Caribbean Ministers In UK for UK/Caribbean Forum

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK)

UK Government hosting Caribbean Ministers for sixth UK/Caribbean Forum

The UK Government will host Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from CARICOM countries at the sixth UK/Caribbean Ministerial Forum in London from 14-16 July 2008.

FCO Minister Meg Munn, who is co-chairing the Forum, said:

"2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush in Tilbury, bringing almost 500 passengers from Jamaica to start a new life in the UK. This year we have been celebrating this landmark event in our history and the valuable contribution that Caribbean communities have made - and continue to make - to life in this country.

"Underpinned by strong people-to-people links, the British and Caribbean governments enjoy close and friendly relations. The Forum is an important tool for maintaining and deepening these relationships, providing us with a unique opportunity to share perspectives on some of the most important issues and problems that face all our societies today."

NOTES

1. The UK/Caribbean Ministerial Forum, first established in 1998, is held every two years. This is the 6th Forum.

2. Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn and The Honourable Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, will co-chair. Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from the region have been invited. The UK will be represented by Ministers from a range of government departments. The Forum will opened by Foreign Secretary David Miliband at a reception at the FCO on Monday 14 July.

3. At the Forum, the UK and Caribbean Ministers are expected to discuss climate change, security and justice, economic development, energy and food security and education.

4. Among the guests at the reception will be senior parliamentarians and prominent Britons from business, academia, the arts and media, as well as experts on climate change and sustainable tourism.

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ENDS

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