The prevailing global and regional uncertainties place increased responsibility on CARICOM to act collectively in advancing its foreign policy priorities, Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Ms. Elizabeth Solomon, said on Thursday, 16 April.

Delivering remarks at the Meeting of Senior Officials Preparatory to the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), Ms. Solomon said that conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia war, and the situation in Haiti necessitate that CARICOM remains a consistent voice in support of territorial integrity, multilateralism, and the rule of law.

Despite current global volatility, she stated that opportunities continue to emerge for growth, development, and partnerships that could support the sustainable development of the Community.
These include CARICOM’s engagement with non-traditional partners, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as continued efforts to strengthen ties with Africa and India, while reinforcing long-standing relationships with partners such as the United Kingdom.

As the Community continues to adapt its approaches to evolving international circumstances, Ms. Solomon underscored the importance of sustaining unity within CARICOM, even where differing views may arise among Member States.

“I am confident that together, the Community can weather the storm of uncertainty that has caused great distress within the international system. We must engage uncomfortable situations tactfully, adapting our diplomacy to modern circumstances while maintaining the approach of civility and commitment to peace that our Region has espoused for decades,” Assistant Secretary-General Solomon stated.

The meeting of Officials was held as CARICOM prepares for the transition of the leadership of COFCOR from St. Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of Suriname, which will host the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Council in May. In this regard, Ms. Solomon expressed appreciation to St. Kitts and Nevis for its stewardship of the Council over the past year and welcomed the assumption of responsibility by Suriname.

Ms. Miriam Mac Intosh, Permanent Secretary in Suriname’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation, chaired the Officials’ meeting.

The outcomes of the Officials’ meeting will inform discussions and decisions by CARICOM Foreign Ministers at the ministerial meeting next month.