EU Presidency Statement - Cooperation between the UN and the Caribbean Community

Mr. President,

I am pleased to take the floor on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the EU (Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia et Slovenia), the associated countries (Cyprus and Malta), and the EFTA country which is member of the European Economic Area (Iceland), align themselves with this declaration.

The European Union notes with interest the Secretary-General's report on Cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The European Union considers that the joint statement adopted at the meeting in Nassau on 27 and 28 March 2000 between the United Nations agencies and the CARICOM Secretariat is a useful working framework for the future development of relations between the two organisations.

The European Union particularly welcomes the support provided by the United Nations in the areas of completion of the guidance framework for the creation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy and of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The European Union is prepared, for its part, to continue active cooperation with CARICOM in these sectors. In economic terms, diversifying national production, seeking economies of scale and enhancing competitiveness are factors which can contribute decisively to economic growth and development.

The European Union confirms its commitment to continue to provide technical and financial assistance in support of CARICOM's efforts.

The European Union wishes in particular to express its willingness to work with all the member countries of CARICOM to combat the damaging effects of drug trafficking and international financial transactions linked to crime. Effective joint action against the laundering of the proceeds of illegal activities is a common concern for all Member States of this organisation. We acknowledge the commitment of the CARICOM countries in this area and want to back them up actively.

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