Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business, Sandra Husbands, today met with the new non-resident French Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Francis Etienne, to discuss opportunities for deepening existing ties between Barbados and France.
During the courtesy call with the Ambassador at the Ministry’s Culloden Road location, Minister Husbands said she looked forward to a robust and engaging relationship with him.
She stressed that any prospects of assistance or opportunities that could be afforded to Barbados would be greatly appreciated.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Etienne concurred that he too looked forward to a robust engagement with Barbados, and conveyed that in his assigned three-year posting to the island as a diplomat, he intends to help foster greater cooperation not only between France, but also Martinique and Guadeloupe with Barbados.
Mr. Etienne who was accompanied by his wife, Jane, noted that he was keen on cooperating in the area of gender policy, especially those that would enable empowering and uplifting women.
The two officials discussed a wide-ranging set of topics including: continuing training and exchanges between armed forces, as well as language training; trade, increasing connectivity; black/grey listing; climate change and renewable energy.
Mr. Etienne, who is based in St. Lucia, presented his credentials to the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable, Dame Sandra Mason, on Friday, November 11.
Also present at the courtesy call were Permanent Secretary, Simone Rudder; Senior Foreign Service Officer, Euclid Goodman; Foreign Service Officer, Darren Carter and Honorary Consul for France in Barbados, Captain Don Chee-A-Tow.
Barbados established diplomatic relations with France in 1968.