At the Caribbean-EU Meeting held during the margins of the 4th CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, , Minister of Foreign Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene. delivered remarks on behalf of the twin island state. During his speech Minister Greene remarked on the historic relations that exists between the Caribbean and the European Union, which have primarily been founded on shared values and a rules based international order, resulting in mutual benefits for the peoples of both Regions. In his address to the meeting the Foreign Minister stated that “Antigua and Barbuda stands at this crossroads of continents not just to participate, but to passionately advocate for a partnership that is both transformative and just”.
Minister Greene re-enforced Antigua and Barbuda’s support for multilateralism, which is critical for Small Island Developing States to safeguard their sovereignty in a global community which is growing with increasing uncertainty. He expressed delight for the EU’s leadership in global climate action, while calling for further investment in renewable energy, and accessible, concessional financing to assist Caribbean countries in building climate resilient infrastructure.
The Minister acknowledged the EU as one of the latest multilateral development cooperation donors to the Region. He stated that the EU’s Global Gateway initiative would assist Antigua and Barbuda, and the entire Region in areas of climate resilience and digital inclusion. Through this initiative, climate resilient infrastructure will result in the modernizing of water systems, while reducing energy cost. Additionally, the digital transition will ensure that our youth will become more competitive in the global digital economy.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister echoed the calls of his colleagues and encouraged the EU delegation to continue their advocacy efforts for the Caribbean to remain a “Zone of Peace”. He further called for a coordinated, bi-regional response to combat the ongoing crisis in Haiti and bring stability to the sister nation. He stated that the situation in Haiti remains a Caribbean crisis, which must remain a priority for the EU-Caribbean partnership. The Minister also spoke to the nation’s Investment Migration programme and urged greater cooperation from the EU leadership, as these programmes remain vital to many Caribbean economies.
Moreover, Minister Greene called for the Caribbean and the EU to build upon the existing partnership, with emphasis on cooperation, sustainability and shared prosperity. He further stated that through the distinct actions, and a partnership based on shared values, we are positively impacting the lives of the citizens of both Regions for the present and the future.
