PM Drew engages in fruitful discussion with Netherlands Ambassador Cornelis Hersbach

St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew had a fruitful engagement with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to St Kitts and Nevis Cornelis Hersbach. The Ambassador paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister on Friday and marked the beginning of constructive discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation. While sharing glimpses of the meeting on his official Facebook account, PM Drew said that the discussions aimed at boosting the longstanding relationship between both the countries.

He also appreciated Netherlands for its long standing support towards the Federation and noted that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a valued partner and he believes that the joint efforts in various sectors will yield mutual benefits and foster greater prosperity for the citizens.

“As one of the founding members of the European Union, Netherlands plays an important role in facilitating international cooperation,” outlined PM Drew.

During his visit, Ambassador Cornelis Hersbach signed a Maritime Delimitation Treaty between the Netherlands and St Kitts and Nevis. This treaty aims to foster improved trade relations, especially in the significant area of food production, with a special focus on fisheries.

Since 2014, the maritime zones have been involved in the negotiation between both countries, and this agreement will lead to the launch of even-handed demarcation of all maritime zones.

PM Drew expressed this thankfulness towards the Ambassador and said that both the countries have a history of fruitful partnership with the bilateral and multilateral framework and he is looking forward to expanding this partnership in various fields.

In addition to this, the Netherlands Ambassador said that he felt honoured to initiate this collaboration with St Kitts and Nevis, and together, they have the chance to leverage their strengths and pursue joint initiatives that will benefit the people and contribute towards regional development.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of St Kitts and Nevis also talked about the agreement that was signed during the meeting and said that this agreement would boost trade relations between both countries while also increasing food production trade within the fisheries sector.