ST.KITTS-St. Kitts-Nevis is looking for membership within La Francophonie.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC -The St. Kitts-Nevis government says it is actively working to expand its international influence and boost its economy by aiming to join La Francophonie, the group of 88 states and member governments, including observers that share French as a common language and uphold shared values.

Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs, Dr. Denzil Douglas, spearheading the initiative, said it marks a new era in the Twin Island Federation’s foreign policy.

A government statement said that under the guidance of the High Commission in Canada, the Cabinet has greenlighted the country’s accession to La Francophonie.

Douglas said the decision reflects a geostrategic approach to leveraging the Federation’s rich history, culture, and soft power. It is poised to intensify and amplify business, trade, tourism, and investment opportunities, particularly with Francophone Canada.

He said that this accession holds even greater significance in light of Britain’s recent exit from the European Union (EU).

“It is essential for us to recognize that Canada, as one of the founding countries of La Francophonie, represents efforts to consolidate relationships with traditional partners, including France.

“And so, this is significant to us given the exit of Britain again from the European Union (EU), because decision-making at that level will always involve the members who are present there,” the Foreign Minister said, adding that with France’s continued influence within the EU, St. Kitts-Nevis would seek to strengthen its diplomatic relationship with this key member.
“We can now call upon France as one of our bigger brothers to ensure that our voice, concerns, and development needs are echoed at the highest level within the European Union…St. Kitts and Nevis, it borders France, and building this geostrategic partnership is crucial for inter-island and multi-island partnerships,” he added.

Established on March 20, 1970, at the Niamey Conference in Niger, La Francophonie represents over one billion people, including 321 million Francophones, across five continents.