ORANJESTAD (AAN) – AVP Parliamentarian and faction leader Jennifer Arends-Reyes participated in an important meeting during the official visit of Mr. Tom de Graaf, Vice President of the Dutch Raad van State, who visited Aruba together with an official delegation as part of his farewell tour in the Dutch Caribbean.
The visit formed part of an institutional program aimed at strengthening and evaluating the existing cooperation between Aruba and the Raad van State while promoting continuous dialogue on legal matters, governance, and the legislative process within the Kingdom.
During the meeting, Arends-Reyes emphasized the crucial role the Raad van State plays as a legal advisory and legislative supervisory body. According to the AVP faction leader, the presence of Mr. De Graaf and his delegation in Aruba confirms that the relationship between the Kingdom countries must remain based on mutual respect, open communication, and effective cooperation.
“We appreciate the opportunity to exchange views with such an important institution for the development of law and governance. Aruba must continue investing in dialogue with institutions that contribute to the stability and transparency of our democratic system,” Arends-Reyes stated.
The meeting included discussions on several important issues affecting Aruba, including the challenges small countries within the Kingdom face regarding sustainability, financial management, and cooperation.
Arends-Reyes stressed that cooperation within the Kingdom should not remain only a formality but must function as a practical instrument to achieve lasting solutions and strengthen the democratic foundation of Aruba’s institutions.
During the visit, Mr. Tom de Graaf received words of appreciation from the AVP faction for his dedication and leadership as Vice President of the Raad van State. Representatives from the government and Parliament recognized his commitment and role in strengthening communication between the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean countries.
The delegation also showed interest in Aruba’s progress in modernizing and improving the legislative process and expressed willingness to continue dialogue with local stakeholders, including Parliament, the government, and the legal sector.
Jennifer Arends-Reyes concluded that meetings like these are highly valuable for Aruba because they promote greater mutual understanding and create space for real cooperation based on equality and respect.
“Aruba is a country with its own dignity and responsibility within the Kingdom. We must continue maintaining open communication with institutions such as the Raad van State to ensure our legal and democratic systems continue strengthening,” she concluded.
The farewell visit of Mr. Tom de Graaf marks a symbolic moment of transition while also serving as a reminder that institutional cooperation between Aruba and the Kingdom must remain a priority.
