(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Wednesday 19 November welcomed His Excellency Agus Priono as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to CARICOM.
Ambassador Priono presented his Letter of Credence to the CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.
“This collaboration is especially significant in an era of global upheaval that is challenging the foundations of the traditional international order and the integrity of our multilateral frameworks,” the Secretary-General stated.
She expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s advocacy on behalf of Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), recalling its invitation to CARICOM and the Pacific Islands Forum to participate in the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali as a landmark gesture.
The Secretary-General welcomed Indonesia’s focus on securing financing for the Global South, which she said is critical for climate resilience and clean energy transition. She also acknowledged the country’s accession to the BRICS group as a significant development for advancing South-South cooperation and reforming international financial institutions to better address the vulnerabilities of SIDS.
“The alignment of our challenges and our values create a powerful foundation for enhanced cooperation,” Dr. Barnett told the new Indonesian envoy, signaling CARICOM’s interest in collaborating on education, the blue economy, maritime development, and advocacy for concessional financing.
Ambassador Priono expressed condolences for the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in some CARICOM Member States. He pledged to build on the work of his predecessor and strengthen ties between Indonesia and CARICOM.
The new Indonesian envoy said the country is interested in advancing its relations with CARICOM in technical cooperation and capacity building, trade and economic ties, and in multilateral advocacy and global inclusivity. It is also ready to share its expertise in disaster risk management, tourism, and the digital economy, while learning from CARICOM’s experience in climate resilience.
Ambassador Priono encouraged CARICOM businesses to explore opportunities in Indonesia and ASEAN markets.
