Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, of Savannah visited Curaçao this week to deepen the growing partnership that began with the 2024 royal visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands. During the trip he met Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, the President, members of Parliament, U.S. Consul General Ramón “Chico” Negrón and local business leaders. At the conclusion of the visit, Mayor Johnson and Curaçao Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof signed an International Friendship Agreement that creates a formal framework for collaboration.
Agreement focuses on education, culture and trade
The agreement outlines joint initiatives in several key areas:
- Education and research: Partnerships with Savannah State University and Savannah Technical College will enable student exchanges, joint research projects and faculty collaborations.
- Culture and tourism: The Pin Point Heritage Museum and Visit Savannah will work with Curaçao’s tourism board to promote cultural exchanges and increase visitor flows.
- Workforce development and hospitality: Savannah Technical College will develop training programs that align with Curaçao’s hospitality sector needs.
- Port, maritime and trade: The Georgia Ports Authority will explore opportunities to expand maritime commerce between the two ports.
- Sustainability and economic development: Joint research on marine and coastal ecosystems, sports exchanges, and investment initiatives are also slated for development.
“This agreement is both a culmination and a commencement,” Mayor Johnson said. “The purpose is simple: to turn relationships into opportunities for our people. Friendship is the foundation. Partnership is the opportunity. Action must be the result.”
Local leaders praised the partnership
Mayor Johnson thanked Dr. Dionne Hoskins Brown of Savannah State University, the Gullah‑Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, City Manager Jay Melder, Faye DiMassimo, MarRonde Lumpkin Lotson and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Atlanta for their assistance in developing the relationship.
He added, “Savannah has always been a gateway to the world. As our international profile continues to grow, we should build relationships that expand our reach while creating educational, cultural and economic opportunities here at home.”
Looking ahead
Both sides expect concrete projects to emerge over the next few years, with larger delegation visits planned for 2027. The City of Savannah and its partners will continue working with Curaçao officials to identify specific opportunities that benefit local businesses, students and residents.
This agreement underscores Savannah’s commitment to fostering global connections that support local families, strengthen the economy and uphold the values of faith, family and liberty that define our community.
Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.
