St. Kitts and Nevis signs key diplomatic accords

BASSETERRE: St. Kitts and Nevis has signed key diplomatic accords with two countries. Island has signed a mutual visa waiver with The Gambia and signed a joint communique with Sao Tome and Principe to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mark Brantley signed a joint communique with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sao Tome and Principe, H.E. Urbino Botelho, to establish formal diplomatic relations.

The ministers also agreed to sign a mutual visa waiver agreement between St. Kitts and Nevis and Sao Tome and Principe to boost bilateral relations through people to people contact and encourage greater tourism between both countries. The ministers noted the similarities between the two small twin island states and the common challenges faced.

Both ministers extended formal invitations to each other’s country.

Both governments anticipate building technical cooperation in the areas of combating climate change, disaster risk reduction, tourism and travel. Foreign Minister Brantley expressed his delight at this historic development as St Kitts and Nevis continues to expand its diplomatic footprint particularly on the African continent.

Signs mutual visa waiver with Gambia

In a much anticipated move to strengthen diplomatic relations with The Gambia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Mark Brantley, and His Excellency, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, agreed to waive visa requirements for entry into both countries by their nationals.

Both ministers discussed the potential that can be harnessed if the African and Caribbean regions collaborate and strengthen ties.

Connected by history and ancestry, the visa waiver agreement is a demonstration of the desire to systematically dismantle the barriers to the movement of people between both countries and our regions.

The mutual cooperation between St. Kitts and Nevis and The Gambia will focus on climate change, migration, health and other issues of common and beneficial interests.

Minister Brantley conveyed special appreciation to the Government of The Gambia for its interest in deepening bilateral relations.