Senator Campbell Calls For Closer CELAC Ties

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Leslie Campbell, has highlighted the need for the continued strengthening of relations among the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in order to advance the region’s development agenda.

He noted that the relationship within CELAC is characterised by mutual respect and sustained cooperation in diverse, mutually beneficial areas, and although countries are sometimes separated by language and culture, they are joined together by a shared heritage and the mutual pursuit of common goals.

“It is crucial that we continue to collaborate in the spirit of regional unity and solidarity, to strengthen capacities and build infrastructure in order to transform our societies,” he said.

Senator Campbell was speaking at the 22nd meeting of Foreign Ministers of CELAC, which was held virtually on January 7, and was highlighted by the handover of the Pro Tempore Presidency to Argentina by Mexico.

The meeting included the adoption of the 2022 work plan, which, Senator Campbell noted, is reflective “of our shared priorities and values and reinforces our commitment to build on the outcomes of prior high-level engagements”.

Senator Campbell said that among the areas of interest on the work programme is the intention to revive the ‘Quartet’ process.

The Quartet comprises the current, past and incoming chairs of CELAC plus the CARICOM Chairperson.

“Jamaica notes, with pleasure, that two CARICOM countries will serve on the Quartet. We look forward to the continued guidance of this group as CELAC works towards strengthening our collective relations, enhancing cooperation and identifying new areas of collaboration in the interest of addressing the needs and well-being of our peoples,” Senator Campbell said further.

The Foreign Affairs State Minister noted that the CELAC initiative has expanded exponentially, and alliances with extra-regional partners such as China and the European Union have allowed for partnerships on areas of diverse and mutual benefit.

“[These include] equitable access to vaccines and healthcare, environmental protection, climate change, science, innovation and technology, digital technology, the strengthening of supply chains, poverty alleviation, agriculture, food security, clean and renewable energy and assisting the region to respond to natural disasters, as well as the protection of rights of persons in situations of vulnerability,” he said.

Senator Campbell cited the Third CELAC-China Forum held last December, where there was agreement for the further strengthening of cooperation in transportation, tourism, culture and the strengthening of economic and trade ties.

He said that Jamaica supports the intention to strengthen the CELAC-African Union partnership.

CELAC is an intergovernmental mechanism for dialogue and political agreement that includes 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was first launched in December 2011.