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Ivar Asjes (l) presents a book to Marcel Gumbs entitled “Curacao: Religions, Rituals and Traditions.” Photo cabinet Prime Minister

St. Maarten – Prime Ministers Marcel Gumbs and Ivar Asjes both dubbed the latter’s visit as important in establishing a basis for continued good relations between the two countries.

PM Asjes met yesterday with Governor Eugène Holiday, President of Parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson, Prime Minister Gumbs, Minister of Finance Martin Hassink and Minister of Education Rita Bourne-Gumbs. PM Gumbs also met with Curacao’s Minister of Economic Affairs Stanley Palm on Sunday evening.

Asjes said it is always a pleasure coming to St. Maarten and that efforts are underway to strengthen the cooperation across various areas. “We are partners in the Kingdom so have to work together regarding current issues now playing in the Dutch Kingdom. We both want to ensure that the rule of law is applied within the Dutch Kingdom and the manner in which our countries deal with each other. Curacao supports the rule of law and we support the correct use of the statute,” he said, adding that Curacao is also working on a proposal regarding the dispute arrangement to present to Aruba and St. Maarten.

Asjes also said that he prefers to continue with meetings between the prime ministers of the Dutch Caribbean based on the Arikok agreement of 2010. A third meeting is proposed to take place in St. Maarten to foster closer ties and strengthen the working relationship.

“We believe that it is important to maintain good relations between Kingdom partners,” Gumbs said. “We were able to discuss some pending matters affecting both Curacao and St. Maarten, including how to proceed with the Foundation Economic Development SEO (an entity under the former Antillean constellation) and support for St. Maarten regarding various integrity issues.”