Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK Judith Uitermark (left) hands over the Kingdom Relations portfolio to State Secretary Eddie van Marum (right).
HAGUE--Caretaker State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eltje “Eddie” van Marum says his approach to working with the Caribbean part of the Kingdom will focus on listening, connecting, and collaboration in the months ahead.
Drawing parallels with his other portfolio – handling earthquake damage claims in Groningen – Van Marum, representing the right-wing farmers’ party BBB, emphasised the importance of rebuilding trust through direct engagement.
“These issues may differ in content, but I see clear similarities: it’s about people, dialogue, and cooperation,” Van Marum wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “In Groningen, I work hard to restore trust – not by talking about people, but by talking with them. That same approach – listening, connecting, and working together – is what I aim to continue, including in the areas of digitisation and Kingdom Relations.”
For the countries Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten, Van Marum’s focus remains on sound public finances and good governance, following the priorities set by his predecessor, Ferenc Zsolt Szabó.
“I want to give people on the islands confidence that The Hague is there for them,” Van Marum said. “I look forward to visiting soon and listening to the stories and challenges of residents across all six islands.”
