AMSTERDAM – King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima completed a brief work trip to the U.S. between April 13 and 15, 2026, stopping in Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Miami. The main goal of the visit was to strengthen the economic, cultural, and political relationship between the U.S. and the Netherlands, focusing on trade, innovation, health, and technology.
A key aspect of the visit was Florida, highlighting the relationship between the Kingdom and the Caribbean. The U.S. is Aruba’s most significant trading partner, with Miami serving as the primary trade and transport hub between the U.S. and Latin America.
Aruba is actively represented during this visit, with Gerlien Croes, the Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Humanity, Innovation, and Sports, and Wendrick Cicilia, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor, participating in the official program. The ministers took part in meetings with economic leaders, investors, and other key figures.
In Miami, discussions with the business sector covered opportunities in trade and investment, including logistics, employment, and talent development. Meetings with Caribbean students also took place, focusing on cooperation between Florida and the Caribbean.
The agenda also addressed issues significant to Aruba, such as flood resilience, maritime development, and tourism. This underscores the importance of the relationship between Aruba and the U.S., particularly Florida, as a strategic gateway for trade and regional collaboration.
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