Venezuela’s Foreign Minister met today with Dutch Foreign Minister to deepen cooperation and mutual respect, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations in strategic sectors with the Caribbean islands.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil held a cordial meeting on May 4, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tom Berendsen, aiming to deepen the cooperation agenda and foster mutual respect.

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The encounter reaffirmed the Venezuelan State’s commitment to a policy of good neighborliness, prioritizing the strengthening of bilateral relations and the dynamism of cultural and human exchange with the nearby islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.

Strategic Sectors Opening

Venezuelan diplomacy specifically highlighted the opening of cooperation opportunities in strategic sectors vital for both nations. These key areas include agriculture, energy and transportation, which are fundamental for ensuring food security and driving productive development throughout the Caribbean region.

This proactive engagement seeks to consolidate an integration model that directly benefits the people through the promotion of tourism and the reactivation of historical commercial ties.

Text reads: “We have had a cordial meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tom Berendsen. At this meeting, we reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to good-neighbourliness and the strengthening of bilateral relations, as well as the promotion of tourism with the Dutch islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.

In addition, we convey the message of the Bolivarian Government in favor of investment and cooperation with Dutch companies in various sectors of the Venezuelan economy, with special emphasis on key areas such as agriculture, energy and transport.”

By promoting Dutch investment under clear principles of sovereignty and shared benefit, Venezuela ratifies its firm willingness to collaborate with international partners who are committed to stability and shared prosperity in the broader Caribbean basin.

The meeting marks a significant stride for Bolivarian Peace Diplomacy in constructing solid relations with Europe, grounded in the recognition of Venezuela’s substantial economic potential. The strengthening of these bilateral links not only serves to boost Venezuela’s internal productive apparatus but also guarantees a peaceful and productive coexistence with the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ immediate neighbors in the Caribbean Sea.

This diplomatic initiative is expected to pave the way for tangible projects that can enhance regional connectivity and foster economic growth, creating new avenues for collaboration in areas such as renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices. The emphasis on mutual respect and good neighborliness sets a positive tone for future engagements, demonstrating a clear commitment to fostering a stable and prosperous Caribbean.

The meeting provided a clear message from the Bolivarian Government in favor of foreign investment, inviting Dutch companies to actively participate in the growth of the national economy, thereby strengthening economic ties that support regional stability.

Tourism Drives Economy

Beyond direct bilateral cooperation, Venezuela is strategically positioning tourism as a core pillar for economic diversification. In early February, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez held a working session with Tourism Minister Daniella Cabello to structure a special plan aimed at revitalizing the sector and attracting both national and international capital.

The government’s proactive stance is underpinned by impressive results from 2025, during which Venezuela welcomed 3,443,963 international visitors.

This remarkable figure represents a substantial 44% increase compared to 2024, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of Venezuela’s policies for opening up and promoting the nation’s stunning natural and cultural beauties to the world. Through this comprehensive strategic planning, the Bolivarian Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transforming the country’s vast scenic and human potential into a powerful engine of productive development.

The overarching goal is clear: to continue breaking away from the traditional rentier economic model by fostering a multi-active economy where tourism serves as a foundation for prosperity, social inclusion and heightened recognition of Venezuelan identity on the international stage.

This vision for tourism not only seeks to attract foreign currency but also aims to create sustainable jobs, support local communities, and showcase Venezuela’s rich heritage, thereby contributing to a more diversified and resilient national economy.

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