Foreign Policy Positioned as a Strategic Asset for Saint Kitts and Nevis at National Fireside Chat Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully hosted its inaugural Fireside Conversation on Diplomacy, Development and Outlook under the theme “Foreign Policy as a Strategic Asset in National Transformation.” The event brought together the resident diplomatic and consular corps, stakeholders, partners, and Ministry staff for a timely and substantive dialogue on how diplomacy continues to shape and support the country’s development trajectory.

Convened ahead of the 2026 National Budget Debate, the event created an important platform for the public to deepen their understanding of how foreign policy directly supports the Government’s Sustainable Island State vision by aligning national priorities with global opportunities.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Right Honourable Dr Denzil Douglas, and Permanent Secretary Ms Kaye Bass, emphasised that in today’s rapidly evolving international landscape, foreign policy is not ceremonial but a strategic development tool. The leaders also outlined how the Ministry’s work over the past year has yielded tangible results, including expanded scholarship and training opportunities, increased access to climate financing, the integration of renewable and digital technologies, strengthened security partnerships, and enhanced engagement across key multilateral fora and emerging South-South partnerships.

As a small developing state, Foreign Minister Douglas underscored the critical importance of strengthening international partnerships and strategically expanding the Federation’s diplomatic footprint. He highlighted that establishing a presence in key regions enhances Saint Kitts and Nevis’ ability to pursue its developmental objectives and secure opportunities for its citizens.

The Minister also took the opportunity to recognize the Honorary Consuls representing more than twenty countries accredited to the Federation, noting their vital role as partners in advancing bilateral cooperation and maintaining strong, productive relationships with their respective states.

The Ministry expressed profound appreciation to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and its Honorary Consul to Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Faron Lawrence, for their generous sponsorship of this national dialogue. Their support affirms the strong partnership between the two nations and Indonesia’s continued commitment to advancing capacity-building and fostering informed national dialogue.

The event represents an important step in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand public engagement, enhance transparency, and strengthen national understanding of the strategic value of foreign policy as Saint Kitts and Nevis continues its march toward a more resilient, innovative, and prosperous future as a Sustainable Island State