Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene is calling on Caribbean and African leaders to move beyond rhetoric and seize what he describes as a rare moment for closer cooperation between the two regions.

Greene made the remarks during a courtesy visit from Nigerian traditional ruler Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Regent of the Abagana Kingdom, and his delegation. He said shifting global dynamics present “real opportunities” for stronger people-to-people connections and expanded trade links between Africa and the Caribbean.

“The world is now at an inflection point where we are now forced to think outside the box,” Greene said, urging leaders to act rather than wait for global conditions to return to “normal.”

He also pointed to limited awareness in Africa about the Caribbean, suggesting this has contributed to weak ties. Greene called for greater education and engagement, including boosting tourism and exploring direct connections between West Africa and the Caribbean.

The Nigerian delegation is touring parts of the Caribbean and Central America to strengthen diaspora links, with visits to several regional countries as part of that effort.