Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen explained that relations between Curaçao and Venezuela are gradually returning to normal, creating opportunities to address economic matters, including outstanding debts between the two countries.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen highlighted that Venezuela is “a crucial economic partner for Curaçao,” emphasizing the importance of restoring economic relations, as developments in the country create new opportunities for the island’s oil and energy sectors.
Berendsen made these remarks during a debate on the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs' budget in the House of Representatives, where parliamentarian Michiel Hoogeveen asked the government about Curaçao's economic outlook following political changes in Venezuela.
Hoogeveen specifically mentioned the potential benefits for Curaçao's oil industry, including the renewed use of the Bullenbaai oil terminal for oil storage and transshipment.
According to the parliamentarian, the reopening of the Venezuelan oil market offers opportunities to strengthen economic and energy cooperation between Curaçao, Venezuela, and the Netherlands.
He referred to a meeting held in New York in late September between Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
The foreign minister emphasized the long-standing economic relationship between Curaçao and Venezuela. “Curaçao and Venezuela have a shared history. Just think of Curaçao's oil refinery, which was designed to process Venezuelan oil,” he said.
He explained that relations with Venezuela are gradually returning to normal, creating opportunities to address long-standing economic problems. One of these concerns outstanding debts between Curaçao and Venezuela, and he indicated that resolving this issue is an important part of the bilateral talks.
The Dutch foreign minister also acknowledged Curaçao's particular interest in developments in the Caribbean, given the island's historic economic ties with Venezuela and its significant Venezuelan community, Curacao Chronicle reports.