NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas is seeking the support of the Kingdom of The Netherlands for a level playing field regarding the tax recovery policy of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as both countries seek closer ties on a number of diplomatic matters.
This was among matters outlined by His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Deputy to the Governor General, as he accepted Letters of Credence from Her Excellency Regina Veronica Maria Jones-Bos, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to The Bahamas, in a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, February 12.
Sir Arthur also said that from the perspective of bilateral relations and the strong ties between both countries, the Bahamas is seeking The Netherlands’ support for sustainable European investment and its candidacy in the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Sustainable Development.
“The Bahamas values the cordial relations that exist between the Kingdom of The Netherlands and looks forward to continued friendly ties,” Sir Arthur said. “During this time of economic recession, continued enhanced cooperation can help to mitigate the negative impact on our tourism and financial services industries.
“We note, especially, that human rights are a high priority of your Government and we were pleased to support your candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council,” he said.
Sir Arthur acknowledged the “important role” The Netherlands played as a member of the Troika that facilitated the review of The Bahamas during the universal periodic review process. This took place at the third session of the working group of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in December, 2008.
“Our foreign policy priorities and as yet unfulfilled potential for complementarities with our economic strengths, provide important and immediate objectives with regard to your pledge to strengthen further the already very friendly and strong relations that our two countries and peoples share,” Sir Arthur said.
Ambassador Jones-Bos said that the similarities between both countries go beyond history and geography.
She noted that economically, The Bahamas and The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are a lot alike. The strong points of The Bahamas economy are tourism and financial services.
“In the face of the current economic recession these sectors might suffer above-average and might undo development and economic growth that we have taken for granted throughout the last years.
“Against this background an enhanced cooperation between our two countries is to our mutual benefit; in particular in these times of economic and financial uncertainty,” Ambassador Jones-Bos said.
She also commended Attorney General Michael Barnett for the “open and fruitful” discussions in Geneva on human rights in general, and the rights of women and children in particular.
Ambassador Regina Veronica Maria Jones-Bos, 56, has a Masters of Arts Degree in Russian Studies from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, in 1977. In 1981, she joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has served in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Paramaribo, Suriname; and Washington DC, United States.
The Netherlands is located in Northwestern Europe and is a founding member of the European Union, NATO and the OECD.
CAPTION
Her Excellency Regina Veronica Maria Jones-Bos, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to The Bahamas presented her credentials to His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Deputy to the Governor General on Thursday, February 12 at a ceremony at Government House. The Ambassador and her husband, Dr. Richard Huw Jones were guests of honour and a luncheon hosted by their Excellencies Sir Arthur and Mrs. Foulkes following the presentation ceremony. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)