PM Terrance Drew attends EU-CELAC Summit 2023; aims to strengthen bi-regional relations

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew is currently in Brussels, Belgium, to attend the EU-CELAC Summit 2023. The Summit has been scheduled to take place from July 17 to 18, 2023. The theme of the meeting is “Renewing the bi-regional partnership to strengthen peace and sustainable development”.

Prime Minister Dr Drew is accompanied by his Cabinet ministers, including Minister of Foreign Affairs – Dr Denzil Douglas; Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action – Dr Joyelle Clarke; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Kaye Bass; Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office – Naeemah Hazelle; and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister – Adelcia Connor-Ferlance.

As per the official reports, the delegation departed from the twin-island Federation on July 15 and is expected to return on July 19.

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew shared a glimpse of the first day of the meeting and outlined that the day was all about productive and fruitful discussions. PM, through his social media, stated, “The first day of the EU-CELAC Summit has concluded, and it was quite eventful as we discussed key matters of interest that impact the region and effective resolutions.”

Additionally, PM Dr Drew shared that the Heads of the European Union, Caribbean and Latin America discussed critical issues such as the current situation in Haiti, financial and economic assistance to address the climate fallout, and the embargo on Cuba were among the high-level issues discussed.

Prime Minister Drew also offered his intervention on these topics, amongst others.

The Summit has been co-chaired by the European Council President – Charles Michel, and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines – Ralph Gonsalves.

As per the various reports, this Summit will act as a catalyst in structuring the relationship between both the regions – European Union and the Caribbean. Prior to the EU-CELAC Summit, a dedicated meeting of EU officials and Caribbean leaders was held in which key issues were discussed.

St Kitts and Nevis aims to strengthen relations with Europe:

Following the opening ceremony on July 17 (Monday), Foreign Affairs Minister of St Kitts and Nevis – Dr Denzil Douglas met with his counterpart from Romania – Luminita Odobesçu. As per the reports, both ministers conducted high-level talks strengthening cooperation between the nations.

EU-CELAC:

The European Union (EU) – Community of Latin America and Caribbean (CELAC) is an international organisation established in the year 2011 in Hamburg, Germany. The foundation of this organisation is to strengthen the bi-regional relations between both regions. The organisation was collectively created by the Heads of the States and Government of the EU, LAC.

Considering it an important milestone, it is believed that the EU-CELAC will bolster the political interaction, supporting the bi-regional progress.