A group of Ambassadors accredited to The Kingdom of the Netherlands will embark on a working visit to the beautiful Dutch Caribbean Island of Curacao from 17 to 22 March 2024.
Although the ambassadors from Macedonia, Thailand, Austria and others expressed interest in visiting the Dutch Caribbean for years, the visit never materialized. We brought the ambition to visit the island to the attention of Minister Carlson Manuel in 2022. Minister Manuel demonstrated great enthusiasm towards the idea, and his unwavering efforts were key in making this visit a reality.
Diplomat Magazine played a crucial role in sensitizing members of the diplomatic community to participate in the Curacao voyage, shaping not only the participation but also the logistics scope of the trip. Finally Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, is leading an unprecedented diplomatic initiative: a curated trip to Curacao for a select group of ambassadors as a strategic endeavour aimed at fortifying diplomatic ties, fostering international cooperation, and exploring avenues for mutual prosperity.
We take this opportunity to commend Minister Carlson Manuel for his unwavering dedication and contributions in bringing this visit to fruition.
The selection process for the participating ambassadors was rigorous and meticulous. Criteria such as geographic representation, diplomatic engagement, and portfolio relevance between Curacao and each country were carefully weighed. The goal was to assemble a diverse group to discussions spanning trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
“When selecting the group of ambassadors to attend the organized trip to Curacao, we considered several specific criteria. Firstly, we aimed to ensure a diverse representation of countries, encompassing various regions and diplomatic interests. Additionally, we prioritized ambassadors who have demonstrated a keen interest in fostering international cooperation and have a track record of engaging positively in bilateral and multilateral dialogues. Furthermore, we took into account the relevance of each ambassador’s portfolio to the potential areas of collaboration with Curacao, such as trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
Our expectations for this visit are centred around strengthening bilateral relations between Curacao and the countries represented by the visiting ambassadors. Through direct engagement and dialogue, we anticipate laying the groundwork for future collaborations and partnerships in various sectors of mutual interest. By fostering greater understanding and cooperation, we aim to deepen diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for shared prosperity and development.”
“This inaugural trip organized by a Curacao Minister marks a significant milestone in our diplomatic outreach efforts. While the frequency of such initiatives will depend on various factors, including the outcomes of this visit and the availability of resources, we are open to considering repeating this initiative in the future. We recognize the value of sustained engagement with the diplomatic community to promote Curacao’s interests and enhance international cooperation.”
Minister Carlson stated:: “Interactions with representatives of Curacao’s business community are expected to play a crucial role in exploring avenues for trade and investment during the visit. Through meetings, forums, and networking opportunities, visiting ambassadors will have the chance to engage directly with local entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government officials; allowing for the visiting ambassadors the opportunity to benefit from the synergy created by The Curacao Experience Ambassador Edition 2024. This synergy is expected to facilitate discussions on potential partnerships, investment opportunities, and trade agreements, thereby contributing to the economic development and prosperity of both Curacao and the countries represented by the visiting ambassadors.”
“To ensure the comfort and convenience of the visiting ambassadors during their stay, meticulous arrangements have been made for accommodation, meals, and local transportation. Ambassadors will be accommodated in reputable hotels that offer modern amenities and excellent service. Meals will be curated to provide a taste of Curacao’s rich culinary heritage, featuring local delicacies and international cuisine. Transportation arrangements will be coordinated to facilitate seamless movement between scheduled events, meetings, and cultural excursions. Additionally, an official agenda or working plan has been prepared, outlining the itinerary and objectives of each day’s activities, ensuring that ambassadors have a clear understanding of the program and objectives of their visit.
Furthermore, based on the overwhelming interest we’ve received from multiple countries regarding this inaugural trip, we anticipate that the next edition will be even bigger and more impactful. The enthusiastic response underscores the importance and relevance of such diplomatic initiatives in strengthening ties between Curacao and the international community. Building on the success of this visit, we aim to expand participation and engagement in future editions, thereby deepening relationships, fostering collaboration, and advancing shared goals on a global scale. We are committed to leveraging this momentum to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual benefit in the years to come.”
