State Secretary Zsolt Szabó visits the National Archaeological Museum Aruba.
ORANJESTAD – During a meeting with the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Mike Eman invited Dutch State Secretary Zsolt Szabó to the National Archaeological Museum Aruba (MANA).
This visit was part of a deep dialogue on self-reliance and national identity, which are at the core of the government's vision.
The museum visit aims to demonstrate how deeply self-reliance is rooted in Aruba's history, particularly in the legacy of our indigenous people. During the tour, the State Secretary received a detailed presentation by archaeologist Raymundo Dijkhoff about the indigenous period in Aruba, the main archaeological sites, and the large number of indigenous artifacts discovered across different districts. The presentation highlighted how they managed to cultivate on dry land, fish in rough seas, and laid the foundation of our current community.
State Secretary Szabó, who himself has a son who is an archaeologist and has a special interest in history, expressed his admiration for the cultural richness and resilience of the Aruban people. He emphasized the importance of knowing a country's history to strengthen its identity and to inspire the new generations to build a strong and independent Aruba in cooperation with the Kingdom.
Before the visit to MANA, State Secretary Szabó held an introductory meeting with the Council of Ministers, during which each minister presented the ambitions and priorities of their portfolio. According to State Secretary Szabó, the meeting was positive and informative, and he expressed his appreciation for the energy and vision the cabinet projects. He declared he would not think twice about lending knowledge and technical skills if required.
“There is a good dynamic of cooperation within the Kingdom. The challenge is to continue strengthening this in the period ahead,” Szabó concluded. The Government of Aruba considers the visit a constructive step toward improving relations within the Kingdom, based on understanding, mutual respect, and a shared vision for sustainable progress.