Barbados And Zimbabwe Establish Bilateral Partnership

Barbados and Zimbabwe are committed to developing a strong bilateral relationship in trade, tourism, and financial services.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Christopher Sinckler, made this assertion at a recent courtesy call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Professor Dr. Amon Murwira.

Senator Sinckler said: “This is the century where Africa is going to grow; it’s going to expand, and it’s going to be a powerful force, and we want to be there to go on that journey with you as you grow, and we grow as well.

“As small island developing states, there’s not a whole lot that we have in terms of natural resources. But…we do have…people who are well educated, well trained, highly skilled and desirous of finding opportunities. Where better to find opportunities than on the African continent?”

The Foreign Affairs Minister shared that while small countries like Barbados do not have ‘military might or economic power’, they rely on relationships, partnerships and networks, which are built multilaterally, to ensure that they have an orderly, sustainable and liveable plan.

“We are developed sovereign countries. We don’t require handouts, we don’t require lectures, …what we do require is cooperation that can lead to concessional financing,” Senator Sinckler stated.

He added that multilateralism must first be protected, strengthened and then reformed to ensure that it reflects membership of the institution.

Professor Dr. Amon Murwira commended the Government of Barbados for its global leadership on reform of the international financial architecture, debt sustainability and climate justice.

 “Zimbabwe, as a country, is firmly committed to multilateralism, because we believe that especially as small … developing nations, we are stronger together under the United Nations. Any architecture that is outside of the United Nations weakens us, and we believe that the United Nations should always be at our centre…,” he shared.

Professor Murwira said Zimbabwe’s foreign policy reflects its commitment to constructive diplomacy, peaceful coexistence of states and nations and international cooperation.

During the discussions, they also spoke about the advancement of the reparations agenda, shared vulnerabilities with the impact of climate change, transforming the Africa/Caribbean trade landscape by addressing financial gaps and enhancing global competitiveness, and the creation of transport networks. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Joy-Ann Skinner; and Senior Foreign Service Officers, Trecia King and Tyronne Brathwaite, were also present at the meeting. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Christopher Sinckler, greeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Professor Dr Amon Murwir