On the first day of my visit to the Caribbean I was welcomed by Prime Minister Luc Mercelina of St Maarten. We discussed the situation on the island and the opportunities and challenges facing St Maarten.
We also spoke about the effect of geopolitical developments on the island, such as the high price of oil. And of course we reflected on the enormous impact that hurricane Irma had on St Maarten in 2017, and the extent to which the island has recovered in the years since.
Another important topic was cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prime Minister Mercelina and I agree that we need to work together on the basis of equality and respect, and in the interests of our countries and peoples. I look forward to cooperating closely in the years ahead.