SVG considering diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain and Kazakhstan

Talks to establish diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain and Kazakhstan have begun.{{more}}

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said at a press conference last week Monday, October 1, that Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Douglas Slater met with officials from both countries, while at the United Nations 67th General Assembly meeting in New York.

“The foreign minister played an important role in cementing some relations. He and counterparts from Bahrain cemented relations between both countries,” Gonsalves said.

Bahrain, Gonsalves noted, is a multi-island state made up of 1.2 million people in the Persian Gulf.

That nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) was US$31 billion and it was one of the fastest growing economies of the Arab world, Gonsalves explained.

Similarly a meeting between officials of Kazakhstan and Slater was held to discuss bilateral relations between both countries.

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by land mass and is an important player in Eastern Europe, with a GDP of US$260 billion, based largely on oil and natural resources.

“We have to learn about new places and build with them to look for money,” the prime minister said.

Gonsalves, during his talks with the media said that he had met with the Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who pledged continued support. He further said the Emir promised that a visit will be made by a delegation to finalise arrangements regarding that country’s pledge to assist with the Argyle international airport.

On the issue of the construction of the airport, Gonsalves said that Azerbaijan promised to follow through with its commitment to the project.

He noted that there were going to be some important elections on October 1 and that in the case of Georgia, which has already provided $1 million to the airport project, he would have to wait.

Gonsalves also mentioned that the outcome of the elections in Venezuela last Sunday was expected to have a bearing on St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The opposition candidate was elected in Georgia, while Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez was elected to a third term on Sunday. (DD)