This week, President von der Leyen visited Bridgetown, Barbados, to attend the CARICOM Summit of Caribbean Heads of Government. The visit emphasized the value Europe places on its partnership with the Caribbean region.
President von der Leyen held a joint press conference with the summits host, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, on Thursday, where she stated: “Despite being an ocean apart, Europe and the Caribbean are very close at heart. We are strong and vibrant democracies; we are convinced of the importance of defending multilateralism and the rule of law; we believe in freedom and the right of people to choose their own future.”
The President highlighted the importance of working together against climate change and stressed the crucial role small island nations play globally on this issue. In her remarks at the conferences opening ceremony, the President said: “Europe understands how crucial the fight against climate change is for Caribbean states because it is intrinsically linked to your very existence. It is vital that small islands have a strong voice for this cause. Let us be very clear. All continents must accelerate the transition to climate neutrality. We all have to deal with the growing burden of climate change. Its impact is undeniable.”
Furthermore, the Presidents visit highlighted the central role of Global Gateway in the region: four ambitious projects were signed, covering a green hydrogen storage project, access to pharmaceutical products, and satellite connectivity for remote areas.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Commissions President to engage in several bilateral discussions. Besides the Prime Minister of Barbados, she also met with Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
Additionally, the situation in Haiti was discussed, and the President announced €20 million to support Haitis population.
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Photo reportage: Visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to Barbados