St Kitts-Nevis Diplomatic Week 2019 underscores importance of effective dialogue in strategic diplomacy

The practical value of Diplomatic Week in helping St. Kitts and Nevis achieve its developmental agenda was highlighted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mark Brantley, during the official opening ceremony for Diplomatic Week 2019 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on April 09.

Minister Brantley reflected on the theme.

“Our chosen theme for Diplomatic Week 2019, “Securing a Resilient Future through Strategic Diplomacy and Effective Dialogue” is reflective of our distinctive vision to pursue our national development objectives, utilizing the tools at our disposal including strategic engagement with our development partners,” said Minister Brantley.

“In short, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is ever cognizant of its responsibility to leverage its engagement with our development partners in pursuit of achieving sustainable development in all of its dimensions,” the Foreign Minister added. “Securing a resilient future is indeed one of these broad development objectives and so we are most delighted to have your share with us in this week of activities.”

Minister Brantley highlighted that “on one hand, our success in economic, human and social development gives us much to celebrate, while on the other, our vulnerability to external and exogenous economic shocks and natural disasters poses a constant threat to those development gains”.

Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris shared similar sentiments and added that global partnerships with governments and organizations have played a prominent role in achieving success in developmental areas.

“We continue to entreat international support to improve and sustain our socioeconomic advancements," Prime Minister Harris said.

Dr. Harris used the occasion to commend Minister Brantley for his “excellent stewardship of the ministry”. He also praised the hardworking team/staff of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs “ably led by Permanent Secretary, Kaye Bass.