Prime Minister Skerrit welcomes new Spanish Ambassador to Dominica

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, on Wednesday, welcomed His Excellency José María Fernández López de Turiso, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary-designate of Spain to the Commonwealth of Dominica.

The new ambassador presented his credentials to President of Dominica, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton.

“From 2023 onwards, Dominica has positioned itself to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation and this is an example not only for Europe but for the world at large on how to make the best from the worst,” the new ambassador said. “And it is with a model such as this in mind that partnerships between us should be forged,  sharing know-how, capacity, and resources to reap mutual benefits.”

According to López de Turiso, Spain is one of the 15 most important economies in the world.

“It is also a rapidly growing economy. In fact, it is the fastest-growing economy in the entire European Union,” he noted. “ So Spain is a trading and investment powerhouse with extensive experience in sectors that may be of interest to Dominica.”

Furthermore, he stated that Spain is a world leader in tourism and its companies have excellent know-how in cutting-edge sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, water management, agri-businesses, and infrastructure construction.

The new ambassador said he is determined to explore partnership opportunities with Dominica.

He went on to state that Spain is also a major producer of culture and innovation based on the strength of the Spanish language, which is now spoken natively by more than 600 million people and enjoys widespread demand as well in Dominica.

“I assure you, your Excellency, that it is the intention of my government to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and maintaining the excellent relations with Dominica as well as within the broader Caribbean area,” he emphasized.

In the meantime, Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, expressed appreciation for Spain’s enduring partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has provided critical support in key areas of development.

“I have noted and welcomed Spain’s expressed intention to strengthen its presence in the Caribbean and to be a steadfast interlocutor for the nation of our region,” she said. “ We deeply appreciate Spain’s enduring partnership with CARICOM,  which has spanned decades  and provided critical support in key areas of development.”

Additionally, she pointed out that Spain’s leadership, as the largest donor to the United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, is a strong testament of its commitment to multilateralism and global solidarity.

“Dominica,  like other small island developing states, continues to face grave challenges arising from climate change, economic vulnerability, and external shocks,” Burton remarked. “We therefore value Spain’s recognition of those realities and its willingness to champion initiatives…”

She added, “ The focus on multidimensional and cross-sectoral approaches [resonates] deeply with our national priorities and the collective agendas of our region.”