OECS International Relations
In terms of the OECS international relations, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States ( OECS ) engages with various regional and international organisations, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations, and the European Union. It represents the collective interests of its member states in these forums and advocates for policies that support their economic and social development.
The OECS also fosters closer ties with other countries outside the Caribbean region. It has established diplomatic relations with several states, including China, Cuba, Canada, the United States, and various European nations. Through these relations, the OECS seeks to promote trade and investment, cultural exchanges, and technical cooperation to enhance the development of its member countries.
The primary objective of the OECS is to promote cooperation and integration among its member countries to enhance economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development. The organisation seeks to create a unified regional space in the Eastern Caribbean, where member states work together on common issues and challenges.
Objectives
The Organisation, through the International Relations Unit, is mobilizing efforts to strengthen existing diplomatic ties with countries and initiate new diplomatic relations between the OECS and other countries. Our priority objectives are:
- to strengthen the external relations of the Organisation in the interest of its membership and in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre,
- to increase bilateral, regional and global partnerships that allow for meaningful exchanges and offer opportunities for the continued development of the Eastern Caribbean region,
- to provide the Organisation with strategic options for the formulation of foreign policies, through the implementation of research and analysis of global trends,
- to develop programmes that aim to increase the institutional capacity of the Organisation and its Member States in the area of diplomacy.
Projects
Multiple programmes which aim to strengthen the diplomatic relations between the OECS and other countries are currently being implemented by the OECS Commission through its International Relations Unit along with Ministries of the OECS Member States, including:
- the development of new and/or improved relations with third parties to facilitate the flow of technical resources and other development resources to the Organisation and its Member States,
- the establishment and effective functioning of mechanisms to facilitate the coordination of foreign policy,
- the expansion of membership in the Organisation.
1-The Development of New and/or Improved Relations with other Countries
The OECS has been deepening diplomatic relations with multiple countries across the wider Caribbean and internationally. The programme aims to ensure the continuous development of international relations between the OECS and other governments as well as other inter-governmental organisations.
2- The Coordination of Foreign Policy
The establishment and effective functioning of mechanisms to facilitate the coordination of foreign policy is also part of the development of international relations between the OECS and other countries. Research on strategic matters is being conducted on a regular basis in order to provide the most relevant recommendations to key decision-makers within the Organisation and the Heads of Governments of its Member States.
3 - The Expansion of Membership in the Organisation
The expansion of membership in the Organisation is part of the development of international relations between the OECS and other countries. Hence, the two latest territories that joined the Organisation as Associate Members are the French overseas territories of Martinique in 2015 and Guadeloupe in 2019.
Resources
Access more resources on International Relations between the OECS and other countries via the OECS Library.
Partners
The OECS has been developing international relations with multiple countries regionally and internationally for many years.
Contacts
Bernadette Auguste
Senior Officer, International Relations
Tel: +1 758 455-6306
bernadette.auguste@oecs.int
Learn more About International Relations and Foreign Affairs in the Eastern Caribbean
The OECS is working in close collaboration with all the Ministries of its Member States on all matters related to international relations in the Eastern Caribbean. The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs is hosted once a year. This meeting aims to harmonize the strategy in foreign policy in the OECS Member states.
