The Philippines formally established diplomatic relations with the Caribbean state of Grenada, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo signed a Joint Communique with Grenada Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Joseph Andall to establish formal diplomatic relations, on the sidelines of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting on May 8.

In a statement, the DFA said the signing heralds a “new era in the friendly ties between” the Philippines and Grenada.

With this, the Philippines now has diplomatic ties with 14 CARICOM countries.

Manalo met with the foreign ministers of the CARICOM in St. Kitts and Nevis from May 8 to 9 and delivered an address before the grouping’s Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) meeting.

The COFCOR is the CARICOM’s organ responsible for promoting economic integration and policy coordination among its 15 member states and six associate members, and has the mandate to promote relations with international organizations and third states.

Broadening ties

Manalo 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.

He underscored the Philippines’ “constructive and deep engagement” in the work of the United Nations and promised to bring this depth of experience and steadfastness if elected as a member of the Security Council for 2027-2028.

In addition, he announced a Philippine contribution to the CARICOM Development Fund in keeping with the country’s support for global South-South Cooperation and innovative and inclusive development approaches.

The Caribbean foreign ministers welcomed Manila’s vision for promoting deeper collaboration, as like-minded countries facing common challenges as maritime nations.

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

The DFA said 2025 is a “year of milestones” for the Philippines and a number of Caribbean nations, with the celebration of the 25th anniversaries of formal diplomatic relations with Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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

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

Manalo and the foreign ministers agreed that international cooperation, especially among developing countries, is more relevant now in the face of global uncertainties. (PNA)