Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 20, 2013 (SKNIS): The Hon. Patrice Nisbett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed a bilateral Agreement on Technical Cooperation with the non-resident Argentine diplomat, His Excellency Ariel Fernandez on Tuesday June 18, 2013.
The Ambassador, based in Jamaica paid his second visit to the Federation in three (3) weeks, having visited previously in late May to present credentials to the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence.
Although St Kitts and Nevis and Argentina established diplomatic relations in 1992, cooperation between the two countries has been limited. This Agreement serves as a basis for increased cooperation and provides a broad framework within which future collaboration in more specific areas can be realized.
Minister Nisbett informed SKNIS that this Agreement will enhance and strengthen friendly relations between the two countries, promoting technical cooperation through projects and programmes of priority to our respective governments. The Foreign Minister opines that the Agreement fulfils the ideals of South-South cooperation and welcomes the conclusion of this bilateral instrument.
The Agreement embraces an array of inputs and outcomes including, but not limited to knowledge transfer, specialized personnel exchanges, feasibility studies, provision of equipment and materials, institution building and capacity development – all aimed at achieving social and economic development. Minister Nisbett views the signing as symbolic, celebrating twenty one years of friendship and demonstrating a renewed commitment by both Governments to deepen relations.
One key provision the Accord offers is the establishment of a Joint Commission which may meet at intervals to monitor and evaluate the programmes and initiatives in progress.
Argentine experts in Education and Health had previously visited the Federation and met with high level officials in the relevant areas to identify specific needs and areas for cooperation. With the conclusion of the Agreement in Technical Cooperation one anticipates more specific agreements encompassing areas inter alia agriculture, education, energy, culture, health and sports would be negotiated for the mutual advantage of our people.