MOU with the Dominican Republic in the pipeline, Visa Requirements for Colombians lifted.
PHILIPSBURG: --- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom Bert Koenders and his delegation made his first working visit to the countries within the Kingdom namely Curacao, St. Maarten and Aruba.
During the meetings held in Curacao in which Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs was part of some key decisions were taken, one being the visa requirements for Columbians travelling to Curacao and St. Maarten has been lifted while the Prime Ministers of the three countries and the Kingdom are currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the countries namely St. Maarten and the Dominican Republic.
Minister Koenders said that since he took office this was his first working visit. He said while on St. Maarten he met with Governor Eugene Holiday, President of Parliament Lloyd Richardson, and the Council of Ministers.
After all the meetings a press conference was held where members of the media were apprised of the discussions and decisions that were taken. Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs arranged for the Minister of Foreign Affairs to meet with the Prefet and President of the Collectivity of St. Martin to further discuss issues affecting the cooperation between the two sides of the island. Minister Koenders said one of the things he will discuss with the French Authorities is how they have to deal with the European Funding, the Oyster Pond border issue which is now a hot topic and the police cooperation agreement that has been ratified.
Minister Koenders said he was happy that he could have gotten the opportunity to meet with the French side authorities through the efforts made by St. Maarten's Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, this he said will enable him to hear and see the problems especially at the borders and how they could further enhance cooperation. He said that while the Oyster Pond border issue is on the front burner there are several issues at the other borders including water rights. Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said that the main issue at the Oyster Pond border is for both parties to determine exactly the borderline.
As for the police law he said that almost everything is in place and that this new law will soon take effect as it has already been ratified by the Kingdom, when this law goes into effect then both KPSM and the French Gendarmes will be able to further join forces to curb crime on St. Maarten.
With regards the MOU with the Dominican Republic Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said that they are currently working on a draft MOU which deals with trade, agriculture, environment and other related matters that would enhance both countries.
As for the lifting of the visa requirements for Columbians Minister Koenders said that the visa requirements was lifted based on a request of that country, further to that he said the countries namely Curacao and St. Maarten are in favor of lifting the visa requirements because more tourist are visiting both St. Maarten and Curacao. Minister Koenders refused to say if other countries within the Latin America made the same request and if it will be granted.