Prime Minister Gaston Browne is traveling to Riyadh for the inaugural
CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit on Thursday where Caribbean leaders will
engage in substantive discussions with Saudi Arabian counterparts.
This landmark summit arises from the keen interest of the Government of Saudi
Arabia in cultivating enhanced relationships with nations across the Caribbean and
Central and South America.
PM Browne heads a 10-man delegation to Riyadh, the Saudi capital, that includes
Works Minister Maria Browne and Senator Dwayne George who is making his
first official trip since his appointment less than a month ago as the Junior Minister
in the Ministry of Finance.
The primary focus is on fostering investment and trade, particularly in critical
sectors such as infrastructure, hospitality, energy, climate change, and
environmental sustainability.
Beyond trade and investment, the summit aims to reinforce shared principles,
facilitate increased people-to-people contact, and celebrate cultural heritage. It
marks a significant step towards deepening ties between CARICOM nations and
Saudi Arabia.
Key areas of cooperation will be explored, including climate change, renewable
energy, investment, and cultural exchanges.
The groundwork laid during these preliminary discussions sets the stage for future
strengthened partnerships with the potential to reshape national and regional
dynamics and promote shared prosperity.
Antigua and Barbuda is already benefitting from Saudi Arabia’s outreach to the
region with the signing of the US$80 million loan to expand the UWI FIC. Work
on the expansion of the university is expected to commence during the upcoming
year.
