Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands, presents a farewell gift to outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Barbados, Dr. Gerhard Doujak, during their meeting today. (S. Forde-Craigg/BGIS)
Barbados is looking forward to continued cooperation with the Austrian Government, even as its Ambassador Dr. Gerhard Doujak’s four-year term comes to an end.
During a farewell courtesy call at the Ministry’s headquarters at Culloden Road, St. Michael, this morning, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands, and Dr. Doujak, who is the Ambassador of Austria to Barbados, agreed to continue their longstanding and friendly diplomatic relations.
Minister Husbands noted that upon return to their countries, those who served as diplomats to Barbados became strong advocates for the island on matters of mutual interest. She expressed the hope that the same would apply to Dr. Doujak.
“Early steps are important to form the foundation for further steps… and we appreciate the efforts that you…made while you were here, during the four years…to lay the foundation, and to add your voice to say, ‘yes, this will work’….
“So, we look forward to the furthering of our relationship as we seek to give life to these areas that we’ve discussed. I think that Barbados and the region will benefit significantly from those endeavours,” Minister Husbands stated.
Ambassador Doujak, who resides in Bogotá, Colombia, said he believed a good agenda had been established between the two countries and his successor would follow up on mutual areas discussed.
“I think we have a good agenda, which we developed over the past four years, and I’m very grateful to have served. I’m retiring happy,” Ambassador Doujak added.
The two officials also discussed the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, which is based in Vienna, Austria; an Air Services Agreement; Industrial Development; Technical and Vocational Training; Artificial Intelligence as well as Music, Art and Cultural Exchanges with the Barbados Community College.
The Acting Foreign Affairs Minister also thanked the Austrian Government for its partnership with the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, based in Barbados.
Also present at the courtesy call were Senior Foreign Service Officer, Trecia King; Foreign Service Officer, Asha Pitt and intern Rashana Jones. Barbados and Austria established diplomatic relations on November 27, 1967.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/minister-husbands-bids-austrian-ambassador-farewell/
