Pakistan and the Caribbean Island nation of Saint Lucia have formally established diplomatic relations. The ceremony, held at the Pakistan Mission in New York, saw the signing of a joint communiqué between Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Muneer Akram and his counterpart from Saint Lucia, Menissa Rambally.
Ambassador Akram highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, "Diplomatic relations between our two friendly countries have been regularized. This establishment serves as a basis for expanding bilateral relations."
Pakistan & Saint Lucia formalized their diplomatic relations at a ceremony held at the Pakistan Mission today.
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 28, 2024
Ambassador Munir Akram & his counterpart from St. Lucia, Amb. Menissa Rambally, signed the joint communique on behalf of their respective countries. @SaintLuciaUN pic.twitter.com/g1XAn9iWKL
He said both countries had already been cooperating at multilateral forums, including the Commonwealth, and the establishment of formal relations would serve to expand bilateral ties, especially in the realms of trade, commerce, political cooperation, and tourism.
"The people of Pakistan and Saint Lucia share a common love for cricket, which is a strong cultural bond," noted Ambassador Akram. He also emphasized that the new diplomatic relations would open avenues for trade and tourism, areas where both nations see immense potential.
“We look forward to the stronger people-to-people bond. There is immense tourism potential in both the countries that can be explored through visits by tourists,” he added.
H.E. Amb Menissa Rambally, permanent representative of St. Lucia to the U.N., called on Ambassador Munir Akram ahead of the ceremony. Both the PRs discussed a wide range of issues including the ways to promote bilateral ties and strengthen people-to-people bond.@SaintLuciaUN pic.twitter.com/AvtxF8G1HA
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 28, 2024
Ambassador Rambally expressed her delight over the formalization of a new but significant chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries, highlighting the positive existing relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Saint Lucia.
"West Indian cricketer Darren Sammy, a native of Saint Lucia, was honoured as an honorary citizen of Pakistan. He has always spoken highly of the hospitality of Pakistanis," Rambally remarked.
Ambassador Rambally thanked Ambassador Akram for hosting the ceremony and stated that she had personally “learnt a lot from him”.
She said that she was humbled by the remarks of the Pakistan UN envoy for her country and the people.
She said Pakistan and Saint Lucia already enjoyed a wonderful relationship and were actively cooperating at different forums, but added that the establishment of formal diplomatic relations would provide an opportunity to further build on the existing relationship.
