The Franco-Saint Lucian Joint Security Committee seeks to review security matters arising out of the exchange between the Republic of France and Saint Lucia.

These matters include mutual legal assistance, security at sea, enhancing the marine unit, surveillance, sharing of intelligence and training of security officers.

A delegation from the two parties met recently for the Seventh Session of the Joint Security Meeting. Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, Sen. Hermangild Francis, said such concerns have been a topic of discussion for the past 15 years.

The Ambassador of France in Saint Lucia, H.E. Phillippe Ardanaz, is optimistic that there will be progress following recommendations from previous meetings held by the Committee. Also forming part of meeting were members of the French parliament. The parliamentarians are hoping for further collaboration between the French and the Caribbean on not only matters of security, but health and the environment.

The Franco - St Lucia Joint Security Committee was born out of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Saint Lucia and the French in 2004.