World Leaders Forge Stronger Ties at WGS 2026: UAE and Caribbean Nations Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
DUBAI, 5th February, 2026 — In a landmark gathering at the World Governments Summit (WGS), His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, held high-level talks with several presidents and prime ministers from the Caribbean region, spotlighting the evolving geopolitical bond between the United Arab Emirates and the countries of the Global South.
Among the key dignitaries in attendance were Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic; Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau; James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea; Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica; Lisa Jawahir, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change of Saint Lucia; Noemi Espinoza Madrid, Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS); Jamal Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary of the Bahamas; Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname; Marc Ati, Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and External Trade of Vanuatu; Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands; and Mosese Bulitavu, Minister of Rural and Maritime from Fiji.
The meeting focused on deepening existing cooperation frameworks, while laying fresh groundwork for strategic partnerships in areas that include renewable energy, infrastructure, maritime logistics, and environmental sustainability. With global trade patterns shifting, both sides emphasized the urgency of building future-ready economies equipped to weather emerging challenges.
In his remarks, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the strategic value of Caribbean countries to the global economy:
“Caribbean countries hold strategic importance for global trade and represent some of the most promising growth destinations in the new global economy.”
He added:
“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.”
Reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with Caribbean states, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the role these partnerships play in connecting the Global South to international markets, and in advancing the global drive for economic stability and sustainability. He further commended the active participation of Caribbean delegations in the WGS 2026, underscoring how their presence enriched the forum’s dialogue and vision.
The Caribbean leaders, in return, voiced strong commitment to nurturing and expanding their partnerships with the UAE, describing it as a “strategic pivot” offering unprecedented developmental opportunities for their nations. They praised Sheikh Mohammed for his visionary leadership, recognizing the World Governments Summit as a pioneering stage for transformative dialogue, international cooperation, and innovative solutions.
Key Emirati officials were also present, including 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 participants also contributed to various panels and strategic dialogues, notably at the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Forum and the 10th International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). These sessions laid the groundwork for actionable partnerships in trade, innovation, and climate resilience, underlining the UAE’s role as a convening power for regions in search of visionary allies.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
