At the CELAC-EU Summit held in Santa Marta, Colombia, on November 10, leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union reaffirmed their dedication to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica highlighted these commitments during a press conference on Thursday. The summit emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. CELAC’s declaration of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace was also endorsed, with a focus on dialogue, cooperation, and maritime security, particularly for small island states. The leaders expressed deep concern over the humanitarian impact of global conflicts and agreed that diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law should guide their actions. On Ukraine, they supported efforts for a sustainable ceasefire and just peace based on sovereignty and territorial integrity. Regarding Gaza, they welcomed the first phase of a comprehensive peace plan and urged adherence to international humanitarian law. The summit also reaffirmed support for Haiti’s security and stability and opposed the economic embargo on Cuba. A significant focus was on reforming the international system, with calls for a more representative and inclusive United Nations and a fairer global financial architecture. Small island developing states like Dominica advocated for greater access to concessional financing and debt relief. The summit also emphasized climate resilience and the energy transition, with Dominica showcasing its leadership in geothermal development and climate resilience. Regional cooperation to address environmental challenges like sargassum was also discussed, aiming to turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth. The meeting underscored the solidarity between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union summit crystallizes common ground on global issues
