MEXICAN AMBASSADOR TO THE OECS PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

Castries, June 27, 2014.- The Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules, received on June 24th 2014, Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Mexico to the OECS, His Excellency Luis Manuel Lopez Moreno, at a ceremony held at the OECS Commission.

Dr. Didacus Jules extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Lopez Moreno, and spoke of the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between both sides.

The Director General conveyed his appreciation of the positive role that Mexico has played over the years in the development process of the ECS region. He stated that Mexico’s staunch commitment to the OECS and to South-South cooperation has engendered reciprocal sentiments of deep trust and respect. Throughout the years of close friendship, Mexico and OECS Member States have cooperated across a wide range of areas, including agriculture, education, and language and diplomatic training.

He also spoke of the generous financial contribution which the Mexican Government had made earlier this year towards the recovery efforts of those OECS Member States which were heavily impacted by the extreme weather event of December 24th (Christmas Eve) 2013.

In response, the Ambassador affirmed that Mexico recognizes that international cooperation for development is a fundamental tool to bring countries closer together, contribute to the full development of the people, promote political dialogue and lastly, strengthen an international community which fights for peace, safety and justice.

He further added that Mexico recognizes and acknowledges that the institutional strength of the OECS is an essential asset. He went on to say that with this in mind, Mexico considers that, besides the projects at the bilateral level with each country, cooperation initiatives should be implemented to take advantage of the ability and strength of the OECS.

In this connection, both the Director General and the Mexican Ambassador referred to a draft Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Mexico and the OECS, which has already been negotiated, and is ready for signature. Both sides confirmed their intention to sign the agreement shortly.

In closing, the Director General and the Mexican Ambassador voiced their hope that the friendship and cooperation between the OECS and Mexico will continue to grow for the benefit of the Mexican people and the people of the OECS.

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