Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in Australia for a Global Citizen event where he is scheduled to speak on “the cost of complacency” and issues affecting small island states.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the engagement during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, saying the visit would also provide opportunities for discussions with international partners ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

“The Prime Minister is in Australia and he is attending Global Citizen event where he will be the main speaker on the cost of complacency and dealing with matters affecting small island states,” Merchant said.

He said Browne would have an opportunity to meet international partners in Australia, particularly in connection with preparations for the November 1–4 Commonwealth gathering.

Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to welcome heads of government, official delegations and other international guests for the meeting, alongside business, investment and other events.

Merchant said Browne would remain off island until next week. He did not provide further details about the prime minister’s speaking schedule or planned meetings in Australia.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne in Australia for Global Citizen engagement on small-island challenges.