12/06/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 12 June, the Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, began a climate-focused diplomatic visit to the Caribbean region. With a view to the next Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP28), Mr Timmermans has travelled to Barbados (12-13 June) and will be in Guyana (14 June) and Suriname (15 June) for discussions with government representatives, stakeholders and civil society. His trip includes meetings with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, as well as visits to projects focusing on climate resilience and biodiversity protection, such as the HOPE initiative for affordable, eco-responsible homes. Mr Timmermans will also take part in the signing of an EU support programme for mangroves. (NP)