Trinidad and Tobagoportal |
Modern Trinidad and Tobago maintains close relations with its Caribbean neighbours and major North American and European trading partners. As the most industrialized and second-largest country in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has taken a leading role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and strongly supports CARICOM economic integration efforts. It also is active in the Summit of the Americas process and supports the establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, lobbying other nations for seating the Secretariat in Port of Spain.
As a member of CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago strongly backed efforts by the United States to bring political stability to Haiti, contributing personnel to the Multinational Force in 1994. After its 1962 independence, Trinidad and Tobago joined the United Nations and Commonwealth of Nations. In 1967, it became the first Commonwealth country to join the Organization of American States (OAS). In 1995, Trinidad played host to the inaugural meeting of the Association of Caribbean States and has become the seat of this 35-member grouping, which seeks to further economic progress and integration among its states.
In international forums, Trinidad and Tobago has defined itself as having an independent voting record, but often supports U.S. and EU positions.
Trinidad and Tobago has historically been a trans-shipment point for South American drugs destined for the United States and Europe. This has created much tension in the country's politics.
Trinidad and Tobago is also a member-state of the International Criminal Court, without a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the U.S. military (as covered under Article 98)
Trinidad and Tobago became an independent state in 1962 [1] [2] with Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Trinidad and Tobago. She was represented by the Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago.[ citation needed ]
On August 1, 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations [3] [4] with the last Governor-General, Sir Ellis Clarke becoming the first President of Trinidad and Tobago. [5] [6]
List of countries which Trinidad and Tobago maintains diplomatic relations with:
# | Country | Date |
---|---|---|
1 | Canada | 31 August 1962 [7] |
2 | France | 31 August 1962 [8] |
3 | India | 31 August 1962 [9] |
4 | Israel | 31 August 1962 [10] |
5 | United Kingdom | 31 August 1962 [11] |
6 | United States | 31 August 1962 [12] |
7 | Venezuela | 14 September 1962 [13] |
8 | Netherlands | 19 October 1962 [14] |
9 | Jamaica | 18 June 1963 [15] |
10 | Germany | 28 August 1963 [16] |
11 | Lebanon | 1963 [17] |
12 | Pakistan | 1963 [18] |
13 | Switzerland | 1963 [19] |
14 | Italy | 4 January 1964 [20] |
15 | Chile | 3 February 1964 [21] |
16 | Ghana | 1 March 1964 [22] |
17 | Japan | 22 May 1964 [23] |
18 | Argentina | 30 October 1964 [24] |
19 | Senegal | 21 November 1964 [25] |
20 | Ethiopia | 7 July 1965 [26] |
21 | Brazil | 27 July 1965 [27] |
22 | Uruguay | 22 November 1965 [28] |
23 | Liberia | 6 December 1965 [29] |
24 | Algeria | 1965 [30] |
25 | Egypt | 1965 [31] |
26 | Mexico | 29 April 1966 [32] |
27 | Guyana | 26 May 1966 [33] |
28 | Sweden | July 1966 [34] |
29 | Barbados | 30 November 1966 [35] |
30 | Spain | 15 June 1967 [36] |
31 | Ecuador | 9 November 1967 [37] |
32 | Peru | 5 February 1968 [38] |
33 | Colombia | 22 February 1968 [39] |
34 | Dominican Republic | May 1968 [40] |
35 | Luxembourg | 17 December 1969 [41] |
36 | Belgium | 10 May 1970 [42] |
37 | Tanzania | 2 July 1970 [43] |
38 | Nigeria | 6 October 1970 [44] |
39 | Zambia | 17 February 1971 [45] |
40 | Costa Rica | 21 May 1971 [46] |
41 | Norway | 19 November 1971 [47] |
42 | Sri Lanka | November 1971 [48] |
43 | Singapore | 15 December 1971 [49] |
44 | Finland | 17 December 1971 [50] |
45 | Syria | 11 January 1972 [51] |
46 | Turkey | 22 May 1972 [52] |
47 | Denmark | 23 May 1972 [53] |
48 | Cyprus | 25 May 1972 [54] |
49 | Austria | 2 August 1972 [55] |
50 | Romania | 25 November 1972 [56] |
51 | Cuba | 8 December 1972 [57] |
52 | Kuwait | 3 September 1973 [58] |
53 | Libya | September 1973 [59] |
54 | Iran | September 1973 [60] [61] |
55 | Indonesia | 12 October 1973 [62] |
56 | Guinea | 1973 [63] |
57 | Ivory Coast | 1973 [64] |
58 | Kenya | 1973 [65] [66] |
59 | Australia | 7 January 1974 [67] |
60 | Iraq | 17 January 1974 [68] |
61 | Haiti | 31 January 1974 [69] |
62 | Serbia | 15 March 1974 [70] |
63 | Uganda | 5 June 1974 [71] |
64 | Russia | 6 June 1974 [72] |
65 | China | 20 June 1974 [73] |
66 | Saudi Arabia | 5 July 1974 [74] |
67 | New Zealand | 9 October 1974 [75] |
68 | Mauritius | 1974 [76] |
69 | Hungary | 7 June 1975 [77] |
70 | Sierra Leone | 17 July 1975 [78] |
71 | Cameroon | 19 December 1976 [79] |
72 | Malaysia | 1976 [80] |
73 | Grenada | 18 February 1977 [81] |
74 | Portugal | 2 September 1977 [82] |
75 | Suriname | 16 January 1978 [83] |
— | Holy See | 23 July 1978 [84] |
76 | Saint Lucia | 1979 [85] |
77 | Greece | 10 October 1980 [86] |
78 | Belize | 21 September 1981 [87] |
79 | Dominica | June 1983 [88] |
80 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 19 September 1983 [89] |
81 | Bangladesh | 22 September 1983 [90] |
82 | South Korea | 23 July 1985 [91] |
83 | Thailand | 22 January 1986 [92] |
84 | North Korea | 22 January 1986 [93] |
85 | Bahamas | 1993 [94] |
86 | El Salvador | 11 May 1994 [95] |
87 | Panama | 24 May 1994 [96] |
88 | Paraguay | 24 May 1994 [97] |
89 | Guatemala | 25 May 1994 [98] |
90 | Namibia | 1 December 1994 [99] |
91 | South Africa | 10 January 1995 [100] |
92 | Slovenia | 9 May 1997 [101] |
93 | Czech Republic | 8 April 1998 [102] |
94 | Malawi | 21 April 1998 [103] |
95 | Botswana | 11 May 1998 [104] |
96 | Slovakia | 28 May 1998 [105] |
97 | Poland | 13 August 1998 [106] |
98 | Morocco | 4 November 1998 [107] |
99 | Ukraine | 27 September 1999 [108] |
100 | Philippines | 18 April 2000 [109] |
101 | Ireland | 13 December 2000 [110] |
102 | Latvia | 11 March 2003 [111] |
103 | Malta | 24 September 2009 [112] |
104 | Brunei | 24 November 2009 [113] |
105 | Maldives | 24 November 2009 [114] |
106 | Seychelles | 24 November 2009 [115] |
107 | Vanuatu | 24 November 2009 [116] |
108 | Mozambique | 10 February 2010 [117] |
109 | Georgia | 8 April 2011 [118] |
110 | Azerbaijan | 11 April 2011 [119] |
111 | Belarus | 12 April 2011 [120] |
112 | Montenegro | 15 April 2011 [121] |
113 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19 April 2011 [122] |
114 | Bulgaria | 20 September 2011 [123] |
115 | Croatia | 14 December 2011 [124] |
116 | Estonia | 2 April 2012 [125] |
117 | Lithuania | 26 September 2012 [126] |
118 | Lesotho | 2 November 2012 [127] |
119 | Iceland | 8 May 2013 [128] |
120 | East Timor | 24 September 2013 [129] |
121 | Kazakhstan | 16 January 2014 [130] |
122 | Solomon Islands | 30 January 2014 [131] |
123 | Liechtenstein | 31 January 2014 [132] |
124 | Albania | 13 May 2014 [133] |
125 | Zimbabwe | 5 June 2014 [134] |
126 | Andorra | 26 September 2014 [135] |
127 | Fiji | 18 March 2016 [136] |
128 | Qatar | 6 June 2019 [137] |
129 | Mongolia | 24 February 2021 [138] |
130 | Tajikistan | 26 February 2021 [139] |
131 | Rwanda | 26 May 2022 [140] |
132 | Nepal | 16 June 2022 [141] |
133 | Bahrain | 21 September 2022 [142] |
134 | Angola | 7 December 2022 [143] |
135 | Vietnam | 1 February 2023 [144] |
136 | Cape Verde | 14 March 2023 [145] |
137 | Oman | 27 March 2023 [146] |
138 | Moldova | 25 May 2023 [147] |
139 | Uzbekistan | 15 June 2023 [148] |
140 | Turkmenistan | 21 June 2023 [149] |
141 | Armenia | 29 August 2023 [150] |
142 | Burundi | 1 September 2023 [151] |
143 | Antigua and Barbuda | Unknown |
144 | Bolivia | Unknown |
145 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Unknown |
146 | Eswatini | Unknown |
147 | Honduras | Unknown |
148 | Nicaragua | Unknown |
149 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Unknown |
150 | Tunisia | Unknown |
151 | Tuvalu | Unknown [152] |
152 | United Arab Emirates | Unknown |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Armenia | 29 August 2023 | See Armenia–Trinidad and Tobago relations
|
Azerbaijan | 11 April 2011 | See Azerbaijan–Trinidad and Tobago relations
|
Australia | 7 January 1974 | See Australia–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 January 1974 [67]
|
Austria | 2 August 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 August 1972 when was accredited first ambassador of Austria to Trinidad and Tobago (resident in Caracas) Dr. Harald Godel [55] |
Barbados | 30 November 1966 | See Barbados–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 November 1966 [35]
|
Belize | 21 September 1981 |
|
Brazil | 27 July 1965 | See Brazil–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 July 1965 [27] Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago enjoy a cordial and active relation. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries started in 1942 with the establishment of a Brazilian Vice-Consulate in Port-of-Spain, where later the Brazilian Embassy was open in 1965. Several mutual visits of Heads of State have occurred starting in 2008, when a MOU for cooperation on energy industry was signed. [153] |
Canada | 31 August 1962 | See Canada–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both Countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962. [7] Canada currently has 68,000 Trinidad and Tobagoan immigrants.
|
Chile | 3 February 1964 | See Chile–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 February 1964
|
China | 20 June 1974 | See China–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 June 1974 [73]
|
Cuba | 8 December 1972 | See Cuba–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 December 1972 [57]
|
Cyprus | 25 May 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 May 1972 when was accredited first High Commissioner of Cyprus to Trinidad and Tobago (resident in New York City) Mr. Andreas Jacovides [54]
|
Denmark | 23 May 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 May 1972 when was accredited first Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to Denmark (resident in London) Dr. Patrick Vincent Joseph Solomon [53] |
Ethiopia | 7 July 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 July 1965 when was appointed first Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to Ethiopia Mr. George Daniel [26] |
France | 31 August 1962 | See France–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962 [8] Bilateral relations between the countries France and Trinidad and Tobago have existed for about two hundred years. [155] Currently, France has an embassy in Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago is represented in France through its embassy in Brussels (Belgium). Trinidad and Tobago also has bilateral investment agreements with France. [156] |
Georgia | 8 April 2011 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 April 2011 Georgia is represented in Trinidad and Tobago by its embassy in Brasília. [157] |
Guyana | 26 May 1966 | See Guyana–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1966. [158] The two share many similarities between each other due to their shared history in the Commonwealth of Nations along with having similar language, culture, demographics and religions. Both countries had substantial numbers of indentured servants from India and slaves from Africa imported into their country. In the 1970s, Trinidad and Tobago gave Guyana substantial oil exports on credit and in the 1990s, forgave hundred of millions of dollars of debt under the Paris Club Agreement. In 2017, Guyana established its first High Commission in Port of Spain. In 2018, Both countries signed a MOU(Memorandum of Understanding) on Energy Cooperation. |
Haiti | 31 January 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1974 when first Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to Haiti Mr. Charles H. Archibald presented his credentials [69] |
India | 31 August 1962 | See India–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962 when the status of the Commissioner of India in Trinidad and Tobago was raised to that of High Commissioner (Ambassador) [9] Republic of India operates a High Commission in Port of Spain, [159] whilst Republic of Trinidad and Tobago operates a High Commission in New Delhi. [160] |
Israel | 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1962. The country is among the staunchest supporters of Israel in the Caribbean [161] |
Italy | 4 January 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 January 1964 when was appointed first Ambassador of Italy to Trinidad and Tobago (resident in Venezuela) Mr. Girolamo Pignatti [20] |
Jamaica | 18 June 1963 | See Jamaica–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 June 1963
|
Lebanon | 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963 when has been accredited Ambassador of Lebanon to Trinidad and Tobago (resident in Caracas) M. Halim Shebaya. [17] |
Liberia | 6 December 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 December 1965 when was accredited first ambassador of Liberia to Trinidad and Tobago (resident in Haiti) Mr. William B. Fernandez [29] |
Malta | 24 September 2009 |
|
Mexico | 29 April 1966 | See Mexico–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 April 1966 [32] |
Nigeria | 6 October 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 October 1970 when was accredited first High Commissioner of Nigeria ti Trinidad and Tobago Mr. Edwin Ogbu [44]
|
Pakistan | 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963 when Mr. S. M. Khan, Pakistan High Commissioner in Canada, has been appointed currently as High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago. [18] |
Peru | 5 February 1968 | See Peru–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 February 1968 [38] |
Philippines | 18 April 2000 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 April 2000
|
Russia | 6 June 1974 | See Russia–Trinidad and Tobago relations The Soviet Union and Trinidad and Tobago have established diplomatic relations on 6 June 1974. Both countries have interests with each other since the Soviet Union. In August 1992, Trinidad recognized Russia as the USSR's successor. Currently, Russia is represented in Trinidad and Tobago through a non-resident embassy in Georgetown (Guyana). In 2004, Sergey Lavrov and Knowlson Gift signed the protocol on the political consultations between the two Ministries. In April 2005 the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago signed the cooperation agreement. [164] In 2004, the Russian Cossack folk dance had nine concerts in Port of Spain, San Fernando, Couva, and Tobago. |
Saudi Arabia | 5 July 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 July 1974 |
Senegal | 21 November 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 1964 when Trinidad Government has announced that Senegal has become the first African state to accredit an ambassador to this country. He is Mr. Ousmane Soce Diop Senegalese Ambassador in the United States , with residence in Washington. [25] |
Serbia | 15 March 1974 |
|
Sierra Leone | 17 July 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 July 1975 when accredited first High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Sierra Leone (resident in Lagos) Mr. J.S.Donaldson [78] |
Singapore | 15 December 1971 | See Singapore–Trinidad and Tobago relations
|
South Africa | 10 January 1995 | See South Africa–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1995
|
Spain | 15 June 1967 | See Spain–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 June 1967 |
Syria | 11 January 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 January 1972 when was accredited first Ambassador of Syrian Arab Republic (resident in Caracas) Mr. Bachir El Kotb [51] |
Tanzania | 2 July 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 July 1970 when was accredited first High Commissioner of Tanzania to Trinidad and Tobago (resident in New York City) Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim [43] |
Turkey | 22 May 1972 | See Trinidad and Tobago–Turkey relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 May 1972 [52]
|
Uganda | 5 June 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1974 when has been accredited High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Uganda Mr. J. R. P. Dumas. [71] |
United Kingdom | 31 August 1962 | See Trinidad and Tobago–United Kingdom relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962 [11]
|
United States | 31 August 1962 | See Trinidad and Tobago–United States relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962 [12] The United States and Trinidad and Tobago enjoy cordial relations. U.S. interests there and throughout the hemisphere focus on increasing investment and trade, and ensuring more stable supplies of energy. They also include enhancing Trinidad and Tobago's political and social stability and positive regional role through assistance in drug interdiction, health issues, and legal affairs. The U.S. embassy was established in Port of Spain in 1962, replacing the former consulate-general.
|
Venezuela | 14 September 1962 | See Trinidad and Tobago–Venezuela relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1962 [13]
|
Zambia | 17 February 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 February 1971 when first Zambia's high commissioner in Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Vernon Johnson Mwaanga presented his credentials to Governor General Sir Solomon Hochoy [45] |
On its independence in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago joined the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1967, it became the first Commonwealth country to join the Organization of American States (OAS).
In 1995, Trinidad played host to the inaugural meeting of the Association of Caribbean States and has become the seat of this 35-member grouping, which seeks to further economic progress and integration among its states.
As the most industrialized and second-largest country in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has taken a leading role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and strongly supports CARICOM economic integration efforts. It also is active in the Summit of the Americas process and supports the establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, lobbying other nations for seating the Secretariat in Port of Spain. As a member of CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago strongly backed efforts by the United States to bring political stability to Haiti, contributing personnel to the Multinational Force in 1994.
Trinidad and Tobago is also a member-state of the International Criminal Court, without a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the U.S. military (as covered under Article 98).
In July 2013 the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro invited Trinidad and Tobago to join the Union of South American Nations. [167]
Burkina Faso has good relations with the European Union, African and certain Asian countries. France, the former colonial power, in particular, continues to provide significant aid and supports Compaoré's developing role as a regional powerbroker.
The United States, Venezuela, Cuba, and the People's Republic of China have embassies in Grenada. Grenada has been recognized by most members of the United Nations and maintains diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela, and Canada.
The foreign policy of Lebanon reflects its geographic location, the composition of its population, and its reliance on commerce and trade. Until 2005, Lebanon's foreign policy had been heavily influenced by Syria, however beginning with the formation of Hezbollah in 1982, Iran had gradually grown to heavily influence Lebanon.
Liberian foreign relations were traditionally stable and cordial throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries. With a significant relationship with the United States, sharing close relations until the 1970s.
Malawi's former President Bakili Muluzi continued the pro-Western foreign policy established by his predecessor, Hastings Banda. It maintains excellent diplomatic relations with principal Western countries. Malawi's close relations with South Africa throughout the apartheid era strained its relations with other African nations. Following the collapse of apartheid in 1994, Malawi developed, and currently maintains, strong diplomatic relations with all African countries.
Niger pursues a moderate foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with both East and West. It is a member state of the United Nations. Niger maintains a special relationship with France and enjoys close relations with its West African neighbours.
Since independence, with Jaja Wachuku as the first Minister for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, later called External Affairs, Nigerian foreign policy has been characterised by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by attachment to several fundamental principles: African unity and independence; capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region: peaceful settlement of disputes; non-alignment and non-intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations; and regional economic cooperation and development. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.
When Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said assumed power in 1970, Oman had limited contacts with the outside world, including neighbouring Arab states. A special treaty relationship permitted the United Kingdom close involvement in Oman's civil and military affairs. Ties with the United Kingdom remained very close throughout Sultan Qaboos' reign, along with strong ties to the United States.
Peru is an important first-tier state in South America, Peru has been a member of the United Nations since 1945, and Peruvian Javier Pérez de Cuéllar served as UN Secretary General from 1981 to 1991. Former President Alberto Fujimori's tainted re-election to a third term in June 2000 strained Peru's relations with the United States and with many Latin American and European countries, mainly small countries like Yemen but relations improved with the installation of an interim government in November 2000 and the inauguration of Alejandro Toledo in July 2001.
Although Togo's foreign policy is nonaligned, it has strong historical and cultural ties with western Europe, especially France and Germany. Togo is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, exchanging high commissioners with other Commonwealth countries. It recognizes the People's Republic of China, North Korea, and Cuba, and re-established relations with Israel in 1987.
Uganda has formal diplomatic relations with many countries, some accredited. Since the colonial era and after independence Uganda has grown to be one of the most important African countries. Uganda has diplomatic relations with many countries throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Uganda is a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations since 1962.
After seizing power in the 1972 coup d'état, Major Mathieu Kérékou declared the People's Republic of Benin a Marxist-Leninist state and sought financial support from communist governments in Eastern Europe and Asia. To distance the modern state from its colonial past, the country became the People's Republic of Benin in 1975. However, Benin dropped the socialist ideology in 1989 following pressure from creditors and domestic unrest related to economic hardship.
Bolivia traditionally has maintained normal diplomatic relations with all hemispheric states except Chile. Foreign relations are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Chancellor of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta.
The Gambia followed a formal policy of non-alignment throughout most of former President Dawda Jawara's tenure. It maintained close relations with the United Kingdom, Senegal, and other African countries. The July 1994 coup strained The Gambia's relationship with Western powers, particularly the United States. Starting in 1995, President Yahya Jammeh established diplomatic relations with several additional countries, including Libya, the Republic of China, and Cuba. As scholars on Gambia's foreign policy have argued, throughout Jammeh's period, the country's foreign policy was a shifting sand, with little of direction.
Sierra Leone maintains formal relations with many Western nations. It also maintains diplomatic relations with the former Soviet Bloc countries as well as with the People's Republic of China.
Throughout the Cold War, Ivory Coast's foreign policy was generally favorable toward the West. In particular, Félix Houphouët-Boigny kept relations with France that was among the closest between any African country and a former colonial power. The country became a member of the United Nations at independence in 1960 and participates in most of its specialized agencies. It is also an associate member of the European Union. In general, President Bédié initiated and maintained relations with many countries of the European Union and Asia. Ivory Coast maintains a wide variety of diplomatic contacts.
This article deals with the diplomatic affairs, foreign policy and international relations of Barbados.
Antigua and Barbuda maintains diplomatic relations with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the People's Republic of China, as well as with many Latin American countries and neighbouring Eastern Caribbean states. It is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas, Petrocaribe and the Eastern Caribbean's Regional Security System (RSS).
The Bahamas has a strong bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom, represented by a High Commissioner in London. The Bahamas also associates closely with other nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Its location in the center of Africa has made the Democratic Republic of the Congo a key player in the region since independence. Because of its size, mineral wealth, and strategic location, Zaire was able to capitalize on Cold War tensions to garner support from the West. In the early 1990s, however, with the end of the Cold War and in the face of growing evidence of human rights abuses, Western support waned as pressure for internal reform increased.
The French presence in Trinidad and Tobago dates back two centuries. It is not surprising that French influence ...
Apart from Mercosur, Maduro also invited T&T to be "incorporated" into Union of South American Nations (Unasur) because of its geographical proximity to the South American mainland (11 kilometres)." Maduro said.