WASHINTON, D.C. – The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service of The Bahamas, on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, was hosted by the United States Secretary of State,The Honourable Antony J. Blinken, to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Secretary Blinken welcomed Minister Mitchell and stated that “The Bahamas is a key democratic partnerfor the United States in our shared hemisphere.” He promised support of the United States as The Bahamas takes over the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in January 2023. He also discussed the ongoing crisis in Haiti, and matters relative to climate change, including $80 billion dollars in commitment towards climate change mitigation and adaptation.
In response, Minister Mitchell spoke of the friendly relations that exist between the two countries and of the need to continue building the relationship by having regular high-level engagement between the U.S. and CARICOM.
On the matter of Haiti, the Foreign Minister confirmed The Bahamas’ and CARICOM’s support for ongoing efforts to promote security and partnership. He further called on the U.S to assist in funding projects in The Bahamas to aid in the country’s economic development.
Both Secretary Blinken and Minister Mitchell promised to remain in close contact to discuss matters of mutual interest on a regular basis and as the need arises.
The Bahamas delegation consisted of H.E. Ambassador Wendall K. Jones, Director General Rhoda Jackson, Ag. DCM Tracee Dorestant, and Ashley Cargill, Second Secretary. Among those in the United States delegation were Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs; Juan Gonzalez, National Security Council Senior Director for The Western Hemisphere; U.S. Chargè d’Affaires in The Bahamas, Usha E. Pitts; Courtney Beale, Executive Assistant to the Secretary of State; and Kevin Opstrup, Country Desk Officer.
