Above: Barbados PM Freundel Stuart (UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Mexico and Barbados held talks this week aimed at strengthening the existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mexican Ambassador Mario Eugenio Arriola Woog paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Freundel Stuart at Ilaro Court in Bridgetown.

Woog said the 2nd Mexico/CARICOM Summit, slated to be held in Barbados in May, would provide the opportunity to “renew dialogue at a higher level on a number of issues.”

He also mentioned the impact of transnational crime on the country’s reputation and the need for a global response to the problem.

The two countries have diplomatic ties since 1972.

Stuart’s meeting came as he also held talks with Turkish Ambassador Mushin Tugrul Kilicaslan, which focused in part on mutual tourism issues.

“We do not underestimate Turkey’s influence in world affairs and Barbados stands ready to develop a strong and rich relationship in this regard,” Stuart said.