NASSAU, Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas has acknowledged the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its leading role in supporting international agreements, which seek to curb and eradicate the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Governor General His Excellency Arthur D. Hanna made the statement as he accepted Letters of Credence from His Excellency Christiaan Mark Johan Kroner, non-Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to The Bahamas, at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, February 7.
The Bahamas Government has approved, in principle, the ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention. It is a United Nations treaty that bans the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons, and stipulates its timely destruction.
“The Bahamas has also attached highest priority to the adherence to such agreements, and its signing of the Chemical Weapons Convention on March, 2, 1994, underlines its historic commitment to non-proliferation,” the Governor General said.
On the conclusion of consultations with relevant national stakeholders, “The Bahamas will be pleased to deposit its Instrument of Ratification with your country,” the Governor General told Ambassador Kroner. “Your political and security experience, and acknowledgement of the extended friendship between our two countries, make you a valuable partner for the challenges of today.”
Governor-General His Excellency Arthur Hanna officially welcomes His Excellency Christiaan Mark Johan Kroner, non-Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to The Bahamas, after accepting his Letters of Credence at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, February 7.
BIS Photo/Kristaan H. A. Ingraham II)
He also said The Netherlands support for a successful completion of the waiver negotiations for the Schengen Visa would be of “special importance” to The Bahamas.
The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba form an integral part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, which like The Bahamas, is built on tourism and financial services.
“The Bahamas would like to embrace opportunities to fortify our relations in these areas,” the Governor General said.
He noted that both countries share a fundamental belief in democratic values, international cooperation, and in upholding and advancing the rule of international law.
“In this regard, The Bahamas looks forward to the continued partnering with the Kingdom of The Netherlands in promoting the common goals of peace, goodwill, sovereign equality and security,” the Governor General said.
He told the Ambassador that The Bahamas intends to use his office to further the long-standing friendship between both countries, given The Netherlands’ membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union.
“We, therefore, count on the Kingdom of The Netherlands to ensure the OECD’s regulations on financial services are fair, just and equitable for all,” the Governor General said. “It is also our hope that The Netherlands will play an important role in ensuring that European Union investment in The Bahamas is sustained, indeed increased, and the transfer of advanced management skills and new technologies emphasized.”
Ambassador Kroner said The Bahamas has enjoyed friendly ties with the Kingdom of The Netherlands since the Dutch first sailed the Caribbean waters.
He said the ties between both countries are not confined to the economy, and asked The Bahamas support as it seeks a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
“The promotion and respect of human rights is one of the main priorities in our foreign policy. Your support in this regard is needed and truly appreciated,” he said.
