Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 31, 2016 (SKNIS): As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation continues its efforts to liaise with diplomats both locally and internationally, the staff of the ministry prepares for the hosting of Diplomatic Week slated for Sunday April 03 to Friday April 08 2016, under the theme, “Forging New Partnerships and Strengthening Networks for Sustainable Growth and Economic Development”.
Ms. Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, reflected on the theme and noted that it is imperative for the ministry to establish relationships. She made these remarks while appearing on the Government’s weekly radio and television programme “Working for You” on Wednesday, March 30.
“We believe that forming relationships, not only with our regional partners but with our hemispheric and international partners, can assist us in maintaining economic growth and increasing our sustainable growth development,” said the permanent secretary. “Therefore, we believe that Diplomatic Week will offer the opportunity for our heads of mission to come to the capital to liaise with those working here in the ministry, and also to interact with their counterparts in the region.”
The permanent secretary noted that the counterparts come from different countries and continents and that a lot is expected to be covered during Diplomatic Week.
“We expect that during this week we will get an opportunity to discuss and dialogue about the common challenges that we currently face, as well as devise solutions to ensure that we work together to solve our challenges,” she said.
Countries that will be represented at this year’s Diplomatic Week are Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, as well as residential ambassadors from Cuba, Brazil, Venezuela and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
“In addition to these heads of mission we have our own heads of mission who will be coming from Canada, the United Kingdom and Dubai,” said Ms. Bass. “We also have our representatives based at the United Nations, the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Washington and Cuba. We have all of our representatives who will be here joining us for this auspicious occasion.”
A number of activities are planned for both the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. Some of these include a church service on Sunday, April 03; a round table engagement with youth; interface with the media and the Federal Cabinet and; a Governor General’s reception on Monday, April 04.
Tuesday, April 05, is the opening ceremony with addresses by Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Honourable Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation; and a Symposium, as well as an exhibition of local products at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.