Paramaribo: Omar Shehadeh, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States, participated in the 29th Regular Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), hosted by the Republic of Suriname. The UAE attended as a special guest, reflecting the growing momentum in UAE-Caribbean diplomatic engagement.
According to Emirates News Agency, Omar Shehadeh emphasized the significance of structured, results-oriented cooperation in areas such as sustainable energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, and innovation-driven development, as key pillars of a forward-looking UAE-Caribbean partnership. He also highlighted the UAE's expanding network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), noting interest in pursuing a similar agreement with CARICOM to further encourage economic cooperation and open new avenues for trade and investment.
In response, CARICOM Foreign Ministers agreed to initiate discussions on a potential trade and investment framework to establish a structured economic partnership delivering benefits for Caribbean economies. Shehadeh further expressed the UAE's readiness to support CARICOM's priorities at multilateral fora, including COP31, highlighting the UAE's position as a substantive partner for small island developing states facing the climate crisis.
Shehadeh discussed opportunities for collaboration between the UAE and CARICOM to ensure active Caribbean participation in the UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host in December. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to coordinating efforts ahead of the event. The COFCOR meeting took place amidst geopolitical and economic uncertainties, with discussions focusing on strengthening CARICOM's global partnerships, particularly with the UAE.
The Council reaffirmed its solidarity with the UAE following unprovoked Iranian missile and drone strikes on UAE territory. CARICOM member states condemned the attacks and expressed unwavering support for the UAE as a strategic partner. A special lunch was organized in honor of the UAE delegation, where Shehadeh expressed appreciation for international support condemning these attacks.
On the sidelines, Shehadeh met with Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of Suriname, conveying greetings from the UAE leadership. He also held bilateral meetings with Caribbean Foreign and Trade Ministers, reinforcing the commitment to diplomatic ties and cooperation.
The UAE's participation in the COFCOR meeting signifies a constructive strengthening of UAE-Caribbean diplomatic ties, reflecting a shared commitment to cooperation, multilateralism, and strategic vision for development and prosperity.