The Cuban Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Bárbara Montalvo Álvarez, participated, together with other Heads of Missions from Latin America and the Caribbean, in the virtual conference for the tenth anniversary of the Canning Agenda, launched by the British Government in 2010 and in which the revitalization of the UK's relations with Latin America was reinforced.
The conference, sponsored by the Canning House - an institution dedicated to the study and analysis of socio-political issues as well as to the promotion of economic and trade opportunities and relations between the United Kingdom and Latin America - reviewed the successes and challenges faced in this period and the future perspectives of the Agenda. The event had the support of the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) and highlighted the relevance of further strengthening relations with Latin America as a result of the current changing scenario and the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
The panelists pointed out the existing great opportunities to work together in areas such as agriculture, climate change, fintech, science and technology, among others, as well as to advance at the multilateral level in the implementation of a possible agreement with Mercosur. Participants also expressed that the United Kingdom enjoys a good perception in Latin American countries, facilitating collaboration and investment and allowing opportunities for cooperation to be opened on fields such as sustainable development with low carbon emissions, energy security, environmentally friendly growth, training, education and teaching of the English language. The closing remarks were delivered by Ranil Jayawardena, British Minister for International Trade.