Foreign relations of Barbados

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This article deals with the diplomatic affairs, foreign policy and international relations of Barbados .

Contents

At the political level, these matters are officially handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which answers to the Prime Minister. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is Kerrie Symmonds.

Barbados is a moderate political and economic power in the Caribbean region.

Between independence in 1966 and the 1990s, Barbados has used a pro business and investment policy to expand its influence in the world. Through the usage of its network of international bilateral relations, the country has been able to maintain an independent foreign policy. Barbados' recent policy has been to focus and strengthen ties with nations that country feels will enhance its diplomacy or foreign trade. Barbados has sought to engage in multilateral diplomacy through the United Nations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the group of ACP countries, the Organization of American States, and several other agencies which it is engaged. In 2008 Barbados and the other members of CARICOM signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union and its European Commission. [1] The deal covers CARICOM's membership in the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM). CARIFORUM in turn is a part of the Group of African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) States. The agreement outlines Barbados' future development and trade ties with the European Union, and serves as a blueprint for future relations between both trading blocs under the Cotonou Agreement and the Lomé Convention. [2]

Barbados has placed an emphasis on a furtherance of relations with the nations of Africa where the majority of islanders have ancestral connection. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] A prior CARICOM-Africa summit were held with future agenda to be formulated. [8] [9]

As a small nation, the primary thrust of Barbados' diplomatic activity has been within international organisations. Currently Barbados has established official diplomatic relations with 105 countries around the globe.

History

In 1965, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago established the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). Following independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, Barbados went on to become a founding member of many other international organizations.

On 4 July 1973, the founding nations of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Jamaica signed the original Treaty of Chaguaramas in Trinidad thus establishing the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). The agreement to establish CARICOM wound up succeeded the CARIFTA organisation. By the following year many of the remaining English-speaking Caribbean states followed suit and also joined CARICOM by May 1974, bring it slowly to the 15 members it has today.

Barbados also is a member of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), established in 1970, with headquarters in Wildey, Saint Michael (Bridgetown). The eastern Caribbean's Regional Security System (RSS), which associates Barbados with six nations of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is also based in Barbados. In July 1994, Barbados joined the newly established Association of Caribbean States (ACS).

In 2002 the United Nations opened a building in the Marine Gardens area of Hastings found in the Parish of Christ Church the facility simply called the United Nations House acts as a regional operations headquarters for several programmes of the United Nations in Barbados and for many of the other islands in the Eastern Caribbean region. [10]

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Barbados maintains diplomatic relations with:

Diplomatic relations of Barbados.svg
#CountryDate [11]
1Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 30 November 1966
2Flag of Guyana.svg Guyana 30 November 1966
3Flag of India.svg India 30 November 1966
4Flag of Jamaica.svg Jamaica 30 November 1966
5Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago 30 November 1966
6Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom 30 November 1966
7Flag of the United States.svg United States 30 November 1966
8Flag of Germany.svg Germany 14 March 1967
9Flag of Israel.svg Israel 29 August 1967
10Flag of Japan.svg Japan 29 August 1967
11Flag of Chile.svg Chile 3 October 1967
12Flag of Austria.svg Austria 27 November 1967
13Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay 6 December 1967
14Flag of Peru.svg Peru 29 February 1968
15Flag of France.svg France 3 May 1968
16Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 16 August 1968
17Flag of Venezuela.svg Venezuela 21 November 1969
18Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands 12 December 1969
19Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria 24 April 1970
20Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium 30 October 1970
21Flag of Zambia.svg Zambia 1 March 1971
22Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania 8 March 1971
23Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 26 November 1971
24Flag of Colombia.svg Colombia 28 January 1972
25Flag of Cyprus.svg Cyprus 27 February 1972
26Flag of Costa Rica.svg Costa Rica 6 March 1972
27Flag of Haiti.svg Haiti 5 August 1972
28Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg Dominican Republic 8 August 1972
29Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 11 September 1972
30Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey 20 September 1972
31Flag of Cuba.svg Cuba 12 December 1972
32Flag of the Bahamas.svg Bahamas 10 July 1973
33Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia 7 January 1974
34Flag of Bangladesh.svg Bangladesh 20 February 1974
35Flag of Grenada.svg Grenada 3 March 1974
36Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand 28 August 1974
37Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius 14 December 1974
38Flag of Nicaragua.svg Nicaragua 8 November 1975
39Flag of Senegal.svg Senegal 18 March 1976
40Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 19 March 1976
41Flag of Norway.svg Norway 23 March 1976
42Flag of Luxembourg.svg Luxembourg 5 May 1977
43Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 30 May 1977
44Flag of Italy.svg Italy 23 August 1977
45Flag of Romania.svg Romania 11 September 1977
46Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic 29 September 1977 [12]
47Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 15 November 1977
48Flag of Serbia.svg Serbia 15 November 1977 [13]
49Flag of Finland.svg Finland 1 December 1977
50Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea 5 December 1977
51Flag of Iran.svg Iran 1 March 1978 [12]
52Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary 8 March 1978
53Flag of Suriname.svg Suriname 8 March 1978
54Flag of Ecuador.svg Ecuador 23 June 1978
55Flag of Dominica.svg Dominica 3 November 1978
56Flag of Saint Lucia.svg Saint Lucia 22 February 1979
57Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland 9 April 1979
Flag of Vatican City (2023-present).svg Holy See 17 April 1979
58Flag of Algeria.svg Algeria 18 April 1979
59Flag of Niger.svg Niger 25 June 1979
60Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 20 August 1979
61Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 27 October 1979
62Flag of Lesotho.svg Lesotho 25 November 1979
63Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland 4 March 1980
64Flag of Spain.svg Spain 29 September 1980 [12]
65Flag of Belize.svg Belize 21 September 1981
66Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.svg Antigua & Barbuda 1 November 1981
67Flag of Iraq.svg Iraq 17 December 1981
68Flag of Panama.svg Panama 20 August 1982 [14]
69Flag of Albania.svg Albania 19 May 1983
70Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg Saint Kitts and Nevis 19 September 1983
71Flag of Bolivia.svg Bolivia 2 February 1984
72Flag of Greece.svg Greece 23 March 1987 [12]
73Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand 22 November 1988 [12]
74Flag of Portugal (official).svg Portugal 23 February 1989
75Flag of Maldives.svg Maldives 30 November 1989 [12]
76Flag of Guatemala.svg Guatemala 27 January 1992 [12]
77Flag of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria 12 March 1992 [12]
78Flag of Namibia.svg Namibia 6 April 1992
79Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia 10 April 1992
80Flag of Honduras (2022-).svg Honduras 7 December 1992
81Flag of Russia.svg Russia 29 January 1993 [12]
82Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg Marshall Islands 23 March 1993 [12]
83Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine 13 April 1993 [12]
84Flag of Paraguay.svg Paraguay 27 May 1993
85Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa 4 January 1994
86Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia 14 April 1994 [12]
87Flag of El Salvador.svg El Salvador 18 May 1994
88Flag of Ghana.svg Ghana August 1994
89Flag of Kuwait.svg Kuwait 22 August 1995
90Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 25 August 1995 [12]
91Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg United Arab Emirates 8 January 1996
92Flag of Poland.svg Poland 13 September 1996 [12]
93Flag of Singapore.svg Singapore 19 December 1996
94Flag of Croatia.svg Croatia 11 July 1997 [12]
95Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland 3 May 2001 [12]
96Flag of Malta.svg Malta 21 October 2005 [12]
97Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt 3 November 2006
98Flag of Botswana.svg Botswana 20 December 2006 [12]
99Flag of Qatar.svg Qatar 4 December 2007 [12]
100Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Saudi Arabia 17 December 2007 [12]
101Flag of Slovenia.svg Slovenia 18 December 2007 [12]
102Flag of Bahrain.svg Bahrain 12 March 2008 [12]
103Flag of Estonia.svg Estonia 15 May 2008
104Flag of Latvia.svg Latvia 15 May 2008
105Flag of Lithuania.svg Lithuania 16 March 2009 [12]
106Flag of the Philippines.svg Philippines 22 June 2009 [12]
107Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco 17 April 2013 [12]
108Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya 3 September 2014 [15]
109Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda 28 July 2015 [16]
110Flag of Fiji.svg Fiji 19 June 2017 [12]
111Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia 8 March 2018 [12]
Flag of Kosovo.svg Kosovo 9 March 2018 [17]
112Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Kazakhstan 27 March 2018 [18]
113Flag of Monaco.svg Monaco 5 December 2018 [12]
114Flag of Mongolia.svg Mongolia 17 January 2019 [12]
115Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia 26 June 2019 [12]
116Flag of Sri Lanka.svg Sri Lanka 28 June 2019 [12]
117Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Azerbaijan 2 August 2019 [12]
118Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg Bosnia and Herzegovina 6 August 2019 [12]
119Flag of San Marino.svg San Marino 3 October 2019 [19]
120Flag of Tajikistan.svg Tajikistan 8 November 2019 [12]
121Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia 11 November 2019 [12]
122Flag of Belarus.svg Belarus 10 December 2019 [20]
123Flag of Moldova.svg Moldova 10 February 2020 [12]
124Flag of Montenegro.svg Montenegro 19 February 2020 [12]
125Flag of Andorra.svg Andorra 21 June 2021 [12]
126Flag of Mali.svg Mali 22 July 2021 [12]
127Flag of Nepal.svg   Nepal 8 December 2021 [12]
128Flag of Cape Verde.svg Cape Verde 21 July 2022 [21]
129Flag of Angola.svg Angola 17 August 2022 [12]
130Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg Solomon Islands 19 September 2022 [12]
131Flag of Liberia.svg Liberia 27 February 2024 [22]
Flag of Palestine.svg State of Palestine 11 June 2024 [12]

Bilateral relations

Africa

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Flag of Lesotho.svg Lesotho -Nov-25 1979
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 November 1979. [23]
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria 1970-Apr-24See Barbados–Nigeria relations
  • Nigeria is accredited to Barbados from its embassy in Port of Spain, (Trinidad and Tobago).
  • Currently the Barbadian Government does not have foreign accreditation for Nigeria. However the Nigerian Government has said that it was highly desirous of Barbados establishing an embassy directly to Nigeria. [24] Barbados and Nigeria formally established diplomatic relations on 24 April 1970. [25]
  • Nigeria has pushed for more investment from Barbadian companies and investors and the pursuance of direct flights between both nations. [26] [27]

Americas

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.svg Antigua and Barbuda 1981-Nov-01

Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021), members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations. The establishment of diplomatic relations between Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda started on 1 November 1981.

  • Antigua and Barbuda has a non-resident High Commissioner from St. Johns, Antigua.
  • Barbados has a non-resident High Commissioner from Bridgetown, Barbados.
Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 1968-Aug-16
Flag of the Bahamas.svg Bahamas 1973-Jul-10

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021), members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1973. [29]

  • The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is accredited to Barbados through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nassau, [30] and an Honorary Consulate at St. James in Barbados. [31]
  • Barbados is accredited to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bridgetown, [32] and an Honorary Consulate in New Providence. [33]
Flag of Belize.svg Belize 1981-Sep-21

Barbados and Belize were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021), members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations.

Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1971-Nov-26See Barbados–Brazil relations
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 1966-Nov-30See Barbados–Canada relations

Barbados and Canada were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021), members of: the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.

In 1907, the Government of Canada opened a Trade Commissioner Service to the Caribbean region located in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Flag of Chile.svg Chile 1967-Oct-03

Barbados is accredited in Chile through its embassy in Caracas, (Venezuela). Chile is accredited to Barbados from its embassy in Port of Spain, (Trinidad and Tobago) and maintains an honorary consulate in Bridgetown. Barbados and Chile formally established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1967. [34] Chile was the first Latin American country which Barbados formally established formal diplomatic relations. [35] [36]

Flag of Dominica.svg Dominica 1978-Nov-03

Barbados and the Commonwealth of Dominica are members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 November 1978. [23]

Flag of Grenada.svg Grenada 1974-Mar-03

Barbados and Grenada are two of sixteen commonwealth realms, members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations.

Flag of Guyana.svg Guyana 1966-Nov-30See Barbados–Guyana relations

Barbados and the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana are members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations. The relations between Guyana and Barbados had its genesis to a time when both Guyana (then British Guiana) and Barbados were both British colonies. Shortly after Great Britain secured British Guiana from the Dutch, waves of migrants were encouraged to move and settle in Guyana. Barbados was one such location where large numbers of migrants came from. Through time Barbados and Guyana have both supported each other. With the move towards independence in the region Guyana was seen as the breadbasket of the wider Caribbean which led to yet more waves of Barbadians seeking to move to Guyana for better opportunities.

More recently the Guyanese Government has extended an offer to Barbadians. [37] [38] The Guyanese government has offered to put in place an economically favourable regime towards any Barbadians that wish to relocate to Guyana and contribute towards that nation's goals in agricultural investment. [39] The announcement was made in the final days of the Owen Arthur administration by MP member Mia Motley.

In the early 1990s the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning pitched an initiative for Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to enter into some form of political union or political association. This initiative was short lived and didn't proceed following the Democratic Labour Party's defeat during the 1994 elections.

Flag of Jamaica.svg Jamaica 1966-Nov-30

Barbados and Jamaica were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021): the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations.

Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 1972-Sep-11See Barbados–Mexico relations
  • Barbados is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Mexico is accredited to Barbados from its embassy in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and maintains an honorary consulate in Bridgetown.
Flag of Panama.svg Panama 1975-Aug-28
  • Barbados has an embassy in Panama City.
  • Panama is accredited to Barbados from its embassy in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg Saint Kitts and Nevis 1983-Sep-19

Barbados and the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021), members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations.

Flag of Saint Lucia.svg Saint Lucia -Feb-22 1979

Barbados and St. Lucia were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021), members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations.

Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -Oct-27 1979

Barbados and St. Vincent & the Grenadines were once both commonwealth realms (until Barbados became a republic in 2021), members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations.

Flag of Suriname.svg Suriname 1978-Mar-08See Barbados–Suriname relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1978. Barbados is accredited to Suriname from Bridgetown. Suriname is represented in Barbados through its embassy in Port of Spain, (Trinidad and Tobago).

Barbados and the Republic of Suriname are members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations.

Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago 1966-Nov-30See Barbados–Trinidad and Tobago relations

Barbados and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago are members of: the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Belt & Road Initiative, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Nations, ECLAC, EU-CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Organization of American States, the Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations. On 11 April 2006, the 5-Member UNCLOS Annex VII Arbitral Tribunal, presided over by H.E. Judge Stephen M. Schwebel, rendered after two years of international judicial proceedings, the landmark Barbados/Trinidad and Tobago Award, which resolved the maritime boundary delimitation (in the East, Central and West sectors) to satisfaction of both Parties and committed Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago to resolve their fisheries dispute by means of concluding a new Fisheries Agreement.

Flag of the United States.svg United States 1966-Nov-30See Barbados–United States relations

In May 1997, Prime Minister Owen Arthur hosted United States President Bill Clinton and 14 other Caribbean leaders during the first-ever U.S.-regional summit in Bridgetown, Barbados. The summit strengthened the basis for regional cooperation on justice and counternarcotics issues, finance and development, and trade.

Asia

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 1977-May-30See also Barbados – People's Republic of China relations

Barbados and the China established official diplomatic relations 30 May 1977. [40] Barbados-Sino diplomatic and economic relations have grown steadily over three decades.

Flag of India.svg India 1966-Nov-30India and Barbados established diplomatic relations on 30 November 1966 (the date of Barbados' national independence). [41] On that date, the government of India gifted Barbados the throne in Barbados' national House of Assembly. [42] India is represented in Barbados through its embassy in Suriname [43] [44] [45] and an Indian consulate in Holetown, St. James. [46] Today around 3,000 persons from India call Barbados home. Two-thirds are from the India's Surat district of Gujarat known as Suratis. Most of the Suratis are involved in trading. The rest are mainly Sindhis.
Flag of Israel.svg Israel 1967-Aug-29See also Barbados–Israel relations
  • Barbados is represented in Israel through its High Commission in London, United Kingdom and a consulate in Tel Aviv
Flag of Japan.svg Japan 1967-Aug-29See Barbados–Japan relations

Japan is accredited to Barbados from its embassy in Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) and an honorary consulate in Bridgetown. Barbados is represented in Japan through a non-resident ambassador in Bridgetown.

Flag of Singapore.svg Singapore 1996-Dec-19

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 December 1996. [47] [48] On 17 July 2013 a bilateral Open Skies Agreement (OSA) were signed between both countries. [49] On 25 April 2014 a bilateral Singapore-Barbados Double Taxation Agreement treaty came into effect [50] with subsequent modifications in 2021. [51]

Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 1977-Nov-15

Barbados and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations on 15 November 1977. [52]

  • Barbadian Embassy in Beijing is accredited to South Korea.
  • South Korean Embassy in Port of Spain is accredited to Barbados.
Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey 1970 [53] See Barbados–Turkey relations
  • Turkish Embassy in Port of Spain is accredited to Barbados. [54]
  • Trade volume between the two countries was US$8.5 million in 2019 (Barbados' exports/imports: 0.05/8.45 million USD). [54]

Europe

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Flag of Europe.svg European Union The European Union relations and cooperation with Barbados are carried out both on a bilateral and a multilateral basis. Barbados is party to the Cotonou Agreement, through which As of December 2007 it is linked by an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Commission. The pact involves the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) subgroup of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). CARIFORUM is the only part of the wider ACP-bloc that has concluded the full regional trade-pact with the European Union. There are also ongoing EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and EU-CARIFORUM dialogues. [55]

The Mission of Barbados to the European Union is located in Brussels, while the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados and its regional Eastern Caribbean neighbours is in Bridgetown.

Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark -Aug-20 1979* Denmark is represented in Barbados, through its embassy in Mexico. [56]
Flag of France.svg France 1968-May-03See Barbados–France relations

Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 3 May 1968. Barbados is represented in France through its embassy in Brussels (Belgium). France is represented in Barbados through its embassy in Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) and an honorary consulate in Bridgetown.

Flag of Germany.svg Germany 1967-Mar-14See Barbados–Germany relations

Barbados is represented in Germany through its embassy in Brussels, (Belgium) and Germany is represented in to Barbados from its embassy in Port of Spain, (Trinidad and Tobago). Barbados and West Germany formally established diplomatic relations on 14 March 1967.

Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland 2001-May-03
Flag of Russia.svg Russia 1966-Nov-30

The Soviet Union recognized the independence of Barbados on 30 November 1966. On 29 January 1993, Russian Federation and Barbados established formal diplomatic relations. [60] [61] In 2018 both nations celebrated 25 years of diplomatic ties and pledged closer collaboration. [62] [63] [64] The two nations also discussed cultural exchanges and Russia working with Barbados' light oil and gas industry. [65] [66] And possible scholarships to Russian schools. [67] In 2022 the Russian Foreign Minister met his counterpart in Barbados to discuss current relations and explored a future agenda with the nation including among other things the conclusion of a visa waiver agreement between both nations. [68]

Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom 1966-Nov-30See Barbados–United Kingdom relations
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley at a United Nations General Assembly in New York City, September 2024. Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends UNGA Day 2 (54023864383).jpg
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley at a United Nations General Assembly in New York City, September 2024.

Barbados established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 30 November 1966.

The UK governed Barbados from 1625 to 1966, when Barbados achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth, the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization, as well as the CARIFORUM–UK Economic Partnership Agreement. [72] Bilaterally the two countries have an Investment Agreement. [73]

Oceania

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia 1974-Jan-07See Australia–Barbados relations

The Australian High Commissioner to Barbados is accredited from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados is represented in Australia through its High Commission in Ottawa, Ontario, (Canada). Barbados maintains an honorary consul in Australia. Barbados and Australia established diplomatic relations on 7 January 1974. Both Barbados and Australia are current members of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, and comprised as former parts of the British Empire.

Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 1974-Aug-28
  • New Zealand is accredited to Barbados from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in Wellington. [74]
  • Barbados is represented in New Zealand through its High Commission in Ottawa, (Canada) [75] [76]

Bilateral agreements

Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments treaties

Barbados has a number of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with a growing list of nations. Some of which include: [77]

Double Taxation Agreements

Barbados has a number of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with a growing list of nations. Some of which include: [79]

Multilateral relations

Barbados and the Commonwealth of Nations

Barbados has been a member state of the Commonwealth since 1966, when it became an independent Commonwealth realm and the 27th member state of the Commonwealth. [81]

Barbadians have held various roles within the Commonwealth of Nations such as elections observers, or even more prominently. The country's former Governor-General, Dame Nita Barrow who served on the original Eminent Persons Group of 1985-1986 researched ways to bring about an end of apartheid in South Africa. [82]

Various Commonwealth meetings hosted by Barbados:

Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Barbados was viceregally represented by the Governor-General of Barbados until 30 November 2021.

The last Governor-General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason was installed in as the first President of Barbados on 30 November 2021 upon Barbados becoming a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations.

United Nations

On 7 December 1966 the Security Council of the United nations met to debate the membership of Barbados to the General Assembly of the United Nations. During the 1487th plenary meeting of 9 December 1966 [83] it was decided that Barbados would be granted membership. Thusly Barbados became the 122nd full member of the United Nations General Assembly on 12 December 1966. [84]

Barbados has been a member of The Forum of Small States (FOSS) since the group's founding in 1992. [85]

Diplomatic missions

Barbados has diplomatic missions headed by resident ambassadors or high commissioners in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Venezuela, and at the European Union (Brussels) and the UN. It also has resident consuls general in Toronto, Miami, and New York City. Australia, Brazil, Cuba, Canada, Colombia, People's Republic of China, Guatemala, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Venezuela have ambassadors or high commissioners resident in Barbados.

Participation in international organisations

ACPACCPACSAfreximbankAOSISBISCCAF-BDLAC (Associate)Carib-ExportCARICOMCARIFORUMCARTACCCtJCDBCDERACITELCTOCXCCFATFCRNMCROSQCSMEECLACFAOG33G77IADBIDBIAEAIBRDICAOICCtICFTUICJICRMIDAIFADIFCIFRCSILOIMFIMOIntelsatInterpolIOCIOMIMPACSISOITULAESMACHCMIGANAMOASOPANALOPCWPAPSSPAHORevised Treaty of ChaguaramasRSSSIDSUNUNCTADUNESCOUNHCRUNIDOUPUWCOWFTUWHOWIPOWMOUNWTOWTO

Issues

Disputes – international:

Illicit drugs:

See also

References

  1. "Barbados stands to benefit significantly from its services under the EPA between Europe and Caricom". Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2009.
  2. Barbados May Reap Rewards of Treaty Network Archived 25 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine , Worldwide Tax Daily, 30 April 2009
  3. "In Barbados: A Break with Royal Britain While Looking Toward Africa". 26 January 2022.
  4. "Barbados exploring trade with Africa". October 2021.
  5. "Barbados becomes a republic and parts ways with the Queen". BBC News. 30 November 2021.
  6. "Liberia: Barbados PM Motley Laments Lack of Diplomatic Ties Amid Strong Historical Linkage".
  7. "Barbados heading back to Africa – Caribbean Life". 25 September 2019.
  8. "CARICOM-Africa Summit Described as Very Successful". 7 September 2021.
  9. "Barbados drops visa requirements for these 8 African countries". 22 May 2019.
  10. SECRETARY-GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS REGIONAL CHALLENGES, POTENTIAL FOR COOPERATION IN REMARKS AT INAUGURATION OF BARBADOS UNITED NATIONS HOUSE – 3 January 2002
  11. "List of Countries With Which Barbados Has Diplomatic Relations by Regions". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados . Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 "Diplomatic relations between Barbados and ..." United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
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