PORT OF SPAIN: 30TH JANUARY, 2023
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry and Acting Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, brought greetings on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at a reception hosted on 24th January, 2023 at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre to commemorate Australia Day 2023. The event was hosted by His Excellency Bruce Lendon, Australian High Commissioner, and his spouse, Ms. Tamie Balaga.
Minister Gopee-Scoon reflected on the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and Australia, which had developed on the basis of their commonalities, including their shared history. The Minister highlighted significant forms of bilateral cooperation, including the arrival of Australian-made fast ferries and military vessels at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued presence of Australian companies in the local energy sector.
Minister Gopee-Scoon outlined the continued dialogue between both countries within the multilateral arena, noting their similar perspectives on peace, the rule of law and respect for the sovereignty of all states. She advocated for enhanced collaboration between Australia and the Caribbean, recalling that previous collaboration at the regional level had yielded success.
High Commissioner Lendon noted the impact of cooperation between both countries on the lives and prosperity of ordinary people. He shared the Minister’s view that sport had remained a unifying factor between both sides, recalling exchanges in cricket, netball and football. In that vein, the High Commissioner expressed anticipation for the Commonwealth Youth Games to be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago in August 2023.
