Due to the formalization of diplomatic relations between Kenya and CARICOM members, including Belize, and Antigua and Barbuda, Kenya is set to host more resident diplomatic missions for Caribbean States.
Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Raychelle Omamo, who is currently leading Kenyan delegates to the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, held talks with Foreign Ministers of the two CARICOM states.
According to Amb. Omamo, Kenya under the leadership of president Uhuru Kenyatta still values its relationship with CARICOM.
She further reiterated Kenya’s commitment to grow the relationships through providing channels for people to interact, trade and share education programmes.
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Moreover, the CS signed Joint Communique on forming diplomatic relations with Belize Foreign Minister Hon. Eamon Courtenay and Hon. Chet Greene, who is the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade of Antigua and Barbuda.
In addition, the Belize Foreign Minister announced their decision to open a resident High Commission in Nairobi. This move is meant to build strong ties with Kenya and strengthen participation in the global environmental issues by accreditation to the UNEP and UN-Habitat.
At the same time, Hon. Eamon Courtenay exuded gratitude to Kenya for supporting the establishment of CARICOM offices in Nairobi.
Likewise, Greene stated that Antigua and Barbuda is keen on strengthening partnership with Kenya in Blue Economy.
He further mentioned that the University of West Indies offers exchange programmes in the related fields which Kenya and Africa can take advantage.
Moreover, while appreciating Kenya for the establishment of diplomatic relations, Greene reaffirmed that his country will utilize the CARICOM Office in Nairobi to open its resident High Commission.
Furthermore, Kenya and Antigua & Barbuda are co-champions of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group on Sustainable Blue Economy.
Also, the establishment of the resident representation of the two CARICOM states will strengthen the credentials of Kenya’s capital as a global diplomatic hub and will be the host of the highest number of resident CARICOM diplomatic missions in Africa.
