General Assembly President Wraps Up Visit To Antigua And Barbuda

Upon arrival on 22nd July, President Bozkır was welcomed by H.E. Mr. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade of Antigua and Barbuda and H.E. Mr. Walton Alfonso Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, New York.

On 23rd July, the President was received by H.E. Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda. They discussed the critical issues facing the people of Antigua and Barbuda including COVID-19 recovery, vaccines for all, tourism, as well as gender equality and pathways for youth.

President Bozkir was also received by H.E. Mr. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. They discussed the leadership role of Antigua and Barbuda in the international community representing the region as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on critical issues such as climate action, multilateral efforts for COVID-19 recovery, debt assistance, as well as peace and security.

The President held comprehensive bilateral talks with H.E. Mr. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. They discussed the leadership role of Antigua and Barbuda representing the region as Chair of AOSIS and the Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on a range of issues from the importance of vaccine equity, to the unique situation of Small Island Developing States.

He also met with H.E. Mr. Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health and Environment; H.E. Mr. Dean Jonas, Minister of Social Transformation and the Blue Economy; and H.E. Mr. Charles Hernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment. They had in-depth discussions regarding the multiplicity of vulnerabilities facing people in Small Island Developing States including environmental protection for land and oceans, disaster risk reduction and resilience, COVID-19 recovery, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The President later engaged with the local media alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, New York.

While in Saint John’s, President Bozkir visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of English Harbour and attended a reception at Clarence House, hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda.

In conclusion, the President and Mrs Bozkir attended a breakfast with H.E. Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams.  

On 24 July, the President travels to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The President of the General Assembly’s trip to the Eastern Caribbean – his first to Small Island Developing States – will highlight the structural and developmental challenges affecting these Member States, as well their efforts to innovate and build resilience whilst fulfilling their development priorities.

One particular focus of the trip will be the importance of investment in sustainable tourism and the blue economy which will enable Small Island Developing States to build back better following extreme climate events, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and in the case of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: the recent volcanic eruption.

In Antigua, the President of the General Assembly will be received by H.E. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and meet bilaterally with H.E. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. He will also meet with H.E. Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Environment and Health, H.E. Dean Jonas, Minister of Social Transformation and Blue Economy; and H.E. Charles Hernandez, Minister of Tourism.

This trip will mark the first visit of a sitting President of the General Assembly to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the President is expected to meet with H.E. Dame Susan Dougan, Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, H.E. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as well as the Cabinet Ministers. The President will then embark on a Mission Drive to the Red/Orange Zone of the La Soufriere Volcano.

In Barbados, the President will meet the Acting Prime Minister of Barbados as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Finance, and Climate.

President Bozkır will also interact with the United Nations Sub-Regional Team throughout the visit.

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For media inquiries, please contact Ms. Orla Murphy, Communications Adviser to the President of the General Assembly, orla.murphy@un.org, +1-202-322-8025