AJ Nicholson departs for Chile

Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator A.J. Nicholson leaves the island today to participate in three meetings in Santiago, Chile.

He will be accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Paul Robotham.

As part of his assignment, Senator Nicholson will tomorrow attend the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), with the European Union, under the theme, ‘Working together towards growth and stability’.

He will also be part of the discussions at the First Summit of the organisation scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, as well as the First Summit of Heads of State and Government of CELAC, next Monday.

CELAC, which was launched in February, 2010 is viewed by Member States as one of the main mechanisms through which South-South Cooperation can be strengthened.

Discussions at the CELAC will focus on issues of importance to the region, such as security, protection of democracy, peace and economic advancement.

It is expected that a Plan of Action for the CELAC countries seeking to explore investment possibilities to facilitate sustainable development and growth will follow the summit.

The international financial crisis will also be an important area of discussion.

Senator Nicholson returns on Tuesday, January 29.

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