MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

OAS and Commonwealth discuss challenges to democracy and governance

OAS Assistant Secretary Ramdin and Commonwealth officials met in London and underlined the relationship of 'mutual respect' between the two bodies

The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, and the leadership of the Commonwealth Secretariat held discussions on challenges to democracy and good governance facing member states of both organizations.

 The meetings, which took place in London between Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, Deputy Secretary General Deodat Maharaj and Assistant Secretary General Ramdin, focused on recent developments in the Americas and in Commonwealth member states, ranging from political issues and elections to socio-economic development projects and human rights concerns.

The senior OAS official also met with the Commonwealth’s Head of Political Affairs, the Directors of Human Rights, the Economic Policy Division on Vulnerability and Resilience of Small States, and the Youth Division of the Commonwealth.

Assistant Secretary General Ramdin said, “The relationship between the OAS and the Commonwealth is one of mutual respect. It has led to collaboration on several key issues, and we have seen concrete results from collaboration on projects of mutual interest. We are currently examining ways to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, to the benefit our member states and citizens.”