Schwengle at VNG congress as Caribbean partners seek stronger ties and social support within Kingdom

THE HAGUE — Aruba’s Minister Plenipotentiary, Mildred Schwengle, attended the annual congress of the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) in Oost Gelre and Winterswijk. Aruba, together with the other countries within the Kingdom and the BES islands, is a member of VNG.

Special guests included Queen Máxima and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. VNG president Sharon Dijksma opened the congress, followed by an address from Jetten.

Queen Máxima, in her role as patron of the Oranje Fonds, spoke about the fund’s work in supporting social initiatives throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Other speakers included Jonathan Holslag, mayor of Tienen in Belgium, Sandra Phlippen of ABN AMRO, and former Paralympic champion Esther Vergeer.

After the official program, Caribbean representatives had an opportunity to meet. Dijksma stressed the importance of participation by the Caribbean part of the Kingdom within VNG.

Photos courtesy of the Cabinet of Aruba.