UAE Strengthens Caribbean Engagement at 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, participated as a Special Guest at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Addressing CARICOM leaders, Al Kaabi reaffirmed the UAE’s approach to international cooperation, underscoring a focus on implementation, delivery and long-term impact. She highlighted the shared strengths between the UAE and Caribbean nations — ambition, resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges — noting that these common attributes provide a strong foundation for collaboration in climate resilience, innovation and sustainable development.
Advancing Economic Partnership
Building on this momentum, the UAE is pursuing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with CARICOM to further institutionalise economic cooperation and unlock new trade and investment opportunities.
CARICOM leaders welcomed the UAE’s sustained engagement in the region, commending its contributions to digitisation initiatives, development projects and renewable energy cooperation. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, described the UAE’s involvement as “tangible and sustainable.”
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
During the visit, Al Kaabi held constructive discussions with several Heads of Government, including Prime Minister Mottley, focusing on expanding cooperation in connectivity, trade and economic growth.
She also met with Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, to explore enhanced collaboration in digitisation and digital transformation.
In addition, Al Kaabi conducted bilateral meetings with foreign ministers, including Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname, and Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia.
Representatives of Dalil Information Technology also took part in the engagements, reflecting the UAE’s integrated approach to promoting digital transformation partnerships.
Al Kaabi was accompanied by Omar Shehadeh, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States, along with a delegation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Commitment to Action-Oriented Diplomacy
The UAE’s participation in the landmark 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting underscores its continued commitment to translating dialogue into concrete outcomes and strengthening practical cooperation across the Caribbean region, particularly in areas of economic integration, digital innovation and sustainable development.
