THE HAGUE, CARACAS – Relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Venezuela are entering a new phase of normalization, a development that could create new economic and strategic opportunities for Curaçao because of its proximity to the South American country.
State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government Eric van der Burg said during a digital press conference following Friday’s Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting that the Kingdom’s new ambassador has begun working in Venezuela and is rebuilding diplomatic contacts.
“Our Kingdom ambassador has started in Venezuela,” Van der Burg said, adding that the diplomat is currently “putting out feelers” and re-establishing relationships.
According to the state secretary, relations with Venezuela are gradually normalizing.
The Kingdom had been without an ambassador in neighboring Venezuela for an extended period. Earlier this year, the Dutch government announced its intention to restore its diplomatic representation in Caracas to ambassadorial level.
Venezuela and Colombia were also discussed during Friday’s Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting. Van der Burg described the two South American countries as the most important regional neighbors of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire.
The Dutch government considers developments in both countries complex, while the recent earthquakes in Venezuela have added another challenge to the situation.
One of the more significant elements for Curaçao is that the Kingdom government is examining how Curaçao and Aruba could play a larger role in relations between Europe and the region.
According to Van der Burg, the islands could potentially function as hubs connecting the Netherlands and the wider European market with Venezuela, Colombia and the surrounding region. Such a role could also generate economic benefits for the islands.
For Curaçao, improved relations with Venezuela could be particularly significant.
The island is located approximately 65 kilometers off the Venezuelan coast and historically maintained extensive commercial ties with its South American neighbor. A more stable diplomatic relationship could create opportunities for increased trade, maritime transportation, logistics and other commercial activity.
Curaçao’s port infrastructure could also become increasingly relevant if economic exchanges between Venezuela and Europe expand. The island’s location, storage capacity and maritime connections give it the potential to serve as a logistical platform for cargo and other regional trade.
Energy is another area where closer relations could have implications.
Curaçao’s petroleum sector was historically closely connected to Venezuela, particularly through the refinery and storage facilities at Bullenbaai. Renewed commercial activity involving Venezuelan petroleum could potentially increase the strategic importance of Curaçao’s energy infrastructure, although any such activity would remain dependent on international sanctions, licensing requirements, commercial agreements and environmental regulations.
There could also be opportunities beyond petroleum. Venezuela was historically an important source of agricultural products, construction materials and other goods for Curaçao. Improved relations could make it easier to rebuild some of those commercial connections, potentially giving Curaçao businesses access to additional suppliers.
Humanitarian assistance represents another possible role. Curaçao’s location and infrastructure could allow the island to serve as a logistical hub for European or Kingdom assistance to Venezuela when needed, particularly following natural disasters or other emergencies.
Improved diplomatic relations could also facilitate discussions on migration, maritime security, border issues, organized crime and Coast Guard cooperation — areas in which developments in Venezuela can have direct consequences for Curaçao.
There are risks as well. Curaçao’s opportunities will depend heavily on political stability in Venezuela and on the direction of relations between Caracas, Washington and European governments. Businesses considering Venezuelan activities would also have to navigate sanctions and financial-compliance requirements.
No concrete projects or agreements involving Curaçao were announced during Friday’s press conference.
However, Van der Burg’s comments indicate that the Kingdom is increasingly looking at Curaçao and Aruba not merely as territories located near Venezuela and Colombia, but potentially as strategic gateways between Europe and northern South America.
For Curaçao, that could turn the gradual normalization of diplomatic relations with Venezuela into something much broader: an opportunity to rebuild regional economic connections that were once an important part of the island’s economy.