WILLEMSTAD - On Tuesday 30 April a meeting took place between Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stef Blok. This bilateral meeting takes place annually in the margins of the annual Kingdom Consultation on Foreign Relations, which was held on Sint Maarten earlier this week.

Central during the consultations was the worrying economic, political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the far-reaching consequences that the continuing uncertain situation has for Curaçao. The situation is developing daily and the Prime Minister and Minister Blok have agreed to maintain close contact and to continue to monitor.

Topics discussed included migration issues, the humanitarian hub and the refinery situation. The consequences of the American sanctions against Venezuela and PdVSA for the refinery in Curaçao and for the economy of the island at the moment have been considered. It was discussed with Minister Blok how the Kingdom and the Netherlands can help minimize the consequences for Curaçao and furthermore assist in the search for an operator for the refinery. Minister Blok and Prime Minister Rhuggenaath have visited the refinery together and held a meeting with the representatives of Refineria di Korsou. Minister Blok also met with the President of Parliament and with representatives of the Task Force for undocumented migrants.

Various aspects were also discussed in relation to the foreign interests and priorities of Curaçao, in line with the themes that were spoken of with the other Caribbean countries of the Kingdom. There has been talk of strengthening regional cooperation, participation in international organization and forums and the relationship with the EU.

The Prime Minister looks back on two productive and constructive days for the unity and coherence of foreign policy for the entire Kingdom.