BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Australia and the United States have joined world leaders in congratulating St. Kitts and Nevis on the 27th Anniversary of Independence.
Australia said Wednesday it looks forward to further develop its bi-lateral ties with the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Australia Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard in her congratulatory message to St. Kits and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas noted the two countries have enjoyed friendly ties for many years.
“The Australia-CARICOM Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2009, lays the foundation for Australia’s long-term engagement and closer cooperation with the Caribbean region,” said Prime Minister Gillard.
She reaffirmed Australia’s strong commitment to working with St. Kitts and Nevis in the years ahead through the United Nations and the broader multilateral system to address significant global challenges such as climate change, international development and disarmament.
“As host of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth in October 2011, we look forward to working with you as we develop an active agenda to strengthen the Commonwealth’s ability to address the particular interests of commonwealth members,” said the Australia Prime Minister in her message to her St. Kitts and Nevis colleague.
United States Secretary of State, the Honourable Hilary Rodham Clinton in a congratulatory message on behalf of President the Hon. Barak Obama said the United States and St. Kitts and Nevis “share an enduring friendship based on our strong commitment to advancing democracy and protecting human rights.”
“Our partnership through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative is enhancing the security and prosperity of the region, and the leadership St. Kitts and Nevis has shown in our common efforts to combat crime and integrate youth throughout the Caribbean is helping build a brighter future for all our people,” said Mrs. Clinton.
The U.S. Secretary of State said she looks forward to “expanding our cooperation as we continue working to improve access to health services and education, expand trade, and protect the environment.”
“I wish the people of St. Kitts and Nevis a happy independence day and a prosperous year ahead,” said Mrs. Clinton.
St. Kitts and Nevis became an independent nation on September 19th 1983.
