CARICOM and Slovenia moving closer to stronger partnership

The growing partnership between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Slovenia was strengthened recently as the CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett welcomed a new ambassador of the European country to the Community.

His Excellency Iztok Mirošič presented his letter of credence to the Secretary-General who described the occasion as "a positive step” in their emerging partnership.

She noted that despite their geographical distance, the Community and this European partner shared a commitment to democracy, multilateralism, and the rule of law.

“These values promote a just and peaceful world order by ensuring fair representation, cooperation, and a system of rules that applies to everyone,” the CARICOM Secretary-General stated.

Dr. Barnett highlighted CARICOM’s endorsement of Slovenia’s candidature as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and she expressed optimism of a close collaboration with Guyana on the reform of the UNSC.

She also reiterated the call for the international community and development partners to support political stability, security, and recovery in Haiti by providing much-needed resources for the Multinational Security Support Mission to help create an environment conducive to free and fair elections.

Addressing climate change, the Secretary-General said Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), which includes all CARICOM Member States, are especially vulnerable to the environmental and economic pressures climate change causes.

SIDS therefore require greater support to adapt and build resilience through access to concessional financing which could ensure their continued survival. This is the context for CARICOM’s call for reform of the global financial architecture, Dr. Barnett said.

The Secretary-General also raised concerns about the “unilateral blacklisting process” employed by the European Union, seeking Slovenia's support for an equitable international system.

 In his remarks, Ambassador Mirošič affirmed Slovenia’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with CARICOM, based on partnership, mutual respect, and solidarity. He said Slovenia will use various tools and opportunities to further strengthen its ties and cooperation with CARICOM in the areas of common interest.

“Among them are addressing common environmental challenges in climate, water, forestry, pollinators/bees and biodiversity, and in finding possible solutions, including digital solutions, innovative technologies and AI cooperation of science and research institutions, where the consideration of facilitating joint projects takes place,” the new Slovenian ambassador said.

He also expressed gratitude to CARICOM for its support of Slovenia’s candidacy to the UNSC and expressed solidarity with Haiti and with Guyana in its relations with Venezuela.