Trinidad and Tobago’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with the European Union was celebrated on Thursday evening during the EU’s Europe Day reception, where officials highlighted decades of cooperation, development and shared values.
Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, reflected on the 51 year relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the European Union, describing the partnership as one that has grown significantly over time.
Sobers said the relationship has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy and now includes collaboration in areas such as security, economic relations and other key sectors important to national and regional development.
He noted that Trinidad and Tobago continues to value the European Union’s support and contribution to several national initiatives and programmes.
Europe Day is observed annually to commemorate the 1950 Schuman Declaration, a historic proposal that helped lay the foundation for modern European unity and cooperation following the Second World War.
Ambassador of the European Union to Trinidad and Tobago, Cécile Tassin-Pelzer, also addressed attendees and congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on its removal from the European Union’s list of non cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.
The ambassador stressed the importance of solidarity and international cooperation during a time of growing global uncertainty, conflicts and economic challenges.
She reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to defending democratic values, supporting international law and strengthening stability through various initiatives, including assistance to Ukraine, defence cooperation and efforts to combat disinformation.
Tassin-Pelzer also highlighted several ongoing European Union funded programmes currently benefiting Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region. These initiatives focus on renewable energy, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, governance, digitalisation, private sector development, security and human development.
She further noted that through the CARIFORUM European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, businesses in Trinidad and Tobago continue to benefit from duty free and quota free access to European markets.
This year also marks 50 years since the establishment of the European Union delegation in Port of Spain.
The European Union is made up of 27 member states and represents a population of approximately 450 million people.
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