WILLEMSTAD – The Netherlands and Colombia have deepened their military cooperation in the Caribbean following a working visit by Colombian Vice Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Grisales. New agreements were reached on joint operations and training exercises, including a formal pact on maritime search and rescue missions. 

Vice Admiral Grisales, head of naval operations for Colombia, visited several key locations during his trip, including Parera Naval Base, the Wacao training grounds, and the Dutch naval support ship Zr.Ms. Pelikaan. He also held strategic meetings with representatives from the Caribbean Coast Guard and the Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean. 

The visit centered on expanding the already strong defense partnership between the two nations. The Colombian and Dutch navies have long collaborated in combating drug trafficking and conducting coordinated search and rescue operations at sea. Earlier this year, the two countries carried out joint operations, and both hailed the recent "Estribo" training exercise in Colombia as a success. A follow-up exercise is scheduled for the fall. 

A highlight of the visit was the signing of a formal operational agreement for maritime search and rescue—known as the SAR Agreement. The accord establishes protocols for communication and cooperation during maritime emergencies, particularly in shared or adjacent waters. 

The expanded collaboration signals a continued commitment from both countries to enhance regional security and improve coordinated response capabilities in the Caribbean.