Joo Lourenço Outlines Paths for Strengthening Africa/Caribbean Cooperation

Addis ababa: Angolan President Joo Lourenço on Saturday outlined the main axes for strengthening cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean region, emphasizing the importance of defining clear goals and effectively implementing decisions already made. According to Angola Press News Agency, in his opening speech at the 2nd Summit between the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Lourenço stressed that both regions must advance with determination to fulfill commitments and enhance cooperation in strategic sectors. He highlighted the establishment of the AfreximBank Office in the Caribbean as a significant milestone, opening new trade and investment opportunities and fostering closer ties through Afro-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forums. Lourenço also noted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union and the Caribbean Community on September 26, 2024. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as trade, transportation, education, science, a nd culture, as well as mutual support in addressing global challenges. Despite these advancements, Lourenço emphasized the need to address unfulfilled commitments by prioritizing a clear roadmap for initiatives like a Joint Communications and Media Platform, a Multilateral Air Services Agreement, and direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean. He proposed creating an Africa-CARICOM Public-Private Partnership to mobilize resources for the Forum of African and Caribbean Territories and States. In the cultural and social spheres, Lourenço underscored the importance of educational, artistic, and sports exchanges, along with giving an active voice to youth, universities, research centers, and the diaspora. He suggested establishing Permanent Technical Subcommittees with representatives from the AU, CARICOM, and other stakeholders to focus on areas of mutual interest, such as vaccine production and agricultural innovation. Lourenço called for coordinated efforts to drive reforms in the global financial arch itecture, addressing issues like debt and financial resources for structural projects. He emphasized the inclusion of youth in these strategies by proposing the institutionalization of the African Union-CARICOM Youth Council as a permanent consultative body. The President also highlighted the global context of profound transformations, including climate crisis, food and energy insecurity, geopolitical instability, forced migration, and economic pressures. He noted that these challenges disproportionately affect countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean, and are exacerbated by the weakening of multilateral institutions. Lourenço urged for stronger cooperative efforts to promote comprehensive multilateralism, ensuring equal inclusion of all peoples and nations. The meeting aims to bolster political, economic, and cultural cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, fostering consultation on global issues of common interest.