Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean,??chats with??France’s Ambassador to Barbados, Michel Trinquier, during a courtesy call at her Culloden Road office.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean, yesterday received visits from China’s new Ambassador to Barbados, Wei Qiang, and France’s Ambassador to Barbados, Michel Trinquier.
During talks with Ambassador Wei, the main issue discussed was Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean’s participation in the World Exposition in Shanghai, China in 2010. Both officials agreed that it could contribute to bringing about a better understanding of the people and culture of both areas.
Other issues touched on were the need for further cooperation, the effects of the economic recession and each country’s response, and the One China Policy.
The Barbadian Foreign Minister and the French Ambassador focused on on-going negotiations for a waiver of visas to France’s Caribbean departments of Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana. Senator McClean and Ambassador Trinquier both expressed a desire for an easy and speedy resolution to the negotiations.????
The officials also spoke of the possibility of having a double taxation agreement, the signing of a maritime delimitation treaty and the need for a permanent home for Alliance Francaise.