Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasized the importance of the Philippines’ partnership with the Caribbean community, pointing out the shared interests in maritime security, climate change, and multilateralism, among others.

The DFA chief was invited to deliver an address to the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) during its 28th meeting on May 8 to 9 in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

“Secretary Manalo’s address highlighted the commonality of interests between the Philippines and Caribbean states as maritime nations with shared challenges and which have growing influence in shaping action on global issues like climate change, fairer global finance, and multilateralism based on international law,” the DFA said in a statement.

Manalo’s address, considered a historic engagement as it symbolizes the first time a Philippine foreign secretary was invited to the meeting, highlighted the solidarity between the Philippines and the Caribbean countries on a host of issues—climate justice, resilience and sustainability, and oceans governance and maritime security based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of The Sea (UNCLOS).

“The Philippines and Caribbean countries also place priority on food security, a subject underlining the intersectionality of climate, biodiversity and social resilience,” the DFA said.

“They also advocate in various multilateral fora for a more equitable global economic order, a fairer international finance architecture and a rules-based global order,” he added.

Manalo further shared about the Philippines’ “constructive and deep engagement in the work of the United Nations” and its support for the “global South-South Cooperation and innovative and inclusive development approaches.”

With the Philippines’ “depth of experience and steadfastness” in global affairs, Manalo stressed its future role if elected as a member of the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028.

The DFA secretary also announced a contribution by the Philippines in the CARICOM Development Fund.

Chaired by Foreign Minister Denzil Lewellyn Douglas of St. Kitts and Nevis, the COFCOR is an organ of the Caribbean Community.

The 52-year old bloc aims to promote economic integration and policy coordination among its 15 member-states and six associate members.

It is also mandated to promote relations with international organizations and third states.

As a response to Manalo, the Caribbean foreign ministers welcomed the Philippines’ vision for promoting deeper collaboration among like-minded maritime nations with common and shared challenges.

“They conveyed their appreciation for the Philippines’ initiatives to invigorate cooperation with CARICOM member states bilaterally and multilaterally. They noted the presence and contributions of Filipino nationals in the Caribbean,” the DFA said.

During his visit, Manalo signed a joint communique with Grenada Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Joseph Andall, establishing formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Grenada and “heralding a new era in the friendly ties between the two countries.”

Secretary Manalo and Grenada Foreign Minister Joseph Andall sign a joint communique to establish formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Grenada on May 8, 2025. (DFA photo) 


“With this, the Philippines now has diplomatic ties with all 14 CARICOM countries,” the DFA added.

The DFA chief also met with Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Michael Drew to convey President Marcos’ congratulatory letter on the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Both sides pledged to promote the relationship and took note of the presence of about 200 Filipino nationals in the hospitals and hotels in the eastern Caribbean nation of 48,000 people,” the statement said.

The Philippines is also commemorating the 25th anniversaries of formal diplomatic relations with Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

In 2026, the Philippines will also observe anniversaries of its diplomatic relations with Haiti (80 years), Jamaica (75 years), Bahamas (45 years), Saint Lucia (10 years).

“In his bilateral meetings, Secretary Manalo and his counterparts discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in health, maritime training, education, among others, considering existing arrangements including between the Philippines and Jamaica,” the DFA said.

“Secretary Manalo and the Foreign Ministers agreed that international cooperation, especially among developing countries, is more relevant now in the face of global uncertainties,” it furthered.

CARICOM is a group of 21 countries, with 15 member-states—Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago—and six associate members—Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao and Turks and Caicos Islands.