The Bilateral Relations Division

In 1997 the Ministry was reorganized to give more emphasis to geographic regions. The European Affairs Unit was created within the Political Affairs Division, and in 2002 the structure was streamlined, and the unit became the European Affairs Division (EAD). In 2007, the European Affairs Division was merged with two other Divisions, namely the Americas Division and the Africa, Asia, Middle East and Pacific Division (AAMEP), to form the Bilateral Relations Division. The former Divisions, defined by their geography now serve as Units within the Bilateral Relations Division. They are as follows:

AAMEP Unit

Americas

Unit

European Affairs Unit

Through the work of the Bilateral Relations Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expands and deepens Trinidad and Tobago’s relations with countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific, North America, Latin America and Europe. The Ministry (Headquarters and Trinidad and Tobago Overseas Missions) collaborates with line Ministries, Government agencies and other stakeholders for the achievement of the country’s development objectives under the direction of the Vision 2020 Development Agenda.

In order to achieve Trinidad and Tobago’s overall development objectives of sustained and equitable economic and social growth, the Government’s foreign policy has been directed to developing stronger and closer bilateral co-operation with the countries covered by the various units within the Bilateral Relations Division. The Division monitors events taking place within countries with which we have formal and informal relationships.

The Bilateral Relations Division addresses the interests of Trinidad and Tobago with regard to expediting the deepening of Trinidad and Tobago’s bilateral relationships. In this regard, the Division functions include:

Recognising the opportunities that exist for increasing trade, deepening relations, and earning goodwill.

Preparation of position papers, cabinet notes, reports, memoranda and Diplomatic Notes to bring pertinent matters to the attention of stakeholders.

Preparation of briefing papers and statements and monitoring of developments throughout the world, particularly countries with which the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has established diplomatic relationship.

Arranging of meetings with stakeholders at home and liaising with

Trinidad and Tobago

’s missions to facilitate contact with prospective investors and markets for local goods and services.

Investigating and/ or sourcing specialized training programmes for various Ministries and departments.

Coordinating with various Ministries on arrangements of scholarships