Foreign ministers from across the globe gathered at the American University of Antigua on Monday, November 2, 2026 for the Pre-CHOGM Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting – CFAMM ahead of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John’s.

Representing Cameroon, H.E. Felix Mbayu, Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth – MINDELCOM, joined his counterparts for the strategic high-level talks. The assembly provided a key platform for diplomats to deliberate on pressing political, economic, and development challenges before the main summit takes place from November 2 to 4.

​The core objective of the ministerial deliberations was to formulate concrete recommendations for consideration by Commonwealth Heads of Government. By tackling critical issues facing member nations, the foreign ministers aimed to shape the Secretariat’s future priorities and chart a path toward collective action.

These foundational discussions are expected to reinforce efforts to build a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Commonwealth capable of addressing modern global crises.

​Addressing the assembly on behalf of the Government of Cameroon, Minister Mbayu expressed gratitude for the Commonwealth’s enduring partnership. He highlighted the organization’s valuable contributions to advancing democratic governance alongside economic and social development within the country. Furthermore, he emphasized the Commonwealth’s unique role in amplifying and safeguarding Cameroon’s national identity as a proudly bilingual, bicultural, and bijural state on the international stage.

​Despite acknowledging past achievements, Minister Mbayu delivered a strong call for structural and strategic reform, urging the Commonwealth to become a more proactive, action-oriented, and visible global body. He pressed member states to present a unified front within multilateral arenas, particularly at United Nations bodies in New York and Geneva. To ensure this unified impact, he proposed that the Chair-in-Office formally articulate consensus Commonwealth positions at the UN General Assembly and other major global forums.

​Concluding his address, the Cameroonian delegate advocated for deeper synergies among Commonwealth-accredited organizations and broader member-state participation in their initiatives.

He underscored that these accredited bodies form an indispensable network that drives the Commonwealth’s convening power, lending the institution the international gravitas and influence required to effect meaningful global change.