PARAMARIBO – King Willem-Alexander has voiced strong concern over the escalating military tensions between Venezuela and the United States, warning that the situation could also affect Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.
“We are very worried about what is happening there,” the King told Dutch media on the final day of his state visit to Suriname.
He emphasized the importance of upholding international law and ensuring that “we look carefully at how we can protect one another from developments that could also affect our islands.” Willem-Alexander said he intends to remain in close contact with the United States as the situation evolves, noting that the three Dutch Caribbean islands lie directly off the coast of Venezuela.
Tensions in the Caribbean have risen sharply in recent weeks as the United States expanded its military presence in the region. Washington says the pressure campaign is aimed at President Nicolás Maduro, whom former U.S. President Trump accuses of involvement in the trafficking of illegal drugs into the United States.
The King’s remarks underscore growing unease within the Kingdom about the potential spillover effects of the geopolitical standoff just a short distance from the Caribbean territories.