BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 17, 2021 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – With the official opening of the Federation’s new Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris said the relationship and bond between the twin-island Federation and the UAE will undoubtedly grow stronger in the years to come.
The honourable prime minister made those remarks when he officially declared the Embassy opened during a ceremony today, Wednesday, November 17, 2021.
“Today, we are here to mark an auspicious day in the important relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and the UAE–the official opening of our Embassy. Not only is this a reflection of the genuine friendship between both of our young nations, but it is a testament to St. Kitts and Nevis’ global outreach. My government has continued to excel in the international arena and continues to safeguard our interests as an independent actor on the global stage,” Prime Minister Harris said.
The brief but significant ceremony was attended by the Honourable Eugene Hamilton; St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Justin Hawley; Resident Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the UAE, His Excellency Hubert Charles; St. Kitts and Nevis Commissioner General at EXPO 2020, Mrs. Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister, senior Government officials, invited guests and staff of the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE, His Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Almarar represented the Government of the UAE at Wednesday’s opening ceremony.
Dr. Harris indicated that St. Kitts and Nevis was the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to establish a diplomatic presence in the UAE with the opening of the Federation’s Consulate General in Dubai in 2012.
He added, “This was done with the acknowledgement that in order to solidify our diplomatic presence in this great nation we would eventually establish a full-fledged Embassy in the beautiful and historic capital of Abu Dhabi. Fast forward to 2021, we are now here. I would like to thank our former acting Consul General, Mrs. Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister who first put this process in motion many years ago.”
Prime Minister Harris stated further that his Government has, over the past years, has sought to recalibrate and enhance its mission to not only focus on providing a host of consular services to its increasing number of citizens residing in the UAE and the region, but to also deepen its cooperation with the Government of the UAE.
“Our countries share the same vision for the future, we are both aware that sustainable and diversified economies are the only way to survive and progress in an increasingly turbulent and ever-changing global economy. As relatively small but ambitious and confident nations, we have both invested in our youth in order to harness the full potential of human capital. These shared values have led to St Kitts and Nevis supporting the UAE in several international fora,” the prime minister said.
In recent years, the St. Kitts and Nevis Government has given its strong support for the UAE’s successful candidatures for positions in the International Maritime Organisation, the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
“We also recently supported the UAE’s successful bid to become a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Such cooperation is testament to a relationship which continues to grow,” said Prime Minister Harris.
