On 11 January 2022, Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, met with His Excellency Didier Chabert, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, prior to the Presentation of Credentials by the Ambassador to Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Minister Browne extended a warm welcome to the Ambassador Chabert and expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of working closely with him to continue the already fruitful ties between the two countries, which spanned the course of fifty-nine (59) years. Ambassador Chabert echoed the Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the importance His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, ascribed to the relations between the French Republic and the countries of the Caribbean region. His Excellency informed that his priorities for his tenure included the enhancement of political and economic ties between France and Trinidad and Tobago, and with countries of the wider region, taking into consideration the presence of Martinique and Guadeloupe, which are two French Overseas Territories. He added that security cooperation was another priority, through which there would opportunity for training for members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Ambassador Chabert also signaled opportunity for maritime security cooperation between France and countries of the Caribbean Region, a prospect which was welcomed by the Minister, who underscored the ongoing challenges of drug trafficking and illegal migration and the importance of partnerships in improving coastal defences. The meeting ended with a proposal by Minister Browne to host another meeting with the Ambassador-designate to facilitate more in-depth discussions on the relations between Trinidad and Tobago and France, including opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
