Prime Minister and Chairman-in-Office of the Commonwealth, the Right Honourable Gaston Browne, met with the President of Rwanda, the Hon. Paul Kagame, met on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, where the two leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen relations between Africa and the Caribbean.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on expanding trade and investment between the two regions, with Prime Minister Browne encouraging greater engagement between African and Caribbean businesses and the identification of products and services that could create mutually beneficial commercial opportunities.
Prime Minister Browne underscored the importance of strengthening economic relations with Africa, describing the continent as a natural partner for the Caribbean. He called for greater efforts to identify opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration within the Commonwealth, particularly between African and Caribbean countries.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the changing geopolitical environment and the need for developing countries to strengthen relationships with reliable partners and traditional allies. He noted that the challenges confronting the international community also present opportunities for countries of the Global South to deepen cooperation and build stronger economic partnerships.
Both leaders acknowledged their countries’ shared interests in advancing the priorities of developing nations and small states, particularly in relation to climate change, international cooperation and reform of the United Nations.
Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s willingness to support Rwanda on matters of mutual interest, including international candidatures. He assured the Rwandan President that Antigua and Barbuda would remain a reliable partner and welcomed continued cooperation between their governments.
President Kagame congratulated Prime Minister Browne on the successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and outlined that his government is desirous of forging closer relations with Antigua and Barbuda and the greater Commonwealth.
The Prime Minister also expressed support for efforts to secure Zimbabwe’s readmission into the Commonwealth in a structured basis, indicating Antigua and Barbuda’s willingness to support the position being advanced on the matter.
The meeting reinforced the importance of closer Africa-Caribbean relations and the need for Commonwealth countries to translate their shared history, interests and solidarity into practical cooperation, increased trade and investment, and stronger collective advocacy on the international stage. (Ends)
Source: Antigua News Room Prime Minister Gaston Browne and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda discuss Deeping Africa-Caribbean Trade and Cooperation.