Venezuela and Curaçao, an island of the Netherlands in the Caribbean, have reached an agreement to reopen their air and maritime borders next April 3, after having been closed since February 2019 according to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil.
The reopened borders of Venezuela and Curaçao: A Boost to Economic Development and International Relations
The reopening of the maritime and air borders between the two countries is an important step towards a more prosperous and strengthened future in terms of economic development, social interaction and strengthening of historical ties, according to the Foreign Minister.
This news has created great expectations and optimism in the population and the business sector sees this measure as an opportunity to reactivate the economy and improve the international relations between the two countries.
Once again the Venezuelan government has intensified its efforts to promote a more active and participatory foreign policy in the region.
Reopening the borders with Curaçao takes place in the context of an increasingly integrated region with a growing economy and is a valuable step towards a more promising future for both countries.
In a shocking development in the Caribbean region, senior Venezuelan officials decided to extend until April 30 a restriction on flights to Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. The decision was taken after no agreement was reached on the reopening of borders at the meeting held in Curaçao on February 4.
It was originally intended to announce the first phase of the reopening which included vessels and to hold meetings to discuss the resumption of air traffic. However, lack of agreement led to the extension of the flight restriction.
Venezuelan Officials Extend Flight Restrictions to Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire Amid Negotiations to Reopen Borders
The Government of Curaçao reported that the negotiations were conducted “cordially” and “in a good atmosphere” but despite the efforts, an agreement for the reopening of the air borders could not be reached.
However, in spite of the efforts, no agreement was reached to reopen the air borders. The decision to extend the flight restriction has caused uncertainty among travelers and has generated concern about its impact on the region’s economy. Reopening air traffic between Venezuela and the Netherlands has become a sensitive issue after Dutch representatives refused to fully commit to the resumption.
This has triggered a strong reaction from Venezuelan officials who have decided to put more pressure on the Dutch authorities threatening to impose a no-fly zone between the two countries for the next three months.
Since February 2019, the border between Venezuela and the Dutch islands in the Caribbean has been restricted following attempts by opposition leader Juan Guaidó to enter Venezuelan territory with humanitarian aid stockpiled in Brazil and Colombia, and the islands of Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba.
