An Aruba cooperation agenda with Curaçao is taking shape after Prime Ministers Mike Eman and Gilmar Pisas discussed a broad set of shared priorities during Eman’s visit to Curaçao.
Leaders identify sectors for joint work
According to Diario, the talks covered tourism, aviation and air connectivity, renewable energy, education, professional training, trade, logistics and the modernization of essential public services. The leaders discussed combining the two islands’ strengths, sharing expertise and identifying initiatives that could support more resilient economies.
Tourism proposals included innovation, workforce development and possible joint promotion of Aruba and Curaçao as a combined destination. The discussions took place while Eman was in Curaçao at Pisas’s invitation for Curaçao Day and the Caribbean United in Excellence gathering.
Economic policy linked to community wellbeing
The two prime ministers also emphasized that investment and economic growth should translate into improved quality of life. Their discussion connected economic opportunity with social wellbeing, environmental protection and inclusive communities.
They reaffirmed the close historical relationship between Aruba and Curaçao as autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Regional value chains and public-private cooperation were also raised as possible ways to strengthen both economies.
Officials consider practical follow-up
The leaders discussed designating contact people in each country to help prepare a practical follow-up agenda. Any specific initiative would still need to be developed by the appropriate authorities and pass the required procedures and approvals in each country.
The meeting also addressed the Sub-National Island Jurisdictions initiative, which seeks stronger international recognition of the resilience challenges faced by islands that are not sovereign states.
Source: read the original report from Diario.
