PORT OF SPAIN: 24TH AUGUST, 2022
Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and His
Excellency Sándor Marnix Raphaël Varga Van Kibéd En Makfalva, Ambassador of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands have both commended the high level of participation in and the overall success of
the recently concluded Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II held in Trinidad and Tobago. These
sentiments were expressed during their meeting on 24th August, 2022 at the Ministry’s
headquarters.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on a number of other areas including: the
commemoration of sixty years of bilateral relations between Trinidad and Tobago and the
Netherlands this year; an upcoming Visit of Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of
the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to the Netherlands; the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict; and
the participation of Trinidad and Tobago in COP27.
On the topic of the commemoration of sixty years of bilateral relations between Trinidad and
Tobago and the Netherlands, the discussion centred on a scheduled visit by representatives of
Wageningen University and Research to Trinidad and Tobago to conduct seminars on Agriculture.
Minister Browne alluded to the wider potential of such a collaboration and suggested that
consideration be given to exploring the possibility of cooperation in areas such as horticulture, as
Trinidad and Tobago’s economic diversification efforts could further benefit from the Netherlands’
advancements and experience.
The upcoming Visit of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to the Netherlands to hold
discussions with Shell executives was also raised during the meeting. Both the Minister and the
Ambassador noted the importance of such dialogue given the changing geo-political landscape due
to the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict and the implications for global and regional energy security.
With regard to the upcoming COP27 meeting, the Honourable Minister indicated the he envisaged
robust and high-level participation by Trinidad and Tobago, which he noted would serve as a
demonstration of the importance this country places on progress on climate change issues.
The meeting ended cordially with His Excellency Sándor Marnix Raphaël Varga Van Kibéd En
Makfalva indicating his enthusiasm about attending the celebrations in commemoration of the
Sixtieth Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Browne in turn added
that he looks forward to welcoming the full participation of the Ambassador and all other Members
of the Diplomatic Corps at our Independence Events.
