President Fernández Meets with Prime Minister from Curacao

President Fernández Meets with Prime Minister from Curacao
Santo Domingo, 11/06/2010

Dominican President Leonel Fernández met with Prime Minister Gerrit Schotle of Curacao for one hour in his office in the National Palace.

Upon leaving the meeting, Prime Minister Schotle confirmed that after his meeting with President Fernández he understands why they call him the “Dominican miracle,” pointing to his good sense, wisdom, intellectualism, tranquility and serenity..

Upon leaving the meeting, Prime Minister Schotle confirmed that after his meeting with President Fernández he understands why they call him the “Dominican miracle,” pointing to his good sense, wisdom, intellectualism, tranquility and serenity. PM Schotle said the Dominican Head of State is “a real leader, who lives up to his reputation of being a peace mediator in problems among countries and who has demonstrated that skill in the past when he has played that role.”

In addition, he said that authorities in Curacao are strengthening their bonds of fraternity and solidarity with the Dominican Republic in that there is a large Dominican community in Curacao and that the bonds between the two countries should grow stronger in view of their shared history and culture, reported the Presidential Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

He pointed out that several days ago Curacao’s Minister of Economy was in the DR holding talks among different commercial sectors of the country with the idea of reaching an understanding for commerce between the two nations.

The PM of Curacao affirmed that they are also working on the activation of a mixed commission that will further the creation and carrying out of all issues that can benefit both countries.

Schotle said the possibility of signing a free trade agreement between Curacao and the Dominican Republic is being studied and will likely be agreed upon in that that there should be bilateral exchanges between the two countries. He said that the new authorities in Curacao see the DR as an important option for sending students for exchange programs.

He also affirmed that Santo Domingo can play a very important role in preparing students from Curacao in different professional careers.

Also at the meeting for the Dominican government was Secretary without Portfolio Miguel Mejía, and for Curacao, Rita Rahman, Ambassador from Curacao in the DR.