Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda the Hon. Gaston Browne has told the delegation from India that attended the 4th Conference of Small Island Developing States that India is poised to have one of the most important relationships with Antigua and Barbuda and the region, nothing that as India grows, it will emerge as the most important partner for development within the region.
Speaking to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Pavan Kapoor, Prime Minister Browne highlighted the levels of cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and India to include the granting of PPE’s and COVID vaccines at a time when developed nations were hesitant to assist other countries.
“We are appreciative for the support from India, who has given more than other wealthy countries., So when you give from the little that you have, it resonates, and we are very grateful and are looking forward for increased collaboration with India, not only at the bilateral level, but certainly with India and CARICOM, in order for us to strengthen our relationship with your government and people,” said Prime Minister Browne.
Speaking on the issue of the SIDS conference, Prime Minister Browne said that his aim was to ensure that the conference was one with a difference in which the strategies derived and institutions established are done to address the gaps in SIDS development. “ We are hoping that India will help us give tangible effect to the needs and the areas of development, “We are hoping that on the issue of development funding, India will continue to share from the little that it has.”
Minister Kapoor commended Prime Minister Browne for the hosting of what has turned out to be the most successful SIDS conference held so far. “I think it is very relevant that you have decided to and managed to successfully host the SIDS conference. It speaks volumes of your own ability and the determination to stand as a leader within the SIDS group,” he said.
Minister Kapoor also outlined that India was happy to sign an MOU with Antigua and Barbuda on the India Stack for digital public infrastructure, along with the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure.
He said that India is keen to support Antigua and Barbuda’s development. He noted that it’s important for the discussions on SIDS to continue particularly in other conferences of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
In commenting on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), Prime Minster Browne stated that it is his hope that the negotiations will conclude intime for the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, which would be of great benefit to SIDS.
“Even though the MVI speaks about SIDS, it is not really a SIDS index. It is an index for developing countries, all developing countries. I notice there are some who are trying to pit the poor against the vulnerable. If there was an increase in the amount of ODE that goes to SIDS, it will not impact on what the LDC’s and LLDCs would receive. In this regard, I thank India for its support,” said Prime Minister Browne.
Both leaders pledged to continue to cooperate in the international community in the interest of SIDS.
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