Meeting in Brussels to Strengthen Relations among European, Latin American and Caribbean Countries
By: , June 5, 2015The Key Point:
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (2nd left), participates in a caucus meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Mission of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday (June 10),to review the agenda and discuss national and regional positions ahead of the opening of the second summit of the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC) in that European city. Accompanying the Prime Minister is Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator AJ Nicholson (at left). From right are: Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony; and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris.The Facts
- The important EU-CELAC Summit will bring together Heads of Government and technocrats of European, Latin American and Caribbean nations to discuss economic and social issues affecting their countries.
- Some 61 Heads of State or Government are expected to be in attendance at the meeting which will focus on the theme: “Shaping our Common Future: Working for Prosperous, Cohesive and Sustainable Societies for our Citizens.”
The Full Story
Jamaica has been invited to participate in the second summit of the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) which will take place on June 10-11, 2015 in Brussels, Belgium. The important EU-CELAC Summit will bring together Heads of Government and technocrats of European, Latin American and Caribbean nations to discuss economic and social issues affecting their countries and to agree on strategies for improved cooperation and support.
Some 61 Heads of State or Government are expected to be in attendance at the meeting which will be chaired by the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk and will focus on the theme: “Shaping our Common Future: Working for Prosperous, Cohesive and Sustainable Societies for our Citizens.”
The summit will provide an opportunity to deepen dialogue and strengthen partnerships among the countries on people-oriented initiatives for sustainable growth, education, security, and climate change.
Jamaica has had a long and successful relationship with the EU spanning 40 years. Over this period, the EU has contributed an estimated J$170 billion in development assistance to Jamaica in a wide range of areas such as education, agriculture, security, rural development and public financial management.
The projects and programmes in Jamaica which have received EU funding include the Sugar Transformation Programme; construction of the North-Coast Highway; the JS1.7 Billion Sugar Estates Barracks Relocation Project; water supplies, the Poverty Alleviation Programme, small business development; tax reform; public sector modernization, the Banana Support Programme, youth and community development, justice sector reform and climate change initiatives.
Last year the EU allocated 46 Million Euros in development assistance to Jamaica under the 11th European Development Fund. The EU is the main source of grant funding to Jamaica and the main provider of development aid worldwide.
The EU constitutes the leading foreign investor in the CELAC region and is its second largest trade partner. CELAC, which originated in 2010, comprises 33 member countries with an agenda to promote regional integration.
The first EU-CELAC summit took place in Santiago, Chile January 26-27, 2013.