlined the plans during a Prinsjesdag reception at his official residence. According to Kunst, the Jetten Cabinet wants to strengthen cooperation between the Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
One of the initiatives will be an annual Kingdom summit, with the first meeting expected to take place in November. The summit is intended to provide a recurring platform for discussions and cooperation between the countries and territories within the Kingdom.
Kunst said equality will be an important principle in the Dutch government's approach toward Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands, comprising Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
The Netherlands is also launching a new initiative aimed at reducing the islands' heavy dependence on imported food.
A new financing facility, the CariFoodFund, has been established with €18 million reserved to stimulate local food production across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
The first loans are expected to become available to entrepreneurs on the islands during the fourth quarter of 2026. The financing is intended to support businesses involved in local food production and, in the longer term, help make the islands less dependent on food imports.
Food security has become an increasingly important issue for small Caribbean islands, where much of the food consumed locally must be imported. Increasing domestic production could make the islands more resilient while creating additional opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The Netherlands will also continue investing in young entrepreneurship in the Caribbean and supporting local civil society organizations.
The initiatives form part of a broader Dutch effort to build a closer relationship with the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. According to Kunst, the Jetten Cabinet wants cooperation to be based increasingly on equality and stronger partnerships between the Netherlands and the islands.
For Curaçao and the other Caribbean islands, the new approach could translate into greater cooperation in areas ranging from economic development and entrepreneurship to food security and social initiatives.