Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Role is Far Reaching, Says Senior Foreign Service Officer

Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 08, 2019 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ extensive role mandates successful execution of the St. Kitts and Nevis’ Foreign Policy, according to Michael Penny, Senior Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while appearing on Wednesday’s (August 07) edition of “Working for You.”

“For one, we deal with advising on formulating or articulating and implementing the foreign policy of St. Kitts and Nevis. We monitor relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and the rest of the world, so that entails going out and seeking to establish or receiving information or request for establishing diplomatic relations,” said Mr. Penny.

The senior foreign service officer used the occasion to speak about the missions and embassies associated with St Kitts and Nevis.

“We maintain close working relationships with diplomatic missions accredited to St. Kitts and Nevis. So, you have local missions and you have embassies here. Even though the embassies are here, whatever they need they should actually come through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” said Mr. Penny. “Also, we have our embassies overseas and so we are responsible for liaising. They are the face out there because they represent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

He further stated that the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the face in the international system of St. Kitts and Nevis.” Missions are located in The Republic of Cuba, The Republic of China (Taiwan), Ottawa, Canada, London, and a joint mission in Brussels. A joint mission is currently being established in the Kingdom of Morocco.

“The ministry seeks to coordinate all of that stuff and put the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis on the international scene,” he added.