CALL IPKO: GO ON VACATION TO CURAÇAO, ARUBA AND SINT MAARTEN - stmaartenmeidacenter.com

dutch parliament kingdom Meeting

June 12, 2020 THE HAGUE - The virtual version of the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IpKo) has pleased the delegations from Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands so much that they want to do that more often.

Due to the travel restrictions, the summer edition of the IpKo, planned in The Hague, was canceled this week. Instead, yesterday, and today the MPs of the countries in the Kingdom discussed several topics via a video platform. At the conclusion, several working groups suggested that digital physical intermittent meetings should also be held from time to time, for example on the eve of debates in the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament on issues affecting the Caribbean countries.

The virtual version was informal. No decisions have therefore been taken. The central theme was the corona crisis. Delegations agree that the loans to be granted by the Netherlands are subject to conditions, but the way in which this has happened in recent weeks does not deserve a “beauty award”.

There is also unanimity about the need to make economies less dependent on tourism by diversifying it, including by promoting agriculture.

Member of Parliament Chris van Dam, as rapporteur for his working group, called on the Dutch to opt for Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten when they go on vacation.

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