On Thursday, 23rd May through Friday, 24th May 2024, Dominica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy; Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson welcomed Foreign Ministers from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and specially invited guests, to the State House Conference Centre in the Commonwealth of Dominica to engage on matters related to CARICOM’s bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as to interface with Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ delegation led by Hon. Keisal Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade also included H.E. Allan Alexander, Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to CARICOM and Dr. Tamira Browne, Director (Ag.) of Foreign Policy and Research in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

At the meeting, CARICOM Secretary General; Dr. Carla Barnett noted that the COFCOR meeting of Foreign Ministers was being held at a time when CARICOM is focused on expanding beyond its traditional relationships which is exemplified by the thrust for formal partnership with the African Union and expanded political dialogue.

Further, with respect to the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States being hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, Member States spoke to engagement with international partners, including Small Island Developing States outside the Community with respect to a common thrust regarding the climate agenda and financing for development.

COFCOR is one of five Organs of CARICOM. It determines relations between the Community and International Organisations and Third States and promotes the development of friendly and mutually beneficial relations among Member States. COFCOR aims to establish measures to co-ordinate the foreign policies of the Member States, coordinate the positions of the Member States in inter-governmental organisations, and collaborate with the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in promoting and developing policies for the enhancement of external economic and trade relations of the Community.

SOURCE: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade