The Trinidad and Tobago-European Union Partnership Dialogue was held in a hybrid format on November 6th, 2026. The Partnership Dialogue was convened in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part,” also known as “the Samoa Agreement”.
The Honourable Sean Sobers, M.P., Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, led the high-level Trinidad and Tobago Delegation which comprised the Honourable John Jeremie, S.C., Attorney General; the Honourable Wayne Sturge M.P., Minister of Defence and Minister in the Ministry of Homeland Security; The Honourable Dr. Lackram Bodoe, M.P., Minister of Health; Senator the Honourable Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance; Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism; Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Dr. Colin Gosine, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism.
The European Union Delegation was led by Mr. Pelayo Castro, Director for the Americas at the European External Action Service (EEAS), with the participation of Ambassadors of the EU, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, as well as diplomatic representatives from the Czech Republic and Poland. There was hybrid participation from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Romania.
Trinidad and Tobago and the European Union have enjoyed for over fifty years a warm, fraternal relationship characterised by mutual respect, shared values, and continued collaboration for democracy, sustainable development and prosperity.
The Dialogue focused on priority issues of interest to Trinidad and Tobago and the European Union, including political and economic developments in a geopolitically changing landscape. Deliberations included exchanges on the bilateral political partnership, cooperation in multilateral fora, investment opportunities, human rights and governance, environmental cooperation, and peace and security.
They discussed cooperation at the United Nations in the context of Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. Both sides discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirmed their shared commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Looking ahead to COP31, Trinidad and Tobago and the EU underscored their commitment to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the energy transition.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing the need for its ratification and full implementation, including tariff liberalisation obligations, to boost trade and investment. The EU presented its Global Gateway Investment Agenda, exploring potential collaborations in infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation and pharmaceuticals. Trinidad and Tobago expressed interest in aligning these initiatives with its national development priorities.
They also exchanged views on the shared security concerns and agreed to continue working together to address transnational organised crime and cyber threats.
Trinidad and Tobago and the EU agreed to maintain regular political dialogue on the issues of mutual interest.
