PORT OF SPAIN: 16TH MAY, 2022
Senator the Honourable Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs conveyed appreciation to His Excellency Sándor Marnix Raphaël Varga Van Kibéd En Makfalva, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the Ambassador’s role in advancing the fruitful relations between Trinidad and Tobago and The Netherlands. This sentiment was expressed during a meeting on 12th May, 2022 at the Ministry’s headquarters.
Discussions during the meeting focused on a number of areas including: trade, education, maritime security, sustainable agriculture, the Russia/Ukraine situation; the upcoming Ninth Summit of the Americas and the Sixtieth Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Trinidad and Tobago and the Netherlands this year.
On the topic of the Russia/Ukraine situation, Minister Browne expressed continued concern about the situation in Ukraine and the spillover effects including an increase in refugees and its impact on economic conditions, which were already strained by COVID-19 and other factors. The Honourable Minister underscored that a diplomatic solution was essential. Both the Minister and Ambassador Varga acknowledged the conflict’s impact on the Caribbean region with regard to the supply of wheat.
With regard to the upcoming Ninth Summit of the Americas, Minister Browne emphasized the value Trinidad and Tobago ascribes to the Summit, highlighting that this country hosted the Fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009. The Minister reaffirmed CARICOM’s advocacy for an inclusive rather than exclusionary Summit.
The meeting ended cordially with both parties reaffirming the strong and fruitful partnership between the two countries.
