Prime Minister Gaston Browne met with United Kingdom Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Uma Kumaran on Tuesday as diplomatic discussions continue ahead of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Kumaran has responsibility for the Caribbean at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The September 15 meeting followed Browne’s engagement with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and formed part of the Prime Minister’s discussions with British officials during his visit to the United Kingdom.

Browne and Kumaran reaffirmed their support for the successful hosting of CHOGM, which will bring Commonwealth leaders and senior representatives to Antigua and Barbuda from November 1–4.

The upcoming summit is expected to place Antigua and Barbuda at the centre of Commonwealth diplomacy as leaders discuss matters affecting member states and the wider organisation.

The meeting with Kumaran also underscores the continued engagement between Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom as preparations for the high-level gathering move closer to the final stages.

Antigua and Barbuda is scheduled to host CHOGM under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”