CARICOM Leaders have met with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, at the inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, the high-level meeting builds on the strategic alliance between the Caribbean nations and Saudi Arabia and signals a commitment to the continued development of that relationship.

Today as well, regional leaders met with the Saudi Minister of Investment for roundtable discussions that provided an opportunity for talks with leading Saudi private sector entities.

The Minister highlighted the Caribbean as a high-priority economic investment opportunity for Saudi Arabia, with agriculture and food security, renewable energy, climate change, finance and tourism identified as areas for collaborative attention.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has also held bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister on opportunities for both countries to work together to create energy security for the region.

Meanwhile, Naparima MP Rodney Charles says there must be tangible results coming from the Prime Minister’s trips abroad.

Mr Charles says significant sums have been spent for Government trips abroad, however he argues that there have been no substantial benefits for the country.

With regard to the trip to Saudi Arabia, he insists that broad and generic discussions on trade, climate change, energy, national security and foreign policy will not do.

Instead, he is calling for specific achievements with timelines and measurable targets.

Mr Charles says they will also do an assessment/audit when Dr Rowley returns to see what measurable and tangible benefits there are for taxpayers.