THE HAGUE – Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel has suggested that one of the ABC islands — Aruba, Bonaire or Curaçao — could serve as a neutral venue for future negotiations on restoring democracy in Venezuela. His comments came during a committee debate in the Dutch Parliament on Thursday evening, where lawmakers pressed him about the Netherlands’ role in the unfolding political transition in Venezuela.
Van Weel said placing discussions on one of the Caribbean islands near Venezuela would strike a balance between proximity and neutrality. “You could imagine that we can facilitate certain sensitive talks on our islands, allowing you to be close to Venezuela but not there,” he told members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, referring to the U.S.-led transition process that aims to bring the Venezuelan opposition and current power holders into negotiations.
Under the plan announced by the United States, talks would need to begin between the Venezuelan regime and opposition forces to restore democratic order in the country. Van Weel highlighted that the Netherlands maintains an embassy in Caracas — unlike the United States — and has established contacts with the Venezuelan opposition, positioning it to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue.
“We can play a constructive role,” he said, pointing to the Kingdom’s diplomatic ties and geographical advantage. However, the minister could not confirm whether local leaders from Aruba, Bonaire or Curaçao had already discussed the idea of hosting negotiations with the Dutch government or other parties involved.
The suggestion adds a diplomatic dimension to the Netherlands’ broader engagement with the evolving situation in Venezuela, which has significant geopolitical implications for the region owing to its proximity to the ABC islands. While there is no immediate threat to the security of Aruba, Curaçao or Bonaire, Dutch authorities have said they remain vigilant and in close contact with local and international partners as circumstances develop.
The proposal also reflects ongoing efforts to support a peaceful and democratic outcome in Venezuela, aligning with European and U.S. initiatives aimed at fostering negotiations and preventing further instability in the Caribbean and Latin America.
If implemented, hosting talks on Curaçao or a neighboring island could position the Kingdom as a key diplomatic intermediary in a major regional transition process.