Prime Minister Drew Holds High-Level Bilateral Meetings with Singapore and Austria Ahead of 49th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting

Montego Bay, Jamaica July 7, 2025 (PMO)— Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, held a series of bilateral meetings yesterday, July 6th, with high-level representatives from Singapore and Austria ahead of the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

In their meeting with Singapore’s delegation, led by H.E.. Karen Tan, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister and Plenipotentiary Representative of Singapore to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and included Ms. Rena Lee, Ambassador for International Law, the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening diplomatic ties and practical cooperation between Singapore and St. Kitts and Nevis. Discussions focused on climate change as a matter of international justice, digital transformation, public service training, green technology exchange, and enhancing CARICOM-Singapore engagement.

There, Ambassador Lee highlighted Singapore’s active involvement in international climate justice advocacy, including its support for the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, and introduced WIPO Green, a technology exchange platform for green innovation that could benefit St. Kitts and Nevis. 

Both Prime Minister Drew and H.E. Tan agreed that establishing a resident mission in the Caribbean would be a strategic step in strengthening regional engagement.

In a separate meeting with Austria’s Special Envoy, Ms. Ulrike Lunacek, the discussions reflected strong shared values around human rights, disarmament, climate security, and sustainable energy. Austria reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to supporting the multilateral system and its solidarity with small states, particularly through peacekeeping, conflict mediation, and global climate initiatives.

St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed Austria’s support for the CARICOM Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and the broader energy transition agenda across the region. Dr. Drew also underscored that climate change must be treated not only as an environmental and economic issue but as a security and justice issue, especially for small island states disproportionately affected by extreme weather and rising sea levels.

The delegations also discussed progress toward legislative reforms and transparency in the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Austrian officials acknowledged the regional efforts and legislative safeguards being pursued and encouraged continued dialogue with European partners.

Both bilateral engagements showcased St. Kitts and Nevis’ active diplomacy and commitment to forging meaningful partnerships rooted in mutual respect, sustainable development, and global justice. 

As CARICOM Chair of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), Dr. Douglas expressed that he continues to advocate for stronger Caribbean cooperation with global partners, reflecting the values and priorities of the Sustainable Island State Agenda.

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