Prime Minister Rutte will be visiting Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Saba and Statia from July 13 through July 19. During this visit he will be accompanied by a delegation of the Dutch business community.
It is the first time that Prime Minister Rutte is visiting the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. The purpose of this trip is therefore to make further acquaintance with the different islands. Furthermore there will be attention for the economic relations between the Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. The Caribbean countries could form a stepping stone for business in the wider region with growing economies such as Brazil, Mexico, Panama and Colombia.
In the three countries Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten there are meetings scheduled with the Governor, the Prime Minister and representation of Parliament on the programme. On Bonaire, Saba and Statia there are meetings with the Executive Councils and the Island Councils. Furthermore in the programme there is great attention for business on the islands and for new opportunities for cooperation in the economic field. The visit starts on Saturday evening July 13 on Aruba. On Monday July 15 the delegation will be traveling to Curaçao. On Wednesday July 17 the delegation will depart to Bonaire, and will be traveling onward to St. Maarten on Thursday July 18. Friday July 19 the delegation is on Saba and Statia. On Saturday July 20 the visit come to an end on St. Maarten.