It is positive to see that a Canada-CARICOM discussion is planned to discuss key issues under the Canada-Strategic Partnership.
News release
June 21, 2026 – Ottawa, Canada – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Panama from June 22 to 24, 2026.
Minister Anand will lead Canada’s official delegation to the 56th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Panama City, Panama.
At the general assembly, Canada will be working to reinforce sovereignty and increase security and prosperity for Canadians and for all who live in the Americas. By working together with hemispheric partners at this forum, the Canadian delegation will help build stability across the hemisphere and drive economic prosperity at home and abroad.
Minister Anand will deliver Canada’s national statement and engage in discussions with heads of delegations from other OAS member states on shared prosperity and regional challenges, such as the situation in Haiti.
She will also co-chair a meeting with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the margins of the OAS to discuss key priorities, including advancing regional security and stability, catalyzing mutually beneficial economic growth and strengthening cooperation on climate resilience under the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership.
Canada is firmly committed to the OAS as the primary forum in the hemisphere for dialogue and cooperation.
Quick facts
- The annual general assembly is the highest-level decision-making body of the OAS. It will bring together the foreign ministers of member states at this year’s event.
- Since joining the OAS in 1990, Canada has made significant contributions to the OAS’s collective achievements, including through the establishment of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the adoption of the Social Charter of the Americas and the elaboration of the Declaration on Security in the Americas.
- Canada is the second-largest contributor to the OAS and a significant contributor to OAS security programming and electoral observation and to specialized bodies such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission of Women.
- CARICOM is an international grouping in the Caribbean comprising 15 member states and six associate members. It came into existence on July 4, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
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