PRIME MINISTER DR. TERRANCE DREW ENGAGES IN BILATERAL TALKS WITH UAE SPECIAL ENVOY OMAR SHEHADEH TO DEEPEN RELATIONS

Manhattan, New York, September 24, 2024 (SKNIS): Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, convened a high-level bilateral meeting with the Special Envoy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States, His Excellency Omar Shehadeh, to discuss potential investment opportunities in St. Kitts and Nevis, and explore avenues for deepening bilateral relations between the two nations.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, was attended by senior officials from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, including the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development; United Nations Ambassador Mutryce Williams; Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office; as well as Dr. Neil Parsons, a Diplomat, Global Health Policy Consultant, Energy Advisor, and Management Consultant.

The discussions centered on expanding the economic and diplomatic ties between St. Kitts and Nevis and the UAE, with a particular focus on follow-up actions from a recent technical meeting held with Masdar in Basseterre. Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company, has been exploring renewable energy and sustainability projects in St. Kitts and Nevis, and the meeting was seen as a critical step in advancing these initiatives.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew expressed his government’s keen interest in attracting investment from the UAE, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, and tourism.

“The relationship between St. Kitts and the UAE has great potential to grow, especially in key sectors that align with our national development agenda. We are eager to continue discussions and welcome further collaboration,” said  Dr. Drew.

Special Envoy Shehadeh reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with St. Kitts and Nevis and explored various opportunities for mutual benefit. He noted that the UAE sees significant potential for investment in the Federation, especially as both nations continue to prioritize sustainable development and innovation.

The bilateral meeting also served as an opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of the technical discussions with Masdar and identify concrete next steps.

Dr. Drew said that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to fostering strong international partnerships and enhancing its investment climate, as it continues to pursue its vision for sustainable growth and economic diversification.

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