Prime Minister Rowley Attends the Opening of 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley joined world leaders at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today (Tuesday 19 September, 2023).

Trinidad and Tobago national, Ambassador Dennis Francis is the current President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and officiated over today’s proceedings.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, President of Brazil, His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President, His Excellency, Joseph Biden all delivered statements at the opening of the debate this morning.

This year’s theme is “Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and the sustainability for all.”

Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon Dr Amery Browne, Minister of Planning and Development, the Hon Pennelope Beckles and Minister of Health, the Hon Terrence Deyalsingh were also present at the General Assembly Hall.

Prime Minister met with Ambassador Francis and congratulated him on his ascendancy to President of the UNGA. He expressed a desire to see priority given to issues related to CARICOM’s advocacy around reparations and the ongoing crisis in Haiti.

Dr Rowley also met in the margins with the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo. The two leaders discussed among things renewed collaboration in agriculture.

The Prime Minister participated in discussions today with Vice President of Uganda, Her Excellency Jessica Alupo which focused on bilateral relations and additional opportunities for collaboration, including at the level of the G77.

Dr Rowley also held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Alkhateeb. The talks centred on opportunities to enhance tourism and other investments. The discussion also explored the possibilities of facilitating easier travel arrangements for Trinidad and Tobago nationals who wish to perform Hajj.

Prime Minister Rowley will deliver his national statement in the United Nations General Assembly Hall on Thursday.