Caribbean foreign ministers discussing Cuba, EU, other issues in St Vincent

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, Monday May 9, 2016 – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) foreign ministers have convened in St Vincent for the 19th meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), amid the unfolding of a number of major geopolitical issues.

According to the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat, the two-day meeting will provide the ministers with the opportunity for a periodic review of a range of diplomatic matters involving CARICOM’s relations with international organisations and third countries.

“COFCOR will examine the implications for the Caribbean Community of several emerging issues including the reshaping of the United States relations with Cuba and the pending British referendum on European Union membership,” the statement said.

“As the Community seeks to reinforce relations with multilateral organisations, COFCOR will discuss matters regarding the United Nations, the Organisation of American States, The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).”

The statement added that the ministers will also seek to forge and strengthen ties with third states including Brazil, Japan, Sweden and The Netherlands on issues of mutual interests.

“Following on the heels of last week’s Ninth UK-Caribbean Forum in The Bahamas, CARICOM Foreign Ministers will devote part of their meeting to discussing the critical elements emanating from that engagement.

“The meeting will also discuss border issues, and a range of bilateral topics involving Mexico, Cuba and the Nordic States, and the Unites States,” the statement said.