The departmental council of each overseas department may submit proposals to the Government with a view to the conclusion of international commitments concerning regional cooperation between the French Republic and, depending on its geographical environment, the States or territories of the Caribbean, the States or territories of the American continent neighbouring the Caribbean, the States or territories of the Indian Ocean or the States or territories of the continents neighbouring the Indian Ocean or with a view to the conclusion of agreements with regional bodies in the corresponding areas, including regional bodies dependent on United Nations institutions.