The Governments of Venezuela and the Netherlands have agreed to begin talks on the gradual reopening of the border between the two countries, with emphasis on the Caribbean overseas territories belonging to the European country.
The decision is framed, according to both States in a joint communiqué, in the interest and benefit of both peoples, all this taking into account «the mutual interest of promoting economic, social and other types of exchange».
To this end, Caracas and Amsterdam have agreed on working mechanisms that will allow the parties to deal, in a coordinated and fluid manner, with issues in areas of common interest, with respect to the gradual reactivation of maritime and air connections between Venezuela and Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
They have also shared the need to keep in mind the talks and agreements «previously discussed between both parties», including the technical consultation meetings held in Willemstad, on March 10, 2020, and Caracas, on December 15, 2020.
This will culminate with the third technical consultation meeting in Willemstad, Curaçao, in the short term, dealing mainly, but not exclusively, with the gradual cross-border maritime trade of products.
Finally, both countries have shown their willingness to reaffirm their willingness to «make joint efforts» to ensure security at the border between the two countries.
In 2019, Nicolás Maduro announced the closure of the border with the Caribbean islands belonging to the Netherlands, all after opposition leader Juan Guaidó attempted to bring humanitarian aid stored on those islands into Venezuelan territory.
