THE HAGUE - The Dutch government is committed to increasing mutual understanding and trust between the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom in various ways. Undersecretary of Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops writes this in the cabinet response to the appointment list of the recently held Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation.
“I have noted with interest the desire of the Curacao delegation to establish a new friendly relationship within the Kingdom. The legal order surrounding the Kingdom is established in the Statute. The Statute stipulates that each country represents its own interests and, on an equal footing, looks after the common interests and provides reciprocal assistance. A good relationship is essential to give substance to this and this cabinet is working on that. The mutual relationship requires constant attention. In addition, it can sometimes chafe - especially in times of crisis," said Knops.
Knops writes about the commitment of the Rutte cabinet to improve relations: “In daily practice, this is done through intensive cooperation between the officials and ministers of the countries and the public bodies and the departments in The Hague. A two-day course has been developed together with The Hague University of Applied Sciences for policy officers in the Netherlands with the aim of increasing knowledge and understanding of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and thereby strengthening mutual cooperation. Exchanges with Dutch municipalities also contribute to increasing mutual trust and understanding.”
Knops announces that from November an official working group of the four countries will discuss the possibilities of shaping relations within the Kingdom in a better and more sustainable way. This is the implementation of the 'Van Raak' motion, which is more than 2 years old. “In the first instance, the working group will consider the question of which subjects and issues exactly belong to its task.”