EU-CARIFORUM Meeting on Political Dialogue, Kingston (Jamaica), 23 March 2010. Final Communiqué

The European Union and CARIFORUM met for the first CARIFORUM-EU Political Dialogue at Kingston, Jamaica, to discuss issues of interest and relevance to both parties within the framework of the upcoming EU-CARIFORUM Summit to take place in Madrid on 17 May 2010.

This political dialogue represents the determination of both Parties to enhance the relations currently existing between the two regions. It is in keeping with the Lima Declaration of 17th May 2008 which agreed to the establishment of mechanisms for a structured and comprehensive political dialogue.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the operationalisation of an effective EU-Caribbean strategy which included an analysis of the implications of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and the relations with the European Union. The CARIFORUM delegation provided an update on the integration process and the steps towards sustainable economic development for which the European Union committed its full support.