The bilateral cooperation between The Netherlands and Colombia was further consolidated during an official visit to Defense in the Caribbean Region and to the Coastguard Caribbean Region, by Columbian Vice-Admiral Grisales, Chief marine Operations in Columbia. During the visit the ties have been further strengthened between both countries, both in the areas of counter drug control, search and rescue operations, as well as joint military training.
The Columbian Admiral brought a work visit to the Marine Barracks at Parera, to the training area Wacao, and to the HNLMS Pelikaan, and rendered conversations with representatives of the Coastguard Caribbean Region and the Commander of the Naval Forces in the Caribbean Region. An important subject during the visit was the continuation and strengthening the collaboration.
Both countries underline the importance of joint operations, training and exercises. The recent exercise with the name Estribo in Columbia, whereby Dutch and Columbian Marines trained together, is seen as a successful example of operational collaboration. During the spring already joint counter drugs operations have been executed. For the next fall period, a joint marine exercise is planned.
An important moment during the visit has been the signage of an operational SAR-agreement (Search and Rescue), by Commander Walter Hansen. This agreement stipulates clear procedures and communication lines for joint SAR operations in shared or contiguous maritime areas. Herewith the safety on sea is being further enlarged and the collaboration between both countries formalized.
The visit underlines the mutual trust and shared commitment to maritime safety in the Caribbean Region. The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Columbia will continue to intensely work together to a safer and more stable region.