Aruban Prime Minister Visits United States

News article | October 12, 2011

Prime Minister Michiel Eman to officially close the “Microcosm” Aruban Art exhibition and speak at Harvard University

(Washington, D.C.) – As Aruba celebrates 25 years of autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Eman will visit Miami, Washington, D.C. and Boston, October 11th-18th. While in the United States, the Prime Minister will discuss Aruba’s role as a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America; the island’s leading role in green energy and urban renewal; investment; and security of the Caribbean.

Prime Minister Eman will hold meetings with members of Congress, the State department, academics, city officials and think tanks. At the personal invitation of Martin Luther King III, the Prime Minister will attend the dedication ceremony of the memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the National Mall.

At Harvard University, Prime Minister Eman will outline how Aruba is meeting the challenges of the global economy by using smart growth and alternative energy. Aruba is located in a region rich with the potential to harness the power of wind and solar energy and alternative energy is a strong component of the Eman administration. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s visit comes just two weeks before the Green Aruba Conference October 27th-29th, where participants will discuss the future of green energy. HRH The Prince of Orange Wilem Alexander will deliver the keynote address at Green Aruba.

Highlights of Prime Minister Eman’s Visit include:

October 12th - Washington, D.C.
Meeting with Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ) and Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), co-chairs of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus
Meeting with Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) to discuss a new Caribbean research and scientific institute on renewable energy to be established in Aruba. The institute will be a partnership between Arizona State University and TNO, a Dutch research organization.

Closing reception of the “Microcosm” exhibition on contemporary Aruban art at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador.

October 13th - Washington, D.C.
“Conversation with the Prime Minister” event, organized by Inter American Dialogue and the Institute for Caribbean Studies.
Keynote address at a roundtable discussion on peace and security in the Caribbean at the Organization of American States.

October 14th- Boston
Keynote address at the “Smart Growth and Wellbeing: A Small Scale Example of Transforming Purpose” event at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

October 16th- Washington, D.C.
Dedication ceremony of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial.

October 17th
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the New America Foundation to collaborate on alternative energy projects in Aruba.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gallup organization on promoting well-being.

Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Eman visited Miami where he met with Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and the Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the media are invited to attend all events open to the public. Prime Minister Eman is available for interviews. For further information on his visit or to schedule an interview, media should contact: Carla Bundy at 202-274-2632 or cy.bundy@minbuza.nl

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For more than 400 years, the Netherlands and the United States have been joined by the values of freedom, justice and an entrepreneurial spirit. A vibrant economic force, the Netherlands is also the third largest investor in America and a reliable trade and investment partner to the U.S. The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dutch Consulates General and Honorary Consuls in the U.S. promote strong bilateral relations between the United States and the Netherlands in the areas of peace and stability; international law; energy and climate; water management; international human rights; and creative industries. The Netherlands and the United States:Two countries, one spirit united by values, history and a vision of the future.

More information: Key Topics - The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington DC