New York, (June 19, 2026) – Efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Australia were advanced through a high-level meeting in New York involving CARICOM Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives, including Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, with His Excellency James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, and Her Excellency Sonya Koppe, Australia’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago and Representative to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement between CARICOM and Australia and to enhance cooperation on issues of shared importance within the United Nations system and the broader international community.

Discussions focused on a wide range of global and regional priorities, including climate change, sustainable development, disaster resilience, international peace and security, food security, and the unique vulnerabilities and development challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Participants also exchanged views on current developments within the United Nations and identified opportunities for enhanced collaboration on matters before the General Assembly and other multilateral forums.

Such high-level engagements are critical for small states, as they provide an essential platform to advance shared priorities, strengthen strategic partnerships, and ensure that the perspectives of vulnerable countries remain central to global decision-making. For CARICOM Member States, sustained dialogue with partners such as Australia helps reinforce international support for climate action, development financing, resilience-building, and inclusive economic growth.

The meeting underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation and constructive diplomacy in addressing increasingly complex global challenges. It also reflected a shared commitment by CARICOM and Australia to uphold a rules-based international order and to promote sustainable development and international stability.

The discussions concluded with a reaffirmation of the strong and growing partnership between CARICOM and Australia and a commitment to further deepen cooperation on issues of mutual regional and global importance.

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