Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell has held an introductory meeting in The Hague with Member of the European Parliament Marit Maij to discuss strengthening cooperation between the European Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories.
The discussions focused on expanding opportunities for Sint Maarten and other Caribbean territories through greater participation in European policymaking, technical assistance, and access to European funding programmes.
Maij, who serves on the CARIFORUM–European Union Parliamentary Committee, also announced that she will visit Sint Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius later this week. During the visit, she hopes to meet with local representatives to better understand the islands' priorities and identify areas for closer cooperation.
Minister Arrindell said maintaining strong ties with European institutions is essential to ensuring Sint Maarten's interests are represented and that the country can benefit from future partnerships and development opportunities.
Quick Fact: The European Union's Overseas Countries and Territories Association represents 13 territories linked to EU member states, including Sint Maarten, and works to strengthen cooperation and sustainable development.