Senior Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Christopher Sinckler (centre) poses for a photograph with Sweden’s Honorary Consul in Barbados, Titti Kerr Axelsson (left) and Ambassador-designate, Maria Velasco, following their recent bilateral meeting at Parliament. (D. Best | BGIS)
The reform of the energy sector, with focus on the improvement of technology and grid infrastructure and airlift solutions to increase flights to the Nordic market, were some of the topics discussed when Senior Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Christopher Sinckler, hosted a bilateral meeting recently with the newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Sweden, Maria Velasco.
Senator Sinckler shared that Barbados relies on strategic partners, such as Sweden, and commended that country for being an international ally who has collaborated well with the island within the United Nations system.
“We really have to thank you for Sweden’s role in helping to keep the fight up on climate, particularly as it relates to the adaptation issues, and the issue of transitioning from fossils into alternative energy.
“Your role in investment, particularly in climate, has been critical, Barbados has benefitted from that, so we rely on that support,” he indicated.
Ambassador-designate Velasco stated that her country is a leader in climate innovation and financing and expressed interest in developing cooperation with Barbados in the areas of the climate crisis and related issues, deepening diplomatic connections and shifting from development cooperation to business-to-business partnerships. The two officials also discussed the importance of strategic partnerships to increase investment and trade.
Also present at the meeting were Sweden’s Honorary Consul in Barbados, Titti Kerr Axelsson and Foreign Service Officer, Deirdre Holder. Diplomatic ties between Barbados and Sweden formally began on March 19, 1976.