SVG ties with Republic of Senegal

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has entered into formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of Senegal. The diplomatic relations build upon recent improved relations with other African countries, and is part of the Government’s stated foreign policy objective of strengthening ties with Africa, particularly West Africa.{{more}}

On Monday, September 22, 2008, Sir Louis Straker, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, and Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal, signed instruments establishing formal diplomatic relations. These documents were signed after discussions between Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, who jointly chaired a U.N. High Level Roundtable on Africa’s Development Needs.

According to a release from the Permanent Mission of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, Prime Minister Gonsalves has made reaching out to Africa a priority on this year’s visit to the United Nations. In addition to signing the diplomatic relations with Senegal, the Prime Minister held discussions with the Presidents of Ghana and Uganda, while Sir Louis has met with the Foreign Minister of Senegal. This outreach follows on the heels of other African initiatives, including the establishment of relations with Libya, Ethiopia and Ghana in recent years.

“The establishment of links with West African countries, the ancestral home of a majority of Vincentians, is a priority of the Government’s foreign policy. In the near term, the two countries will stress cultural, educational and people-to-people linkages, to allow for greater understanding and deeper relationships between Senegal and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The countries also pledged to cooperate on issues of mutual interest in development, trade and multilateral affairs,” the release said.

Senegal is a West African country of 11.7 million people, with a total GDP of USD $20.5 billion. Senegal has a thriving democracy, with over 80 political parties. Senegal is a relatively poor country, with a per capita GDP of $1,759. However, economic reforms have resulted in steady growth in recent years. Main industries include food processing, mining, cement, fertilizer and textiles. Senegal exports chemicals, cotton, fabrics, groundnuts, calcium phosphate and fish to a variety of markets. India is Senegal’s main trading partner.