According to an official statement from BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC has formally established diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine.
The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said that the country established diplomatic relations on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Barbados Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and that the move follows the April 19, 2024, decision of Mia Mottley administration to recognize the State of Palestine.
The statement said that a joint communiqué was signed by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, François Jackman, and Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad H. Mansour.
“Barbados is proud to have reached this milestone in its relationship with the State of Palestine,” said Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kerrie Symmonds, who was present during the signing ceremony.
“…as we formalize our relationship with the State of Palestine, we are making clear our support for Palestinian self-determination – the right of the people of Palestine to their state, by their wishes.
“We are also proud of whatever small impact our decision to take this step may have had in the wider geopolitical sphere. Barbados’ decision was closely followed in the region by the announcement that the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago also recognized the State of Palestine. As a result of these developments, all CARICOM countries now recognize Palestine,” Symmonds said.
He said that over the last two weeks, four European countries—Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain—have also announced their recognition of the State of Palestine.
“As it relates to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Barbados reiterates its principled position, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the war in Gaza. We also reaffirm the many calls for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance in all its dimensions to the people of Gaza.
“We believe that a ceasefire is essential for a broader settlement and lasting peace in the Middle East. In this regard, we welcome the decision on Monday by the UN Security Council to support peacemaking efforts in the region.”
The statement noted that Barbados’ recognition of and establishment of diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine strengthens its long-standing position in favor of a two-state solution to the situation in the Middle East.
“In this regard, Israel was one of the first countries with which Barbados established diplomatic relations in 1967. These relations remain close and cordial, and numerous examples of technical cooperation have been seen in several areas,” it added.
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