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Posted: Friday 9 October, 2009 at 8:53 AM

St. Kitts and Nevis establishes diplomatic relations with Finland and Estonia

By: Erasmus Williams, CUOPM

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 8TH 2009 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis has established diplomatic relations with Finland and Estonia.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Alexander Stubb signed the necessary diplomatic instruments at a ceremony at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations.

Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke of his country’s interest in seeking the support of the Federation in its bid for greater participation in the United Nations system which can be materialised through strengthened relations with St. Kitts and Nevis.

Minister Stubb responded with interest to Prime Minister Douglas’ proposed initiatives for fiscal cooperation and extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit his country to further advance their collaborative initiative.

The St. Kitts and Nevis leader also signed diplomatic relations with the Republic of Estonia in New York during the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations.

Signing on behalf of the Federation, Prime Minister Douglas said St. Kitts and Nevis is prepared to cooperate with the Republic of Estonia in several areas including information technology and tourism.

“It was symbolic of both countries’ commitment to formalise relations which will pave the way for closer cooperation on matters of mutual interest between St. Kitts and Nevis and Finland and St. Kitts and Nevis and Estonia,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affiars, Mrs. Astona Browne.

“It is important for Estonia to have diplomatic relations will all UN nations, if possible. This will be useful for co-operation in the UN as well as our own citizens,” said Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Urmas Paet.

Finland and Estonia are members of the European Union and are part of the visa waiver agreement with St. Kitts and Nevis that will impact the tourism industry through increased visitor arrival in the Federation.

Prime Minister Douglas took advantage of his presence at the United Nations to hold bilateral meetings with countries such as the Republic of Slovakia, San Marino and Singapore.