European Union (EU) Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska assured Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean that they remained committed to a partnership with the region and would continue to give its support.
She said the EU had already contributed significantly to the COVAX facility which enabled countries in the region to have access to COVID-19 vaccines and was considering ways in which they could assist Barbados and the OECS to strengthen social protection, while building economic resilience, once they got over the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In remarks delivered at a virtual Europe Day celebration today, Wasilewska also said a new partnership agreement between the EU and the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries initialed last month, would serve as a framework of dialogue and co-operation at all levels for the next 20 years.
It is aimed at strengthening the existing political partnership to further contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals and poverty alleviation, facilitate economic transformation, private sector development and to assist the region in its fight against climate change.
Thanking the EU for its support over the last 40 years, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said although the relationship had at times been challenging, the EU aided in the development of Barbados and the region, bringing lasting, tangible benefits to the Caribbean people and sectors. (GC)
