CARIBBEAN-Canadian PM meets with Haiti Dominica counterparts on margins of Canada CARICOM Summit.

Ottawa, CMC: The Canadian Government says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Ministers of Haiti and Dominica on the margins of the first-ever Canada-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit on Canadian soil.

The statement said Haiti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, joined Prime Minister Ariel Henry in the meeting with Trudeau. 

“Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his concern over the ongoing humanitarian, security and political crises in Haiti,” the statement said. “He reiterated the critical importance of reaching an inclusive political consensus to create the conditions for free and fair elections and restore democratic order in Haiti. 

“The two leaders agreed that the best way forward in this regard is to utilize the CARICOM political dialogue to discuss an agreement on a transition process, with the aim of a next meeting of stakeholders to be held in late October,” it added. “Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Henry agreed to remain in regular contact.” 

The Canadian Government said Dominica’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, joined the meeting between Trudeau and Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the current CARICOM chair.  

“The prime ministers underscored the importance of the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership in recognizing Canada’s close and longstanding relationship with CARICOM and its members,” the statement said. “As the current Chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister Skerrit thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for hosting CARICOM leaders and critical stakeholders for the Summit. 

“The two leaders highlighted their close relationship and shared priorities, such as advancing climate resilience, building inclusive and sustainable economies, defending the rules-based international order, and strengthening regional security and stability,” it added. 

They also discussed how to maximize the way forward from the Summit, including working with CARICOM and other international partners, to foster a “Haitian-led solution to the crisis in Haiti,” according to the statement. 

“Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Skerrit looked forward to making progress on shared priorities and agreed to remain in regular contact,” it said.