Parliaments of Suriname, Aruba and Netherland-Antilles strengthen cooperation
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| Published on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 |
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By Ivan Cairo
PARAMARIBO, Suriname -- Parliaments from Aruba, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles vowed to strengthen cooperation in several fields during discussions here in Paramaribo. Delegations from Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles concluded a three-day visit to Suriname over the weekend expressing optimism over the renewed collaboration.
In an invited comment, Suriname’s Speaker of the House, Paul Somohardjo, explained that the discussions between the parliaments were part of a so-called ‘Contact Plan’, which provides for regular meetings between the participating legislative bodies, to improve bilateral relations.
While Speaker of the House of the Netherlands Antilles, Pedro Atacho, looks forward to expanding importation of Surinamese fresh produce, his counterpart from Aruba, Andy Lee, is seeking to forge ties in the field of tourism.
Speaking to journalists Atacho noted that while the three territories share a common history, Suriname could export vegetables and fruits to his country.
“The quality is excellent, but we should find ways to make transportation easier,” he said.
Lee, on the other hand, maintained that, since tourism is Aruba’s main source of income, both countries should collaborate to offer joint travel packages to visitors from the Netherlands and Europe. If necessary, Aruba will offer expertise to assist Suriname in improving the tourism industry.
According to Somohardjo, the Surinamese side was very interested in the health insurance systems on the islands. Currently the Venetiaan administration is studying the introduction of a so-called General Health Insurance Scheme.
Among other things delegations discussed strengthening the cooperation in the field of education, security, trade and industry, climate change, ICT, justice and fisheries.
While not on the agenda during the deliberations, the Surinamese parliament expressed solidarity with the visitors' fight against introduction of a highly controversial immigration bill by the Netherlands.
The proposed bill provides for the expulsion of Dutch nationals who were not born in the Netherlands, but in other Dutch territories and who posing a security threat to the Netherlands. Those eligible for expulsion are individuals who have been living in Holland for less than 10 years. | | | | Reads : 1571 | | | |
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