Foreign relations of Trinidad and Tobago

Modern Trinidad and Tobago maintains close relations with its Caribbean neighbours and major North American and European trading partners. As the most industrialized and second-largest country in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has taken a leading role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and strongly supports CARICOM economic integration efforts. It also is active in the Summit of the Americas process and supports the establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, lobbying other nations for seating the Secretariat in Port of Spain.

As a member of CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago strongly backed efforts by the United States to bring political stability to Haiti, contributing personnel to the Multinational Force in 1994. After its 1962 independence, Trinidad and Tobago joined the United Nations and Commonwealth of Nations. In 1967, it became the first Commonwealth country to join the Organization of American States (OAS). In 1995, Trinidad played host to the inaugural meeting of the Association of Caribbean States and has become the seat of this 35-member grouping, which seeks to further economic progress and integration among its states.

In international forums, Trinidad and Tobago has defined itself as having an independent voting record, but often supports U.S. and EU positions.

Trinidad and Tobago has historically been a trans-shipment point for South American drugs destined for the United States and Europe. This has created much tension in the country's politics.

Trinidad and Tobago is also a member-state of the International Criminal Court, without a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the U.S. military (as covered under Article 98)

Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth of Nations

Trinidad and Tobago became an independent state in 1962 with Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Trinidad and Tobago. She was represented by the Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago.

On August 1, 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations with the last Governor-General, Sir Ellis Clarke becoming the first President of Trinidad and Tobago.

Diplomatic relations List of countries which Trinidad and Tobago maintains diplomatic relations with: #CountryDate12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364656667686970717273747576—7778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145—146147148149150151152153154155156157158159160Unknown161Unknown162Unknown163Unknown164Unknown

Bilateral relations Country Formal Relations BeganNotes 29 August 2023See Armenia–Trinidad and Tobago relations7 January 1974See Australia–Trinidad and Tobago relations30 November 1966See Barbados–Trinidad and Tobago relations27 July 1965See Brazil–Trinidad and Tobago relations Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago enjoy a cordial and active relations Several mutual visits of Heads of State have occurred starting in 2008, when a MOU for cooperation on energy industry was signed.31 August 1962See Canada–Trinidad and Tobago relations3 February 1964See Chile–Trinidad and Tobago relations20 June 1974See China–Trinidad and Tobago relations8 December 1972See Cuba–Trinidad and Tobago relations25 May 1972Cyprus is represented in Trinidad and Tobago by its embassy in New York City. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.31 August 1962See France–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962

Bilateral relations between the countries France and Trinidad and Tobago have existed for about two hundred years. Currently, France has an embassy in Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago is represented in France through its embassy in Brussels (Belgium). Trinidad and Tobago also has bilateral investment agreements with France.World trade and arbitration materials v. 11, nos. 1-3 (Werner Pub. Co., 1999), 24.8 April 2011Georgia is represented in Trinidad and Tobago by its embassy in Brasília.26 May 1966See Guyana–Trinidad and Tobago relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1966.

The two share many similarities between each other due to their shared history in the Commonwealth of Nations along with having similar language, culture, demographics and religions. Both countries had substantial numbers of indentured servants from India and slaves from Africa imported into their country. In the 1970s, Trinidad and Tobago gave Guyana substantial oil exports on credit and in the 1990s, forgave hundred of millions of dollars of debt under the Paris Club Agreement. In 2017, Guyana established its first High Commission in Port of Spain. In 2018, Both countries signed a MOU(Memorandum of Understanding) on Energy Cooperation.31 August 1962See India–Trinidad and Tobago relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962 when the status of the Commissioner of India in Trinidad and Tobago was raised to that of High Commissioner (Ambassador)

Republic of India operates a High Commission in Port of Spain, whilst Republic of Trinidad and Tobago operates a High Commission in New Delhi.Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in New Delhi 18 June 1963See Jamaica–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 June 1963

Jamaica has a High Commission in Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago has a High Commission in Kingston.29 April 1966See Mexico–Trinidad and Tobago relations Mexico has an embassy in Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.5 February 1968See Peru–Trinidad and Tobago relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 February 1968

Peru has an embassy in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago has a Consulate in Lima6 June 1974See Russia–Trinidad and Tobago relations

The Soviet Union and Trinidad and Tobago have established diplomatic relations on 6 June 1974.

Both countries have interests with each other since the Soviet Union. In August 1992, Trinidad recognized Russia as the USSR's successor. Currently, Russia is represented in Trinidad and Tobago through a non-resident embassy in Georgetown (Guyana). In 2004, Sergey Lavrov and Knowlson Gift signed the protocol on the political consultations between the two Ministries. In April 2005 the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago signed the cooperation agreement. In 2004, the Russian Cossack folk dance had nine concerts in Port of Spain, San Fernando, Couva, and Tobago.15 December 1971See Singapore–Trinidad and Tobago relations10 January 1995See South Africa–Trinidad and Tobago relations15 June 1967See Spain–Trinidad and Tobago relations22 May 1972Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 May 1972 Turkey has an embassy in Port of Spain. Trade volume between the two countries was 120.8 million USD in 2019 (Trinidad's exports/imports: 52.4/68.4 million USD).31 August 1962See Trinidad and Tobago–United Kingdom relations

Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 31 August 1962. Trinidad and Tobago maintains a high commission in London. The United Kingdom is accredited to its high commission in Port of Spain.

The UK governed Trinidad and Tobago from 1797 to 1962, when Trinidad and Tobago achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the Caribbean Development Bank, Commonwealth, the International Criminal Court, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the CARIFORUM–UK Economic Partnership Agreement. Bilaterally the two countries have a Double Taxation Convention,31 August 1962See Trinidad and Tobago–United States relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1962

The United States and Trinidad and Tobago enjoy cordial relations. U.S. interests there and throughout the hemisphere focus on increasing investment and trade, and ensuring more stable supplies of energy. They also include enhancing Trinidad and Tobago's political and social stability and positive regional role through assistance in drug interdiction, health issues, and legal affairs. The U.S. embassy was established in Port of Spain in 1962, replacing the former consulate-general. Trinidad and Tobago has an embassy in Washington, D.C. United States has an embassy in Port of Spain.14 September 1962See Trinidad and Tobago–Venezuela relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1962

Trinidad and Tobago has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Port of Spain.

International organisations

On its independence in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago joined the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1967, it became the first Commonwealth country to join the Organization of American States (OAS).

In 1995, Trinidad played host to the inaugural meeting of the Association of Caribbean States and has become the seat of this 35-member grouping, which seeks to further economic progress and integration among its states.

As the most industrialized and second-largest country in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has taken a leading role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and strongly supports CARICOM economic integration efforts. It also is active in the Summit of the Americas process and supports the establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, lobbying other nations for seating the Secretariat in Port of Spain. As a member of CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago strongly backed efforts by the United States to bring political stability to Haiti, contributing personnel to the Multinational Force in 1994.

Trinidad and Tobago is also a member-state of the International Criminal Court, without a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the U.S. military (as covered under Article 98).

In July 2013 the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro invited Trinidad and Tobago to join the Union of South American Nations.

Foreign relations of Trinidad and Tobago

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