Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs held discussions with His Excellency João Caetano da Silva, Special Envoy of the Portuguese Republic for the Caribbean, during a meeting on 27th March, 2024 at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. William Ferreira, Honorary Consul for the Portuguese Republic in Trinidad and Tobago. Ambassador Caetano da Silva’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago was part of a Tour to the Caribbean to promote Portugal’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2027 to 2028.
In addition to Portugal’s candidature, discussions during the meeting focused on several areas, including the rich historical connection between Trinidad and Tobago and Portugal. The Minister commended the contributions to Trinidad and Tobago society and culture made by the descendants of Portuguese immigrants to the country. He also took the opportunity to extend profound gratitude to Portugal, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, for the former’s support for the election of His Excellency Dennis Francis, Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, New York, to the Presidency of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, and for Portugal’s co-sponsorship of Trinidad and Tobago’s successfully adopted UN Resolution to proclaim 11th August as World Steelpan Day.
Talks also focused on matters of international dialogue and global peace and security, and shared concerns, particularly regarding human rights, climate change, reform of the international financial infrastructure and cooperation with Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With respect to cooperation on the bilateral level, Minister Browne and Ambassador Caetano da Silva committed to pursuing further cooperation in the areas of energy, trade and diplomatic training.
The meeting ended cordially with Minister Browne indicating that he looked forward to deepening the relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Portugal.
