The Governments of New Zealand and Barbados have promised to explore additional areas of cooperation to strengthen the existing harmonious ties which both countries have enjoyed for more than three decades.

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and New Zealand???s High Commissioner, Jan Henderson, gave this undertaking yesterday during a courtesy call at Government Headquarters.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner said the setting up of a High Commission here was not only a milestone for New Zealand /Barbados relations, but for the Caribbean region in general.

High Commissioner Henderson spoke of other areas of cooperation including the provision of scholarships for Barbadians in areas such as renewable energy and tourism. They also reviewed the status of discussions towards the conclusion of a double taxation treaty.

The New Zealand High Commissioner also reminded the Prime Minister of that country???s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2015-2016.

In turn, the Prime Minister said renewable energy was an important issue, given the island???s heavy dependence on fossil fuels. He also indicated that in relation to candidatures, CARICOM Member States try, as far as possible, to act collaboratively on such matters, and advised that Barbados would consult with its CARICOM partners on New Zealand???s candidature.

Barbados and New Zealand established diplomatic ties on July 4, 1974.

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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