PORT OF SPAIN: 21ST DECEMBER, 2022
Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs joined Her Excellency Ute König, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, at a luncheon to mark the end of the German Presidency of the Group of Seven (G7). The other members of the G7 are Canada, the European Union, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Ambassador König referred to the tumultuous start to the German Presidency of the EU, specifically with regard to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which, largely, shaped the Presidency. The Ambassador highlighted that unwavering solidarity was a main feature of Germany’s Presidency, which also focused were climate change, including the launch last week of the Climate Club, an all-inclusive organization focused on the economic benefits of cooperation in the sphere climate change, reaching climate targets and “just” energy transition. Japan will assume the Presidency of the G7 in 2023 and will highlight nuclear-related issues during its term.
During the exchange, Minister Browne highlighted the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace, expressing the view, however, that peace, anywhere, could not be considered permanent. The Minister noted that the war in Ukraine dominated each forum in which he participated, including at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific states held recently in Angola. Other issues discussed included the signing of the OACPS – EU Agreement scheduled for June 2023 and climate action.
The event concluded cordially with expressions of appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the German Presidency of the G7 and the broader issues with global impact. Minister Browne congratulated Germany on the conclusion of its one-year Presidency of the G7 and extended best wishes to Japan on its upcoming term.
