Above: Ambassador Salles and Director General Ishmael (Photo: ABG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Joaquim Augusto Whitaker Salles, the new Brazilian Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, has presented his credentials to Director General Dr Len Ishmael.

During the ceremony, which took place Tuesday in Antigua, the two sides spoke of the importance of the “special” relationship between Brazil and the Eastern Caribbean.

“Relations between Brazil and the OECS and, indeed, the wider Caribbean Community have been improving over the years, at the hemispheric, regional and bilateral levels,” Ishmael said. “The many initiatives that have been undertaken thus far signal Brazil’s strong commitment to strengthening the bonds of cooperation and fostering closer ties with the countries of the region.”

There are several cooperation initiatives currently underway between Brazil and the OECS, including Brazil’s partnership with a regional antiretroviral programme.

Brazil established relations with the OECS in September 2009, and has established independent embassies in all six of its independent member states.