From 5 to 8 November, Undersecretary of State Giorgio Silli conducted an official mission to Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, focused on economic and trade aspects and strengthening bilateral relations.
In Port of Spain, Undersecretary Silli met with the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Amery Browne, for an in-depth exchange of views on the state of bilateral relations and key regional (Venezuela, Haiti, EU-Latin America and Caribbean relations) and international issues (Ukraine, the Middle East). Economic and business synergies, along with investment opportunities for Italian companies, were the main focus of Silli’s meeting with the Minister of Planning and Development, Pennelope Beckles-Robinson.
His meeting with the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Rodolfo Sabonge, reaffirmed the renewed dynamism in relations between Italy and the Caribbean region, highlighting initiatives launched by Italy in support of the region, such as the Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on sustainable development, and a development aid credit from Italian Cooperation through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
In Georgetown, Undersecretary Silli met with the President of the Republic, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Hilton Todd, and the Head of the Investment Office, Peter R. Ramsaroop. Topics discussed included strengthening political dialogue, increasing bilateral visits, and the 2025 Italy-Latin America and Caribbean Conference. During the meeting with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the commitment to revitalising broad-based relations between Rome and Georgetown was confirmed.
In his meeting with the Assistant Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Salomon, Silli reiterated Italy’s support for the Caribbean and thanked the Organisation for its active role in addressing the complex Haitian crisis, highlighting Italy’s contribution as President of the G7.
“In Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, I emphasised the renewed engagement with Caribbean countries and key regional organisations, aligning with the positive new phase in Italy’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean,” stated Undersecretary Silli at the end of the mission. “We aim to strengthen economic ties, enhance political contacts, and initiate targeted collaborations in areas of mutual interest, such as environmental protection, combating climate change, digital transition, and advancements in science and technology.”
