On 25h July, 2024, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago took the decisive step to sign 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.”
Today, 29th July, 2024, His Excellency Colin Connelly, Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Kingdom of Belgium and representative to the European Union, signed the Samoa Agreement on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago has now joined the 27 EU Member States and 74 OACPS that have signed the Samoa Agreement, which was first opened for signature in Apia, Independent State of Samoa, on 15 November 2023. Four OACPS Members have not yet signed the Agreement.
Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, views the Samoa Agreement as another means of strengthening the political, economic and cultural relations which exist between the Member States of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and European Union. It will also strengthen partnership to generate mutually beneficial outcomes. Further, at the time of signing the Samoa Agreement, an Interpretative Declaration was issued, which clarifies the meaning, scope and parameters for implementation of the Agreement, from the perspective of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Samoa Agreement will be interpreted and implemented by Trinidad and Tobago in a manner consistent with its domestic legal and policy frameworks and is complementary to and does not supersede instruments of international law to which this country is party or signatory.
