BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MAY 29TH 2013 – Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Patrice Nisbett paid his initial visit to the Consulate of St. Kitts and Nevis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and used the opportunity to discuss several policy related matters.
Minister Nisbett was a member of the delegation which accompanied Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, on an official visit to Kuwait before travelling to Dubai.
The other member of the Prime Minister’s delegation was Mr. Elvis Newton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his visit to Dubai, Foreign Minister Nisbett met and formally discussed several policy related matters with Ms. Alex Woodley, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Consular General who has been charged with the responsibility of representing the Federation’s interests in that part of the United Arab Emirates.
St Kitts and Nevis’ decision to establish a Consulate in Dubai is consistent with the Government’s policy of promoting trade and investment opportunities in countries other than those it has traditionally forged diplomatic and/or commercial relations.
Dubai was identified by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis as an area of priority based on its success in attracting and supporting several businesses, many of which are similar to those of interest to the Federation.
Minister Nisbett’s first visit to Dubai offered opportunities to familiarise himself with the operations of the Consulate which is an integral component of Government’s efforts to provide improved quality of services delivered to the increasing number of individuals resident in the United Arab Emirates who would have secured citizenship through the economic citizenship investment programme.
The Consulate is also serving other important functions, that of promoting investment and other opportunities available in the Federation.
Since assuming responsibility for Foreign Affairs, the Minister has declared his intention to reorient the Federation’s foreign policy to ensure that it is more responsive to the changing national socio economic environment.
This requires articulation of a foreign policy which takes full account of the Federation’s efforts to pursue an agenda which results in meaningful development in key sectors including tourism, information communication technology, financial services, medical and health related education.
In expressing his satisfaction with the work being done to promote St. Kitts and Nevis’ interests, the Minister expressed the view that the presence of a fully functional Consulate in Dubai will assist in supporting Government’s agenda.
Minister Nisbett pledged his commitment to ensuring that the requisite resources are allocated to support the Consulate’s effective functioning as a pivotal agency through which Government’s development agenda is realised.