Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated that Heads of State and Government from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitments to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law during the CELAC-EU Summit held in Santa Marta, Colombia, on November 10.
During a press conference on Thursday, the prime minister outlined the key issues discussed at the gathering.
“At the meeting, Heads of State and Government from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union reaffirmed our commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,” he said. “We further pledged to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and a peaceful settlement of disputes.”
According to Mr. Skerrit, CELAC’s declaration of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace was again endorsed.
“We recognize the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and maritime security, especially for small island states like ours,” he stated.
He noted that the growing number of conflicts around the world was also discussed, ” deep concern over their humanitarian impact” being expressed.
Skerrit said the heads agreed that diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law must guide their actions.
In regards to Ukraine, the Prime Minister said the leaders supported all efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire and just peace based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“On the situation in Gaza, we welcomed the first phase of the comprehensive peace plan and urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and allow the safe delivery of aid,” he revealed.
He continued, “I also joined my colleagues in reaffirming support for the people of Haiti and ongoing efforts to restore security and stability. We also repeated our opposition to the economic and financial embargo imposed on the Republic of Cuba. “
Mr. Skerrit went on to add that a major focus of their discussions was the need for reform of the international system.
“We agreed that the United Nations must become more representative, inclusive, and democratic, reflecting the realities of today’s world. CELAC countries proposed that the next UN Secretary General should come from our region, and this received strong attention,” he asserted. “We also supported reforms to the global financial architecture to make it more just and responsive to the needs of developing nations.”
The Prime Minister stressed that small island developing states like Dominica need greater access to concessional financing and debt relief based on the country’s vulnerabilities and exposure to climate and economic shocks.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to a fair, rule-based multilateral trading system under the WTO [World Trade Organization] and welcomed the strengthening of trade and investment ties between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean,” he explained.
Skerrit further explained that a key outcome for the region was the emphasis on climate resilience and the energy transition.
“We renewed our collective commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement. I took the opportunity to highlight Dominica’s leadership in building a climate-resilient nation and advancing a clean energy agenda through geothermal development,” he revealed. “We also discussed regional cooperation to address environmental challenges such as the sargassum, turning them into opportunities for innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth.”
He added, “ In all, this meeting was a reaffirmation of our solidarity between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.”
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