LONDON, 17TH APRIL, 2018–Continuing a robust bilateral agenda in the margins of the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) taking place in London from 16-20th April, 2018, the Hon. Mark Brantley, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Foreign Minister met with the Hon. Mr. Mbuso Clement Dlamini, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Swaziland.
During this very cordial and friendly engagement, the Hon. Mark Brantley drew comparison between St Kitts and Nevis and Swaziland highlighting that they are the smallest countries in the Caribbean and Africa, respectively. The Minister used this fact as a rationale for engaging, not only as country to country, but on a greater scale, region to region. Minister Brantley stated that while, due to geography, we have looked north for cooperation, we share common historical reasons why we should look south to increase and enhance our interaction. He further indicated that whereas we have convened summits with countries such as Germany, Mexico and Turkey, it is opportune and practical for Caribbean- Africa Summits.
The ministers also discussed possibilities for cultural cooperation and deepened engagement especially in preparation for the post-Cotonou era.
Before concluding the brief encounter, the St. Kitts and Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed a keen interest in encouraging people to people contacts through the signing of a visa waiver agreement between both countries. The Swaziland Acting Foreign Minister welcomed this proposal and indicated a high probability that this can occur this year during the upcoming General Assembly in New York.
Accompanying Minister Brantley to the meeting were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kaye Bass; St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, H.E. Kevin Isaac and Minister Counsellor at St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commission in London , Elsa Wilkin Armbrister.
