1. Honorable CHAD BLACKMAN, Minister of Economy and Investment of Barbados made an exploratory visit in Lomé from May 15 to 18, 2024.
2. This visit is part, on the one hand, of the friendly relations between Barbados and Togo. On the other hand, the mission of the Minister of Barbados in Togo is the consequence of the policy of economic opening in Africa driven by Barbados in recent years.
3. During his stay, the Minister of Barbados had successive working sessions with five (5) ministers of the Togolese Government, namely Mrs. Manuella Modoukpe SANTOS, Minister of Investment Promotion, Mr. Lekpa Antoine GBEGBENI, Minister of agriculture, livestock and rural development, H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad, Mr. Atcha Affoh DEDJI, Minister of Road, Rail and Air Transport, Mr. Yaya SANI, Minister of Economy and Finance.
4. The proceedings between Prof. Robert DUSSEY and Honorable CHAD BLACKMAN took place on May 16, 2024 at the office of the Togolese minister. The two personalities had fruitful exchanges on issues of common interest both bilaterally and internationally.
5. On a bilateral level, the two personalities welcomed the quality of the friendly relations which fortunately exist between Barbados and Togo despite the fact that there is not yet a legal framework for cooperation between the two countries. They therefore commended the convergence of points of view of Togo and Barbados on international issues and the mutual support for candidacies that the two countries agree within international organizations.
6. H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY and his host underlined the importance of South-South cooperation and the need for the two countries to establish a cooperation framework in areas of common interest to both countries. In this regard, Minister DUSSEY informed Minister BLACKMAN that the Togolese side will very soon send to the Barbadian side a draft text of a framework cooperation agreement the signature of which will make it possible to create the legal bases of partnership between the Government of the Republic of Togo and the Government of Barbados. The two ministers also discussed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
7. H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY also announced to Minister BLACKMAN that the Togolese Government has decided, as of today, to eliminate entry visas into Togolese territory for the benefit of citizens of Barbados. The Barbadian minister welcomed this announcement which will help to further boost business relations between the two countries.
8. The Togolese minister also availed himself of the opportunity to extend an invitation to the Government of Barbados to take part in the 9th Pan-African Congress, which will be held in Lomé from October 29 to November 2, 2024 under the theme “Renewal of Pan-Africanism and Africa’s role in the reform of multilateral institutions: mobilizing resources and reinventing itself to act’’. The Honorable BLACKMAN congratulated Togo for its initiative which will strengthen the contributions of diasporas and Afro-descendants to the sustainable development of Africa.
9. At the international level, the two personalities commended Togo’s tireless efforts in promoting peace and security in the sub-region through the use of peaceful means, namely, dialogue, consultation and mediation.
10. The two ministers also expressed their concerns over other conflicts in the world, including the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Israel’s conflict against Hamas, etc.
11. At the end of his working session with Prof. Robert DUSSEY, the honorable CHAD BLACKMAN expressed his gratitude to the Togolese authorities for the warm welcome given to him and for the facilities granted to him during his stay.
Done in Lomé, May 16, 2024
