Netherlands praises maritime agreement with Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Frank Keurhorst, the Netherlands’ ambassador to the Dominican Republic, has commended the recent maritime delimitation agreement between the two nations as a significant step in strengthening their bilateral relationship. Through an interpreter, Keurhorst described the treaty as beneficial for both countries, emphasizing the thorough negotiation process that ensured respect for each nation’s sovereignty and included detailed technical evaluations from both sides. While the Dutch Parliament has already approved the agreement, the Dominican Republic’s decision is still pending.

Keurhorst highlighted the collaborative nature of the negotiations, responding to Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez’s recent statement that the Dominican Republic gained territory through this treaty. The ambassador confirmed that the agreement establishes a fair maritime boundary, fostering cooperation and a solid, mutually respectful partnership.

Minister Álvarez clarified that the agreement resulted in a gain of 11 nautical miles for the Dominican Republic, countering claims that the nation surrendered territorial waters. Mirex officials argued that critics of the Constitutional Court’s decision to ratify the agreement lack understanding of the specifics discussed during the negotiation.