The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Russian Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Oct. 1 at the U.N. aimed at establishing a mechanism for political dialogue and cooperation.
CARICOM said the MoU is a result of “mutual desire to strengthen traditional friendly relations, as well as to develop fruitful co-operation in spheres of common interest.”
CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General Lolita Applewhaite signed on behalf of the community, while Sergei Ryabkov, vice minister of foreign affairs for Latin America and the Caribbean, signed on behalf of the Russian Federation.
The MoU makes provisions for “enhancing dialogue and cooperation between the parties within multilateral organizations on issues of mutual interest.”
It also seeks to promote cooperation and exchanges in the economic, trade, financial, investment, technological, scientific and technical spheres, as well as exchanges and training in the fields of culture, education, health care, sports, youth development and tourism,” the statement said.
CARICOM said both countries will seek to organize conferences, seminars and other events “in a bid to promote participation and contacts among state and non-governmental organizations of CARICOM and the Russian Federation, including youth organizations and business associations.”
“It is also envisaged that meetings of foreign ministers will be held at least once every two years in rotation, in the CARICOM member states and the Russian Federation, or in third countries,” the statement said.
