Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C., M.P., continues to advance her Government’s commitment to strengthening international diplomacy, deepening strategic partnerships and expanding Trinidad and Tobago’s engagement on the global stage.
Building on her ongoing diplomatic engagements with regional and international leaders, the Prime Minister will depart Trinidad and Tobago later today, Monday 2 November 2026, to lead the national delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
The Prime Minister’s participation underscores her administration’s proactive foreign policy agenda, which places strong emphasis on cultivating meaningful international relationships, attracting investment, expanding trade opportunities and ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago remains an influential and respected voice in regional and global affairs.
The high-level engagements will provide further opportunities to consolidate existing diplomatic relationships, forge new partnerships and advance discussions on matters of strategic importance to Trinidad and Tobago, particularly economic development, investment, climate resilience, national security and sustainable growth.
CHOGM 2026 is being convened under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
As part of her official programme, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar will participate in several high-level engagements, including:
- A reception and dinner hosted by His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, for new Heads of Government.
- CHOGM 2026 Executive Sessions focusing on Trade and Investment; Systemic Issues and Climate Finance; and Investing in People.
- The Commonwealth Business Forum.
- The Heads of Government Retreat.
STRENGTHENING BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL RELATIONSHIPS
In furtherance of her Government’s diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar is also expected to engage directly with several international leaders to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
These engagements include:
- A CARICOM–Canada Meeting hosted by the Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada.
- Bilateral discussions with the Honourable Andy Burnham, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Bilateral discussions with the Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia.
- Discussions with other Heads of Delegation from Commonwealth member countries.
These meetings form part of the Prime Minister’s continuing efforts to build stronger relationships with international partners, promote Trinidad and Tobago’s economic and strategic interests and identify new avenues for cooperation that can deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The Government recognises that effective foreign diplomacy must extend beyond ceremonial engagements and translate into meaningful opportunities for investment, trade, economic diversification, knowledge-sharing and national development.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar remains focused on positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a reliable international partner, while ensuring that the country’s interests are actively represented in discussions that shape regional and global policy.
ADVANCING TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S INTERESTS ACROSS KEY INTERNATIONAL FORUMS
Other members of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation will participate in a comprehensive programme of ministerial meetings, forums and specialised discussions, including:
- Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting and Roundtable.
- Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF).
- Commonwealth Women’s Forum (CWF).
- Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF).
- Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF).
- Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS).
- Global Summit for Eye Health and Exhibition.
- Commonwealth Sports Summit for Development and Peace.
- Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Reception.
- Commonwealth Event on Blue Economy and Innovation.
- Commonwealth Event on Governance and Democracy.
- Commonwealth Roundtable on Technologies for National Security and Resilience.
- Commonwealth Roundtable on Resilient Commonwealth Supply Chains.
- Commonwealth Roundtable on Energy Resilience Across the Commonwealth.
Participation in these engagements will allow Trinidad and Tobago to contribute to international discussions on issues of critical national importance, including energy security, economic resilience, technological advancement, governance, youth development and the particular vulnerabilities facing small island developing states.
REINFORCING TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S COMMONWEALTH LEADERSHIP
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and sovereign countries, representing a combined Gross Domestic Product of approximately US$14.5 trillion.
Commonwealth Heads of Government meet every two years, with hosting responsibilities rotating among member countries, to deliberate on shared challenges, strengthen cooperation and advance collective development priorities.
Trinidad and Tobago has a distinguished history of leadership within the Commonwealth, having hosted CHOGM in November 2009. Following that meeting, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar became the first woman to serve as Commonwealth Chair, holding the position until 2011.
CHOGM 2026 marks the first time in 17 years that the meeting will be hosted in the Caribbean, providing an important opportunity for regional leaders to place Caribbean priorities firmly on the international agenda.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s participation reflects both the continuation of Trinidad and Tobago’s longstanding Commonwealth engagement and her renewed determination to strengthen the country’s diplomatic influence through purposeful international cooperation.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to a forward-looking foreign policy that prioritises strong international relationships, strategic partnerships and diplomacy that delivers meaningful results for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Through sustained engagement with world leaders and international institutions, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar continues to build on the country’s diplomatic foundations, strengthen its global standing and pursue opportunities that support national prosperity, security and long-term development.
– Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs