Trinidad and Tobago is set to establish its first diplomatic presence in the Middle East, with the Government announcing plans to open an embassy in the United Arab Emirates.
The announcement from Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers in the Lower House on Friday came alongside news that the UAE has also committed a major grant to provide critical equipment for the Couva Children’s Hospital.
“By obtaining a commitment for a major grant from the Government of the United Arab Emirates for critical equipment for the Couva Children’s Hospital. And I have the permission from the Cabinet and the Prime Minister to indicate that Trinidad and Tobago will, for the very first time, open an embassy in the United Arab Emirates, being the first embassy in the Middle East.”
He said the Government’s engagement with Venezuela is also expected to open new opportunities for bilateral trade.
“The expanded and more holistic approach in engaging with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will, for the first time, unlock the potential for a burgeoning of trade in energy and non-energy products with Trinidad and Tobago for the mutual prosperity of both countries, which will strengthen manufacturers and lower the food import bill locally.”
On security, he said T&T was recognised during the Shield of the Americas event for joining the United States in designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations.
“During the Shield of the Americas event, Trinidad and Tobago was recognised by the Trump administration as the first Shield of the Americas nation to join the US in designating 25 criminal organisations as foreign terrorist organisations, which will attract continued technical and financial assistance to combat criminal activity domestically.”
Minister Sobers said investment opportunities were also pursued during the UNGA visit, with Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris engaging international bankers and investors in New York.
“Who engaged several international bankers and investors at New York’s financial district at No. 1 Vanderbilt Plaza. Arising out of this engagement, a major investment mission will visit Trinidad and Tobago later this year from top financial institutions based in the United States.”
New diplomatic relations were also established with Gabon, North Macedonia and San Marino, while bilateral agreements were signed with eight countries, including air transport agreements with Chile, Ghana and Panama.
Political consultations were also established with Kenya, Romania, Paraguay, Bangladesh and the Dominican Republic.