WILLEMSTAD:--- This week, a semi-annual trilateral consultation took place on the island of Curaçao between the defense partners involved, from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United States of America, and France. The periodic consultation is part of the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), an international and interdepartmental partnership under the leadership of the United States, which focuses on combating illegal trade and smuggling of narcotics in the Caribbean Region. CZMCARIB, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has been part of the JIATF(S) organization for over 30 years.
During the consultation, the delegations discussed current affairs, intelligence, operations, new concepts, and their coordination that should lead to a better implementation of joint drug control operations.
The maritime method of combating drugs is effective and contributes to combating cross-border crime in the region. The countries have also worked together successfully in recent times in this area. For example, in recent weeks, a joint drug control operation has been conducted between the Netherlands and France, and at present, there is strong cooperation with the United States of America. The station ship Zr. Ms. Friesland is equipped for this purpose with an American boarding team from the US Coast Guard and collaborates with a US Coast Guard helicopter as well as US Coast Guard vessels.
Through this collaboration and consultation, the responsible partners from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United States of America, and France, underlined their joint effort to ensure a safe and stable Caribbean Region.