Minister of Foreign Affairs Welcomes New Israeli Ambassador to Barbados, Paving the Way for Enhancing Relations

The State of Israel and Barbados are keen on enhancing their relations.

This was revealed during a courtesy call yesterday, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, where Minister Kerrie Symmonds welcomed the new Israeli Ambassador to Barbados, Itai Bardov.

Symmonds expressed an interest in deepening the existing ties and noted the longstanding friendly relationship between the two countries could be further explored especially in the areas of trade, business, and tourism.

In addition, he highlighted that the island was focused on the renewable energy sector and welcomed Israel’s expertise in the area.

The two officials also discussed potential cooperation in the areas of water management; agriculture; cyber security; technology; food security; climate technology, and establishing a double taxation agreement.

The Israeli Ambassador who resides in Panama, told Minister Symmonds “We’re here to learn, to explore possibilities and then to follow up … and, hopefully, manage to realise some of these ideas discussed.”

Bardov arrived on the island on Sunday, and presented his credentials to the Acting President of Barbados on Wednesday. He is also accredited to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM.

Also present at the courtesy call were Foreign Affairs Director General, Donna Forde; Senior Foreign Service Officer, Trecia King; Honorary Consul for Israel in Barbados, Scott Oran; LR Group Director, Business Development, Joseph Haim Harrosh; and Director of Caribbean Affairs, Embassy of Israel, Sharon Farhi Benyi-Bauer.

Barbados and the State of Israel formally established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1967. (BGIS)