The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent congratulatory cables to Her Excellency Sandra Mason, President of the Republic of Barbados, on the occasion of her country's Independence Day. In the cables, the Saudi leadership expressed its sincerest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to Her Excellency, and for continued progress and prosperity to the government and people of the friendly Republic of Barbados.
This congratulatory message comes within the framework of high-level diplomatic protocols that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to uphold with all friendly nations. These messages reflect the wise leadership's commitment to sharing in the national celebrations of countries around the world, thereby strengthening the bonds of friendship and international cooperation. Barbados, an island nation in the Caribbean, is a respected partner of the international community and celebrates its independence from the United Kingdom, which was officially achieved on November 30, 1966—a pivotal turning point in the island's political and social history.
It is worth noting that Barbados has undergone a significant historical transformation in recent years, strengthening its national sovereignty. In November 2021, it became a republic, ending centuries of association with the British Crown, and Sandra Mason became its first female president. This political shift reflects the maturity of Barbados' democratic experience and its desire to solidify its independent identity, a move appreciated by sovereign nations, including Saudi Arabia, which consistently supports the right of peoples to self-determination and the establishment of their national institutions.
On the bilateral and regional level, relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean countries (to which Barbados belongs) have witnessed remarkable development recently. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has sought to expand its international alliances and partnerships to include promising new geographic regions such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This focus is reflected in strengthening cooperation in vital areas of common interest, such as sustainable tourism, addressing climate change, and infrastructure investment, with the Saudi Fund for Development playing a pivotal role in supporting development projects in the region.
The continued diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Bridgetown (the capital of Barbados) underscores the Saudi approach of openness to the world, which aims to build bridges of fruitful cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests, thus contributing to strengthening international peace and security and supporting global economic development paths.
