Aruba
The working visit starts on Tuesday, April 8, in Aruba. Szabó meets with the ministers of the new cabinet, led by Mike Eman, which has recently taken office. In addition to a conversation with the new ministerial team, the Dutch official speaks with members of the Aruban parliament.
The visit to Aruba also focuses on good governance. Mr. Szabó attends a lecture at the University of Aruba by Mieke de Droog, program director of the Aruban Institute for Good Governance and Leadership. On campus, he participates in an interactive Q&A session with students.
Economic self-sufficiency is, alongside good governance and solid finances, one of Szabós priorities. Therefore, he will open the new branch of the technical installation company Pro-Tec in Aruba. The company was recently acquired by the Dutch firm Van Dorp and specializes in cooling buildings using seawater.
Curaçao
In Curaçao, the Secretary of State participates in the first governors consultation of this year on April 9. This biannual meeting with the governors of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten alternates between the Netherlands and one of the Caribbean countries.
Szabó speaks in Curaçao with Prime Minister Gilmar Pik Pisas and meets representatives of Kòrsou Transparente. This foundation is dedicated to preventing and combating unethical behavior and corruption in Curaçao.
On Thursday, April 10, Szabó meets with Anouschka Cova, director of the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA), and with Miles Mercera, director of CINEX, the Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency. Both discussions focus on economic development on the island.
At the American consulate in Willemstad, Mr. Szabó meets with the new consul general Ramón Negrón. He also speaks regarding good governance and the approach to undermining with, among others, the Investigation Cooperation Team (RST) and Attorney General Guillano Schoop.
On Friday, April 11, Mr. Szabó, together with the Curaçao Minister of Finance Silvania, visits the customs at the port of Curaçao. Additionally, he is informed about border control by the Royal Marechaussee at Hato Airport. Finally, the Secretary of State joins part of the meeting of the governors of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba taking place in Curaçao.