ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders held a meeting with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday on strengthening regional ties, expanding trade and investment, and advancing cooperation on climate action and security.
CARICOM and Canada leaders meet at CHOGMThe leaders are gathered here for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which ends on Wednesday.
Carney hosted a working breakfast with the regional leaders ahead of the official opening, providing an opportunity for Canada to deepen its engagement with the region at a time when small states are seeking stronger international partnerships and greater economic opportunities.
ST. Lucia Prime Minister and CARICOM chairman, Phillip J Pierre said St. Lucia and Canada share a longstanding friendship built on mutual respect and meaningful cooperation.
“I look forward to further strengthening this valued partnership and advancing opportunities that benefit our people and both nations,” he said, adding “our discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, education, climate change and human resource development.”
“As part of the Commonwealth family it is important that we continue to build and strengthen our connections for the collective benefit of our regions and peoples,” Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness wrote on his Facebook page, adding “today, we continue our discussions and engagements here at CHOGM”
This is Carney’s first visit to the Caribbean since becoming Prime Minister of Canada and he is expected to participate in two executive sessions at the meeting as well as holding bilateral talks with the leaders of Australia and Ghana.
Carney will also attend a lunch hosted by the head of the Commonwealth, Britain’s King Charles.
Much of the focus of the Commonwealth meeting will be on trade, though experts say it is also an opportunity to boost diplomatic ties with a variety of countries that belong to the 56-member organisation.
