WILLEMSTAD – On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Ruben Brekelmans, the Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, visited the Governor of Curaçao, His Excellency Mauritsz de Kort, as part of his ongoing work trip through the Caribbean. The meeting brought together senior defence and government officials to discuss the role of the Dutch armed forces in the region and recent geopolitical developments affecting the islands.
Brekelmans was accompanied by key members of the Defence Ministry delegation, including Maarten Schurink, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence; Sander Luijsterburg, Deputy Director of International Affairs; and Commander Walter Hansen, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean.
During the meeting at Fort Amsterdam, the discussions focused on several pressing issues, including the important role that the Dutch military plays in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and the impact of recent events in Venezuela on regional security. Brekelmans also used the opportunity to reaffirm the Netherlands’ commitment to cooperation and partnership with Curaçao and other Caribbean countries within the Kingdom framework.
The visit by the Defence Minister is part of a broader work visit to the Caribbean islands from January 5 to 8, which also includes stops in Aruba, Sint Maarten and Bonaire. The purpose of the trip is to engage with local defence forces and political leadership, review defence capabilities in the region, and strengthen operational cooperation across the Kingdom.
In recent public statements, Brekelmans has highlighted that despite regional tensions — particularly relating to Venezuela — there is currently no direct military threat to Curaçao or the neighbouring islands, and that Dutch forces remain vigilant and ready to support as needed. He also underscored the importance of maintaining clear communication and cooperation between the Netherlands and the Caribbean partners to prepare for a range of possible future scenarios.
Wednesday’s discussions further underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Dutch national government and Curaçao’s local authorities on defence, security and regional stability in an unpredictable global environment. With continued dialogue and coordination, both sides said they aim to ensure the safety and well-being of the Kingdom’s Caribbean population.