THE HAGUE – Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans will pay a working visit to Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curaçao and Bonaire from January 5 through January 8.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the primary purpose of the trip, as was the case exactly one year ago, is to visit Dutch defence units stationed on the islands. During these visits, Brekelmans will receive briefings on operational readiness, regional security developments, and ongoing defence cooperation within the Kingdom.
In addition to visiting military units, the outgoing minister is scheduled to meet with the prime ministers of the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom, including Gilmar Pisas, as well as with Aruba’s Prime Minister and Sint Maarten’s Prime Minister. He will also hold talks with the Government Commissioner of Bonaire. Security issues are expected to feature prominently in these discussions, particularly in light of concerns about a possible escalation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela and the potential implications for the Caribbean region.
Brekelmans will also pay courtesy visits to the governors of the islands during his stay, in line with Kingdom protocol.
The visit comes amid heightened regional attention to geopolitical developments and underscores the Netherlands’ continued focus on defence cooperation, security, and stability in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.