Panama and Mexico all set to establish embassies in Barbados: Minister Symmonds

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Barbados, Kerrie Symmonds, announced that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of embassies of Panama and Mexico on the island.

The announcement was made on Friday during a press conference during which the Minister said that it in a bid to boost economic and trade relations.

According to Symmonds, the two countries are aiming to forge closer ties with Barbados. Kerrie Symmonds also talked about Mexico and said that his counterpart Alicia Bárcena has always expressed a keen desire to stregthen ties with Barbados.

He stated that the Mexican government has been able to build strong relationships of a cooperative nature and huge work is being done between Barbados and Mexico.

The Foreign Minister also underscored the relationship with Panama and said that a mission had been established in Panama City to build ties with the Barbadian community there.

In addition to this, the Minister said that another Latin American country Colombia has also shown their interest in establishing a mission. He said that these countries have shown their confidence and interest in doing business with Barbados.

According to the Minister, works with the Colombian government are yet in talks are will be finalised in the coming months.

During the press conference, he explained that Colombia already has a mission in Trinidad and Tobago, so talks are being done about whether they will establish an entirely new embassy in Barbados or if this will be a split operation.

In addition to this, while stating the benefits of having embassies in Barbados, the Minister said there is huge potential for expanded trade opportunities and access to quality commodities.

The establishment of Panama and Mexico embassies on the island is being seen as a good move which will benefit both nations, especially the citizens of Barbados.

Through social media, the citizens of Barbados have also hailed the move and lauded the government for being able to attract international interest.