SINT MAARTEN/THE HAGUE — Prime Minister Dr. Luc F. E. Mercelina arrived in the Netherlands today and immediately began his programme of official meetings, starting with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen in The Hague. Their discussions addressed shifting geopolitical realities, with particular attention to developments in the Western Hemisphere and their implications for Sint Maarten and the Kingdom.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Mercelina focused on bringing Foreign Affairs closer to Sint Maarten through a stronger working relationship between Sint Maarten’s Department of Foreign Relations (DBB) and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized the need for greater support, closer coordination and the sharing of expertise to strengthen DBB’s capacity and increase the impact of its work.
The Prime Minister stressed that stronger cooperation must translate into practical results, enabling Sint Maarten to represent its interests more effectively, respond to regional developments and pursue international opportunities. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that Sint Maarten’s perspectives and priorities are reflected in the Kingdom’s international engagement.
“A stronger connection must mean greater impact for Sint Maarten. Our Department of Foreign Relations must have the support and working relationships needed to turn international engagement into tangible opportunities for our people. Bringing Foreign Affairs closer to Sint Maarten means strengthening the capacity here at home to help shape and benefit from that engagement,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.
The Prime Minister’s delegation included Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell, Secretary-General Dr. Abel Knottnerus and Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson.
Following his engagement with Minister Berendsen, the Prime Minister continued his programme with a meeting with Mr. Kim Putters, President of the Netherlands’ Social and Economic Council (SER), in The Hague.
During his first day of engagements, Prime Minister Mercelina also had a courtesy encounter with the Netherlands’ Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Asylum and Migration, Bart van den Brink, and Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel.
The meetings opened the Prime Minister’s working visit, which includes further engagements with key ministries and High Councils of State in the Netherlands to advance Sint Maarten’s priorities and strengthen cooperation within the Kingdom.
