Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew greets His Excellency Cornelis Hersbach, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, April 8, 2024 (Press Conference, PMO) – His Excellency Cornelis Hersbach, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Saint Kitts and Nevis, recently concluded a significant series of engagements aimed at bolstering the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

On Friday, March 5th, Ambassador Hersbach paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Prime Minister’s Office, marking the beginning of constructive discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation.

During his visit, Ambassador Hersbach signed a Maritime Delimitation Treaty between the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Kingdom of the Netherlands on April 4, 2024. This treaty is poised to foster improved trade relations, particularly in the vital area of food production, with a special emphasis on fisheries. The signing underscores the commitment of both nations to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability within the fisheries sector.

Expressing his enthusiasm for collaboration, His Excellency Cornelis Hersbach stated, “I am honored to initiate this partnership with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Together, we have the opportunity to leverage our strengths and pursue joint initiatives that will benefit our peoples and contribute to regional development.”

(L-R) Mr. Douglas Gillanders, Honorary Consul of The Netherlands; His Excellency Cornelis Hersbach, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; Mr. Glenroy Blanchette, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office; and Ms. Jazzee Connor, Foreign Service Officer.

Present at the meeting was Mr. Douglas Gillanders, Honorary Consul of The Netherlands, who accompanied Ambassador Hersbach during his engagements. Also in attendance were Mr. Glenroy Blanchette, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Ms. Jazzee Connor, Foreign Service Officer.

Prime Minister Drew expressed optimism regarding the future collaboration between both nations, stating, “The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a valued partner, and I believe that our joint efforts in various sectors will yield mutual benefits and foster greater prosperity for our citizens.”

(L-R) Mr. Glenroy Blanchette, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office; Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; His Excellency Cornelis Hersbach, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and Mr. Douglas Gillanders, Honorary Consul of The Netherlands.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands, as one of the founding members of the European Union, plays a pivotal role in facilitating international cooperation. This relationship extends to Saint Kitts and Nevis through initiatives such as the Schengen Agreement, which allows visa-free access to nationals for a period of three months.

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have a history of fruitful collaboration within the bilateral and multilateral framework. From matters concerning The Hague Convention to mutual agreements on tax matters, both nations have demonstrated a commitment to shared objectives and mutual prosperity.

As the partnership between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to evolve, both parties remain dedicated to advancing common goals and addressing shared challenges.