Antigua, Kenya to deepen cooperation

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and newly-elected President of Kenya Dr. William Suto have pledged to continue strengthening and deepening bilateral relations.

According to an Antigua and Barbuda Government statement, both leaders on Thursday held discussion on the margins of the General Debate of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya formally established diplomatic relations in June at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda.

“Prime Minister Browne extended heartiest congratulations to President Suto, who was recently sworn in as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya earlier this month, and expressed his government’s vision to work with Kenya to advance the interest of sustainable development, trade, peace and prosperity for both peoples,” the statement said.

It said Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya currently enjoy close working relations at the multilateral level, with both countries currently co-chairing the Sustainable Blue Economy Action Group within the Commonwealth.

Both Heads of Government also participated in the inaugural Africa-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit on Sept. 7, 2021 under the theme, “Unity across continents and oceans: opportunities for deepening integration”, the statement said.

It noted that, in June, CARICOM established an Embassy in Nairobi, which was led by the government of Barbados.

On this note, the statement said Suto reiterated his offer to Browne for Antigua and Barbuda to establish an Embassy in Kenya.

“The establishment of an Embassy would also solidify trade and economic ties between the two countries,” he said.

Browne said that his government will “favorably explore” the establishment of an Embassy in Kenya, and initiated discussions on the possibility of direct airlift between Africa (Kenya) and Antigua and Barbuda, the statement said.