Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Jerome Walcott listens attentively to EUI Ambassador to Barbados, Malgorzata Wasilewska, during a recent courtesy call at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. (S. Forde-Craigg/BGIS)

The relationship between Barbados and the European Union (EU) is mutually beneficial and Barbados is seeking to further strengthen these relations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Jerome Walcott, made this known during a courtesy call with the new European Union Ambassador to Barbados, Malgorzata Wasilewska, at the Ministry on Culloden Road, St. Michael. 

He expressed thanks for the continual assistance the EU has provided to Barbados, and said the country is keen on deepening the cooperation.

The two officials discussed economic partnership agreements and trade, Brexit, and blacklisting, along with receiving financial and technical assistance.

Dr. Walcott noted that there was concern about the blacklisting Barbados received on May 7 this year, as well as its graduation status to a middle income state. 

He stressed that even though Barbados had made great developmental progress in some areas, as a small island state, the graduation status affects its ability to receive financial assistance from the EU.

Ambassador Wasilewska commended Barbados for its handling of the current pandemic and the Welcome Stamp Programme and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a successful partnership with Barbados. 

She also shared information on the EU’s Global Fund and ways for Barbados to access technical assistance to help with implementing phytosanitary measures.

Barbados’ formal relationship with the European Union dates back to July 1976, when the EU Delegation office in Barbados was first established. 

sheena.forde-craigg@barbados.gov.bb

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