Spain seeks closer TT ties

One of the highlights of the occasion was a meeting between officials of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and a team of Spanish officials to discuss Spanish investment in Trinidad and Tobago; joint cooperation in the field of tourism; political dialogue between the two countries; the possibilities of further deepening economic and trade relations as well as the interest of Trinidad and Tobago and Spain in actively collaborating on cultural issues and people- to-people programmes. The officials are also actively discussing a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Cultural Affairs.

Representatives from the commercial sectors of both countries also attended the “Second Trinidad and Tobago-Spain Partnership Forum” where they analysed possible joint ventures as well as ways to enhance investment and trade matters. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said the visit by the Spanish Secretary of State testified to the excellent relations enjoyed by the two countries and demonstrates the willingness and determination of both countries to broaden the spectrum of common endeavours.

The statement said Trinidad and Tobago and Spain promote shared values and principles including the protection of and respect for human rights; the advancement of sustainable development goals; adoption of policies and practices to address matters relating to climate change, terrorism and organised crime among other things.

Both countries expressed their will to strengthen bilateral cooperation within regional and international fora in order to more effectively contribute to creating global solutions for global challenges. The officials stated their readiness to help forge the necessary consensus within the international community to provide a reasonable, humanitarian, long-lasting and sound response to the major issues of the 21st century.