WILLEMSTAD - The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok wants a visa arrangement with Venezuela. Blok spoke about this with Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes yesterday and also expressed his wish about this to Curaçao during the Kingdom consultation. Blok said this during a press conference in Curaçao after the Kingdom consultation.
The Kingdom Council for Foreign Relations is an annual meeting of the Prime Ministers of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Kingdom Minister of Foreign Affairs. Geo-political and economic topics are discussed during the consultation. This time the Kingdom meeting took place virtually while Blok was in Aruba.
Discussions included the elections in the United States, the relationship with Venezuela, security and the Caribbean visa policy.
The countries agree that if the corona pandemic permits, the border with Venezuela should be reopened soon. At the beginning of next year Blok wants to introduce a visa regulation.
The minister acknowledges that the relationship with Venezuela is 'incredibly important' as direct neighbors. The role of the embassies in this is emphasized by the minister. Talks are currently underway with Venezuela and will continue in December.
Blok is clear about the political situation. "If human rights and democracy are not respected and Venezuela really goes too far, sanctions can be imposed," said Blok.
Blok did not want to comment on the opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez who fled the country recently. When asked what role the Netherlands played in Lopez's fleeing from his country, Blok said he had 'no comment'. Unconfirmed reports say the flight went to Colombia via Aruba and then on to Spain. The role of the Netherlands remains unclear.
Blok stressed the importance of tapping into other sources of income than just tourism. Embassies on the islands can play a role in attracting new markets.
During the press conference, Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath thanked the Netherlands for meddling in obtaining licenses in the United States for the Curaçao Refinery. Rhuggenaath further emphasized the importance for Curaçao to enter into talks with Venezuela.
Rhuggenaath announced that he would not travel with Blok to Suriname as planned for the celebration of 45 years of political independence. Rhuggenaath said he wanted to stay in Curaçao in connection with the current developments. He did not say exactly what developments he meant. The Prime Minister congratulated President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.