THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, hosted a courtesy visit by H.E. Álvaro Enrique González Otero, Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
H.E. Álvaro Enrique González Otero has been serving as Ambassador since July 2022.
The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations and explore practical areas of cooperation between Sint Maarten and Uruguay, including tourism, trade and investment, sustainability and the digital economy.
Uruguay is a relatively small, open and export-oriented economy with a strong international orientation. Its goods exports reached approximately US$13.49 billion in 2025, the highest level of the past decade. Uruguay also has a growing services-export sector, particularly in knowledge-intensive and digital services.
Of particular relevance to Sint Maarten is Uruguay’s increasing focus on value-added production, logistics, technology, sustainable development and international services, alongside its traditional agricultural export base.
The discussions highlighted Sint Maarten’s strategic position in the Caribbean, its international connectivity and its access to Dutch institutional and economic networks. Both sides expressed interest in identifying concrete opportunities to connect businesses, government institutions and knowledge organisations.
The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary looks forward to further engagement with Uruguay and to exploring opportunities for closer economic and diplomatic cooperation between Sint Maarten, Uruguay and the wider Caribbean region.
