Canada and Caribbean deepen strategic cooperation ties

Foreign ministers from Canada and Caribbean states gathered in Panama City this week to reinforce a widening partnership focused on security, economic resilience and climate policy, as regional governments confront overlapping geopolitical and environmental pressures.

The meeting, held alongside the 2026 Organization of American States General Assembly, was co chaired by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Barbados Foreign Affairs Minister Christopher Sinckler, acting on behalf of the Caribbean Community Council for Foreign and Community Relations. Officials used the forum to review progress under the Canada CARICOM Strategic Partnership first established in 2023 and to set priorities for its next phase.

Ministers said global instability has made closer coordination between partners more urgent, particularly for small island and developing states. They reaffirmed commitments to democratic governance, regional security and sustainable growth while endorsing a refreshed Action Plan built around three pillars: competitive economies, climate action and regional security.

A central outcome of the discussions was agreement on the need for clearer implementation measures, including defined timelines, measurable targets and stable financing structures. Officials said these elements would be essential to turning policy commitments into practical outcomes.

Security dominated much of the agenda. Ministers raised concerns about transnational organised crime, gang activity, irregular migration and escalating instability in Haiti. They called for stronger institutional cooperation to enhance maritime security, improve intelligence sharing and disrupt illicit trafficking networks. Canada’s ongoing support for capacity building and operational assistance in the region was acknowledged as part of this effort.

Attention also focused on Haiti’s deteriorating political and humanitarian situation. Ministers warned that instability in the country continues to fuel regional drug and arms trafficking. They expressed support for the international Gang Suppression Force and pledged backing for its mandate renewal at the United Nations Security Council later this year. Participants also noted early deployments and training efforts already underway.

The ministers reiterated that Haitians must be able to choose their own government through credible elections and emphasised the need to rebuild public trust by tackling corruption and strengthening judicial institutions. A broader consultation on Haiti is expected to take place on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.

Economic discussions highlighted the link between energy access, trade and development. Ministers pointed to the importance of affordable and reliable energy in supporting industrial growth and innovation. They also reviewed opportunities to expand trade through existing frameworks such as CARIBCAN, which provides duty free access to Canadian markets for most goods from 18 Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories

Leaders stressed that climate vulnerability remains a defining challenge for the region. They called for reform of global financial systems to improve access to concessional funding for small island developing states and emphasised the need for stronger disaster preparedness and a shift toward renewable energy sources.

The meeting concluded with agreement to maintain momentum through continued official level work. Senior officials will finalise implementation details of the updated Action Plan, identify priority projects and establish reporting mechanisms ahead of a follow up dialogue later this year.

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