Ambassadors of Brazil and Chile Extend Courtesy Calls to Minister of Foreign Affairs

Basseterre, Saint Kitts (10th August, 2023) – Saint Kitts and Nevis had the pleasure of welcoming Her Excellency Vera Lucia dos Santos Caminha Campetti, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and His Excellency José Antonio Cabedo, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile.

As a formality, the Ambassadors delivered copies of their Letters of Credence to the Right Honourable Dr Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs et al. The cordial engagements reflected on the significance of the relationships and the potential for enhanced cooperation for the shared benefit of our peoples.

In his meeting with the Ambassador of Brazil, Minister Douglas expressed the government’s continuing interest in the implementation of the Partial Scope Agreement, which he asserted, “has the potential to transform Saint Kitts and Nevis’ manufacturing sector.” Both sides acknowledged the pivotal role this agreement can play in fostering economic progress and deepening trade ties. Areas of cultural cooperation such as sports, festivals and language training were also featured in the discussion.

Following his meeting with H.E Campetti, Foreign Minister Douglas had an audience with Ambassador José Cabedo, who was accompanied by Ms. Elizabeth A. Kelsick, Honorary Consul of Chile. In light of the Government’s Sustainable Island State initiative, Foreign Minister Douglas expressed interest in renewable energy as a potential area of cooperation given Chile’s expertise in this regard. The possibility for scholarships and language proficiency courses at the tertiary level were also explored. In addition to this, Minister Douglas sought support in multilateral fora on matters of mutual interest, including climate change and the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).

In reflection of these visits, Foreign Minister Douglas lauded them as “a testament to the deep-rooted connections and partnerships” Saint Kitts and Nevis has long enjoyed with these two countries.

Such courtesy calls are more than diplomatic formalities. They represent our shared values of respect and acknowledgement that together we can do more to drive growth and prosperity for the citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis and those of our South-South partners.