The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Netherlands agreed to start technical talks for the gradual opening of the border with the three Caribbean islands Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.
"Following instructions from President @NicolasMaduro and after important conversations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands 🇳🇱, we have agreed to begin technical discussions for the gradual opening of maritime and air borders with the islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire," wrote the minister for foreign relations, Carlos Faria, in his account on the social network Twitter.
In this regard, the foreign minister pointed out that this process of opening up translates into "opportunities for the economic, social and cultural development" of Venezuela.
"The process of opening up with the ABC islands is part of the efforts of the Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace, which translates into opportunities for the economic, social and cultural development of our country and its relationship with important territories of our Caribbean neighbors," Faría said on the social network, where he published the official statement.
The official statement details that both parties agreed to "hold the III Technical Consultation Meeting in Willemstad, Curacao, in the short term, dealing primarily, but not exclusively, with the gradual cross-border maritime trade of products."
Here is the full text:
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Kingdom of the Netherlands confirm, as a result of the consultations held, their willingness to work together in the implementation and execution of the gradual reopening of the border between Venezuela and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. This decision is in the interest and benefit of both peoples, taking into account the mutual interest of promoting economic, social and other types of exchange.
Declare:
- Agree on working mechanisms that allow the parties to discuss, in a coordinated and fluid manner, issues in areas of common interest, with respect to the gradual reactivation of maritime and air connections between Venezuela and Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
- Bear in mind the conversations and agreements previously discussed between both parties, including the technical consultation meetings held in Willemstad, on March 10, 2020, and Caracas, on December 15, 2020.
- Hold the III Meeting of Technical Consultations in Willemstad, Curaçao, in the short term, dealing mainly, but not exclusively, with the gradual cross-border maritime trade of products.
- Reaffirm their willingness to make joint efforts to guarantee security on the border between the two countries.
Caracas, December 13, 2022
It should be remembered that, this Monday, the Executive Vice President of the Republic, Delcy Rodriguez, held a meeting with the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Robert Schuddeboom, where they discussed the bilateral agenda and cooperation agreements.
In addition, the meeting discussed the steps to follow for the reopening of the border between Venezuela and Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.
In 2019, President Nicolás Maduro announced the closure of the border between these Caribbean islands.
