Saudi-CARICOM Summit: Joint Statement Issued
On November 16, 2023, under the gracious invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, leaders from Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened in Riyadh. This marked the first-ever Saudi-CARICOM summit. It was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. CARICOM leaders, led by Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, joined the discussion.
Saudi-CARICOM Summit: Mutual Interests and Strengthening Ties
The summit emphasized shared interests and friendly relations. The leaders exchanged views on common issues and discussed expanding their partnership. They focused on leveraging opportunities for growth and development based on their shared vision and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Saudi-CARICOM Summit: Commitments Made
The summit highlighted several commitments:
Firstly, Peace and Security:
Emphasizing efforts to enhance peace, security, stability, and prosperity through mutual respect and cooperation. This commitment aims at sustainable development and upholding an international order based on established rules and international law.
Secondly, Areas of Cooperation:
Exploring cooperation in education, health, maritime collaboration, communication, logistics, food security, energy security, and tourism. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Thirdly, Multilateral and Bilateral Relations:
Enhancing relations at multilateral and bilateral levels. This includes promoting sustainable development, peace, security, infrastructure in tourism, and business opportunities in IT and digital services. Emphasis was also placed on sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy sources, trade, tourism, logistics, and communication.
Fourthly, Trade and Investment:
Fostering trade and investment relationships between Saudi Arabia and CARICOM through public-private partnerships and business relations. Consequently, this will involve utilizing new platforms, trade missions, exhibitions, seminars, and dialogues.
Fifthly, Support for Expo 2030:
CARICOM nations pledged support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh. They also recognized the importance of regional and international exhibitions to rejuvenate economic and cultural exchanges.
Sixthly, Agricultural Development:
Cooperating in sustainable and circular agriculture, enhancing sustainable food production, water resource management, and trade and investment in food and agriculture industries.
Seventhly, Cultural Exchange:
Enhancing dialogue to promote trust, mutual understanding, and respect for diversity, contributing to a culture of peace. This also includes supporting cultural and creative industries through festivals, art exhibitions, film festivals, workshops, book fairs, and other events.
Eighthly: Tourism Cooperation:
Enhancing cooperation in heritage tourism, cruise tourism, sustainable and environmental tourism through joint investments and capacity building.
Ninthly, Climate Change Initiatives:
Emphasizing the urgency of joint action against climate change. This includes adopting renewable energy technologies, low-carbon technologies, and equitable access to climate finance. It also includes innovative solutions for low-emission economies.
Tenthly, Middle East Green Initiative:
Welcoming Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Green Initiative, including a dedicated secretariat and a $2.5 billion commitment to support the initiative’s projects and governance.
Eleventhly, International Water Organization:
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s initiative to establish an international water organization headquartered in Riyadh.
Finally, Sports Events Hosting:
Endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and welcoming the Caribbean’s hosting of the T20 Cricket World Cup 2024.
Saudi-CARICOM Summit: Planning for the Next Summit
The leaders agreed to hold the second Saudi-CARICOM summit in 2026. CARICOM leaders expressed their gratitude to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi government and people for their hospitality.
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