Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, convened with presidents and prime ministers from the Caribbean region during the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic; Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau; James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG); Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica; Lisa Jawahir, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change of St Lucia; Noemi Espinoza Madrid, Secretary General of Association of Caribbean States (ACS); Jamal Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary of the Bahamas; Melvin Bouva, Foreign Minister of Suriname; Marc Ati, Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and External Trade of the Republic of Vanuatu; Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands; and Mosese Bulitavu, Minister of Rural and Maritime, Fiji.
The meeting focused on reviewing existing cooperation between the UAE and Caribbean nations and exploring opportunities to enhance strategic partnerships. Discussions revolved around expanding trade, fostering mutual investment in vital sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and maritime logistics, and advancing environmental initiatives for resource sustainability.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of the UAE's growing relations with Caribbean nations in building development partnerships for collective progress. He noted that Caribbean countries are strategically significant for global trade and represent promising growth destinations in the new global economy.
He stated, "Our strategic partnerships are built on a shared vision and a mutual commitment to investing in future economies, ensuring global trade growth, and confronting emerging challenges through enhanced cooperation and future readiness."
Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to strengthening partnerships with Caribbean nations, recognizing them as a crucial link connecting Global South economies with dynamic international markets, thereby supporting global economic development and stability.
He praised the active involvement of Caribbean leaders in the WGS 2026, where they highlighted the region's developmental progress and aspirations for a prosperous future. This engagement, he affirmed, is a cornerstone of the summit's success as a platform for global dialogue.
Caribbean state leaders expressed their commitment to maintaining robust ties with the UAE, acknowledging the nation as an ideal partner in building resilient and sustainable economies. They recognized that their relationship with the UAE marks a strategic shift, offering new opportunities for their economies.
The leaders commended H.H. Sheikh Mohammed for his leadership in establishing the WGS as a leading platform for shaping the future and advancing international cooperation, transforming geopolitical challenges into opportunities for global partnerships.
The meeting saw the attendance of Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention; Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State; and Mohamed Yousef AlSharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit Organisation.
Caribbean leaders participated in discussions and keynote sessions at the WGS 2026, with delegations comprising ministers, officials, and decision-makers taking part in key events such as the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Forum and the 10th International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).
