Minister Douglas Solidifies Key Partnerships at COFCOR 

Paramaribo, (21st May, 2026) – On 20th May 2026, as the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs et al wrapped up his chairmanship of the COFCOR, he used the opportunity to conduct several bilateral meetings with key partners. He met with representatives from the Republic of Austria, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan and Singapore. 

With Austria, he engaged H.E. Ulrike Lunacek, Special Envoy for the Austrian Government for the Austrian Candidature for the UN Security Council and H.E. Gerold Vollmer, Ambassador of Austria to CARICOM. Special Envoy Lunacek outlined the many ways in which Austria has supported the Caribbean and identified with the climatic challenges that are faced in the region. Dr. Douglas encouraged Austria to continue on the right path and to speak for the Caribbean where the Caribbean has no voice. 

In his bilateral with H.E. Omar Shehadeh, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Caribbean and Pacific States, he confirmed follow up for key digital components necessary for the Federation’s advancement as a leader in Consular interaction. 

In addition, Dr. Douglas engaged with H.E. Arfiya Eri, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and H.E. Dr. Akima Umezawa, Ambassador of Japan. Dr Douglas emphasised the importance of Japan to the Federation’s development especially in the area of Fisheries. Her Excellency Arfiya Eri, expressed her gratitude to Saint Kitts and Nevis for the support in the past and highlighted the areas of cooperation. 

Finally, Dr. Douglas met with his Singaporean counterpart the Honourable Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Karen Tan, Ambassador of Singapore to CARICOM and H.E. Rena Lee, Ambassador for International Law and Candidate for International Court of Justice. Both parties discussed various geopolitical and developmental matters which can prove to be beneficial for the diplomatic relationship. 

Saint Kitts and Nevis remains committed to achieving all development goals, including the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) through strategic, astute and pragmatic diplomacy.

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