Barbados’ Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, WTO, and other international organisations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, and Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella, pose for a photograph at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, Italy. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organisations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, has presented his credentials to Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella.
At the official ceremony, which took place at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, Italy, last Thursday, Ambassador Wilson presented his Letters of Credence and expressed greetings to the Italian President on behalf of the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley.
After the official handing over of credentials, the Ambassador discussed with Italy’s President a number of topics, including developing a partnership between Barbados and Italy in the areas of climate change, mitigation and adaptation.
He also gave a brief overview of the recently concluded CARICOM Heads of Government Summit, and spoke of the cooperation with the European Union and the recent signing of two agreements on green energy storage and pharmaceutical production.
President Mattarella highlighted Italy’s support to the region, in terms of the fight against illegal narcotics and praised Barbados for its advocacy around the climate crisis.
Ambassador Wilson commended the President for his stance on preserving multilateralism, and both officials agreed that support for the multilateral system was critical.
Italy’s President also expressed a desire to visit Barbados, to which Mr. Wilson said an official visit would be welcomed.
As non-resident Ambassador to Italy, Mr. Wilson became this country’s first Ambassador to Italy in almost two decades and will carry out his duties from the base Mission in Geneva, Switzerland.
Within Italy, there are a number of international agencies of importance to Barbados that will be covered by Ambassador Wilson, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme, which have existing projects with the Ministry of Agriculture.
In addition, there is scope to increase awareness of Barbados’ tourism product in Italy through the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., and to explore developing educational partnerships between Italian and Barbadian institutions.
Barbados and Italy established diplomatic relations on August 23, 1977.
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/ambassador-wilson-presents-credentials-to-italys-president/
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg
