The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), formalizing a partnership between the two regions.

The agreement was signed on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. PIF Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett signed the accord.

The MoU establishes a framework for stronger cooperation between CARICOM and the Pacific Islands Forum. It also provides a platform for advancing shared priorities of Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS).

Waqa said the partnership would allow the Caribbean and Pacific regions to strengthen their joint advocacy on issues affecting their populations and future. He described the agreement as a foundation for a deeper and more structured partnership between the regions.

Dr Barnett described the MoU as an important moment for South-South cooperation between CARICOM and the Pacific Islands Forum. She highlighted the common vulnerabilities faced by countries in both regions, including the impacts of climate change and economic pressures.

The CARICOM Secretariat said the agreement will provide a basis for the two regions to strengthen collective advocacy, share knowledge and expertise, and pursue practical cooperation on issues of common interest.

The partnership is also intended to reinforce the voice and influence of SIDS in international processes. Both organizations said formalizing their cooperation would help advance shared priorities and create practical frameworks for collaboration.