Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda ahead of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where Kenya is expected to join other member states in discussions on trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Sing’Oei’s arrival comes ahead of the four-day summit scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 1, and run until Wednesday, November 4, in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
The meeting will bring together heads of government and senior representatives from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries to discuss shared economic, political and development priorities.
This year’s summit will be held under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening trade links, attracting investment, building climate resilience and expanding opportunities for member states.
For Kenya, the meeting offers an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic and economic relationships with other Commonwealth countries while promoting its position as a regional business and investment hub.
The country has been seeking to expand international trade, attract foreign investment and establish partnerships in areas such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture and renewable energy.
Sing’Oei serves as Principal Secretary in the State Department for Foreign Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. His role includes supporting Kenya’s foreign policy engagements and coordinating diplomatic relations with other countries and international organisations.
His arrival comes two days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki received a briefing from Foreign Affairs officials on Kenya’s preparations for the summit.
The briefing, held in Karen, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 28, was part of the government’s preparations for the international meeting.
The Commonwealth summit also comes at a time when developing countries are pushing for stronger partnerships to address challenges such as climate change, debt and limited access to development financing.
Kenya has a particular interest in climate financing and resilience, given the impact of droughts and changing weather patterns on agriculture, water supply and livelihoods.
The meeting is also expected to provide opportunities for bilateral engagements between participating countries, allowing leaders and officials to discuss areas of mutual interest.
With more than 2.7 billion people across the Commonwealth, the organisation provides a platform for member states to pursue cooperation in trade, education, technology and sustainable development.
The Antigua and Barbuda meeting is the 28th CHOGM and will be hosted under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.