Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne on Tuesday welcomed the new Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cecil Chinenere, to the Office of the Prime Minister, during a courtesy call aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared priorities between the Caribbean and Africa.
Prime Minister Browne congratulated Ambassador Chinenere on his appointment and expressed confidence that the visit would serve as a catalyst for deepening relations between the two countries.
“I’m hoping that this visit will help to strengthen relations between both our countries… and to look for additional ways of cooperation,” Prime Minister Browne said.
The Prime Minister welcomed proposals for establishing a Joint Consultative Committee, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has been pursuing structured cooperation with African partners as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa–Caribbean relations.
During discussions, both sides reaffirmed their common positions on key global issues including climate justice, reparations, and stronger South–South cooperation, particularly through continued collaboration in international fora such as the United Nations.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized that unity between Africa and the Caribbean is essential to achieving equity and influence in global affairs.
“Ultimately, it’s got to be the unity between Africa and the Caribbean… to stand in the international community and to get true justice,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also proposed the consideration of appointing Honorary Consuls as a practical and cost-effective way to enhance diplomatic and economic engagement between both nations.
In addition, Prime Minister Browne noted Zimbabwe’s interest in re-admission to the Commonwealth and indicated that Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to welcoming Zimbabwe back into the Commonwealth family.
He further signaled Antigua and Barbuda’s intention to extend an invitation to President Dr. Emerson Mnangagwa to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda is scheduled to host later this year.
Areas for practical cooperation were also explored, including trade and investment opportunities, value-added production, and people-to-people exchanges, including potential university scholarships and academic exchanges.
Ambassador Chinenere conveyed warm greetings from Zimbabwe’s President and expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s welcome and support.
He also emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to building partnerships that improve living standards and expand cooperation through sectoral engagement.
Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to closer Africa–Caribbean ties, noting the country’s leadership in initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity and cooperation, including recent developments in direct air links between Africa and the Caribbean.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to continued engagement with the Republic of Zimbabwe and to advancing shared objectives for development, resilience, and stronger global representation for Africa and the Caribbean.
