In a historic moment of collaboration, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued a joint statement following the inaugural Saudi Arabia-CARICOM Summit held in Riyadh on November 16, 2023. The summit, co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Excellency Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica, saw the convergence of leadership from Saudi Arabia and CARICOM member states.
The joint statement, reflective of the warm relations and mutual interests between the two regions, outlined a comprehensive framework for cooperation. Emphasizing adherence to the United Nations (UN) Charter and shared values, the leaders pledged to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity through cooperation. The declaration underscores the commitment to a rules-based international order based on international law and the UN Charter.
Key highlights of the joint statement include:
Mutual Cooperation: The leaders commit to joint efforts to achieve sustainable development, progress, and uphold the rules-based international order.
Areas of Cooperation: Focus on specific areas of mutual interest such as education (scholarships), health, maritime cooperation, connectivity, logistics, food security, energy security, tourism economics, and other potential areas of collaboration.
Enhanced Ties: Strengthening ties at multilateral and bilateral levels, with a focus on sustainable development, peace, security, tourism infrastructure, ICT/Global Digital Services, and boosting trade and investment flows.
Trade and Investment Relations: Promoting public-private partnerships and business-to-business relations to enhance trade and investment between Saudi Arabia and CARICOM.
Expo 2030 Support: Expressing support for Saudi Arabia's bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh and pledging to energize economic and cultural exchanges between Saudi Arabia and CARICOM.
Agricultural Cooperation: Collaborating in sustainable and circular agriculture, sustainable food production, and the sustainable use and management of water resources.
Cultural Exchange: Promoting dialogue among the peoples and cultures of both regions to enhance trust, mutual understanding, and respect for diversity.
Tourism Cooperation: Enhancing cooperation in various tourism sectors, including heritage, cruise, sustainable and eco-tourism, through joint investments and capacity-building.
Climate Change Mitigation: Urging joint action to mitigate climate change impacts, protect the environment, and develop low carbon and clean energy technologies.
Middle East Green Initiative (MGI): Welcoming Saudi Arabia's MGI and its commitment to establish a dedicated Secretariat and allocate US $2.5 billion to support MGI projects and governance.
International Water Organization: Supporting the establishment of an international water organization based in Riyadh.
Major Sporting Events: Acknowledging the role of CARICOM and Saudi Arabia in hosting major sporting events, endorsing Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and welcoming the Caribbean's hosting of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024.
Next Summit: Deciding to hold the Second Saudi Arabia-CARICOM Summit in 2026.
The joint statement concluded with CARICOM leaders expressing appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality. The summit marks a milestone in the burgeoning relationship between Saudi Arabia and CARICOM, setting the stage for future collaboration and mutual benefit.
