Barbados Establishes Relations With Cambodia & Belarus

Barbados Establishes Relations With Cambodia & Belarus

In its continuing effort to broaden its diplomatic footprint, Barbados has, in the last three weeks, established diplomatic relations with Cambodia and Belarus.

The Government has taken the view that it must enter into new relationships with like-minded countries, seek increased opportunities for trade and business, and consider where tourism markets can be opened or existing markets expanded.

This effort is regarded as of particular importance in a global climate in which traditional friendships can no longer be taken for granted and there is a clearly shifting geopolitical landscape characterised by greater national insularity amongst large developed countries.

The Government is also keen to reinforce its commitment to multilateralism. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last year, Prime Minister Mottley emphasised that "Barbados is not only committed to multilateralism, we also understand that it is the one thing that protects our sovereignty and our ability to navigate in this world".

This further explains Barbados' thrust to raise its profile in the multilateral system, forge strong, new alliances, and to uphold the principles of multilateralism.

The signing ceremonies took place in New York on different days, at the respective embassies of Cambodia and Belarus, with Her Excellency Ambassador H. Elizabeth Thompson signing on behalf of Barbados, His Excellency Sovann Ke, signing for Cambodia and His Excellency Valentin Rybakov, signing on behalf of Belarus. Ambassador Rybakov has previously visited Barbados in his personal capacity and is very impressed with the country.

The signing ceremonies were witnessed by the diplomats of the three countries. Barbados' former Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Christopher Hackett was also invited to attend the signing ceremony with Cambodia and the exchange of documents between Ambassadors Sovann Ke and Thompson.

Dr. Hackett was in New York for the launch of his book, "The Life of A Diplomat Representing A Small Island At The United Nations". Ambassador Thompson hosted the book launch at the Barbados Embassy.

At the signing ceremonies, the Ambassadors discussed ways in which the bilateral relationship could be fleshed out between their countries as well as areas...