The Dialogue was convened in accordance with Article 3 of the Samoa Agreement.  The Samoa Agreement is the Partnership Agreement between the European Union and members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific Sates (OACPS). The Samoa Agreement entered into application this year.

This Political Dialogue was the first Dialogue convened since the entering into force of the Samoa Agreement, succeeding Political Dialogues held under Article 8 of the previously applied framework document known as the Cotonou Agreement.

The Partnership Dialogue seeks to facilitate consultations and strengthen cooperation between both sides, while promoting a system of effective multilateralism. It also seeks to support sustainable development in partner countries, with a view to fostering global peace and security and promoting a stable and democratic political environment.

This year Mrs. Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Her Excellency Erja Askola, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation Mission Office in Jamaica, co-chaired the meeting.

The Dialogue focused on priority issues of interest to The Bahamas and the European Union, including political and economic developments in a geopolitically changing landscape.

The discussions facilitated productive and engaging discussions that addressed the multifaceted areas of relations between The Bahamas and the EU. Both parties were aligned on critical global issues and committed to respecting the rules-based international order and the promotion of multilateralism. The dialogue reflected the existence of a strong bilateral relationship that is built on shared principles and values.

EU

Delegates’ deliberations included exchanges on, the political partnership, economic cooperation and trade, human rights, good governance, environmental sustainability, and peace and security. The Dialogue served as a platform for both sides to re-commit to building and strengthening a mutually beneficial partnership, including discussions on Preparations for the upcoming Twenty-Ninth Session of the States Parties of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Sixteenth Session of the States Parties of the Biodiversity Convention, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Conference on Plastic Pollution (INC-5), the upcoming Fourth EU – CELAC Summit in Colombia in 2025, The Bahamas-EU projects and the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda and regional cooperation programmes.

With respect to the international geopolitical landscape, delegates expressed concern over the rampant insecurity and complex multi-layered crises in Haiti, the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the security and humanitarian situation in the Middle East. The dialogue supported the call for compliance with international humanitarian law, norms and principles in conflict affected areas.

The two sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and support for participation in the European Union - Bahamas Political Dialogue. The two sides reiterated the significance of this mechanism towards the economic, political and sustainable development of the two regions.