ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC—Antigua and Barbuda Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene says his country must nurture existing relationships with Europe, China, and the United States.
Addressing the “Diplomatic Encounter,” which enters its second day on Friday, Green said St. John’s must also broaden its diplomatic footprint, particularly in key regions such as Africa, Central and South America, and India.
“Expanding our relationships in these areas is not a mere ambition but a necessity. With its vast resources and emerging markets, the African continent presents a wealth of opportunities that we must seize,” he told the Antigua and Barbuda diplomats.
Green said that the relationships Antigua and Barbuda cultivates with Central and South American nations are equally crucial.
“These partnerships can facilitate mutual growth in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and natural resources, where Antigua and Barbuda can learn and collaborate to propel our economic agenda forward.
“Additionally, the potential partnership with India, particularly in technology, education, and sustainable energy, holds transformative promise for our nation’s future.”
However, he told the conference that he does not suggest that the Caribbean country neglects the importance of nurturing its existing relationships with Europe, China, and the United States.
In recent years, the Caribbean relationship with China has come under scrutiny, particularly with the United States questioning Beijing’s sincerity in the region. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that the fight between the two countries is not St. John’s concern, adding, “All we want is cooperation in the interest of our survivability so that our people can thrive and have good living standards.”
He said Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage with both global powers based on economic and developmental needs rather than political alignments.
In his address, the Foreign Affairs Minister said that each region plays a pivotal role in “our economic landscape, presenting us with avenues for investment, infrastructure development and collaboration in resilience against climate change and disasters.
“I encourage us to draw inspiration and encouragement from the words of Winston Churchill: “To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents.” This moment is ours, and we must seize it with resolve.”
Green said the country’s commitment to multilateralism is equally paramount. This invaluable mechanism allows small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda a voice in the international arena and a seat at the table.
“In an interconnected world, multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, CARICOM, and OAS (Organization of American States) enable us to collaborate with larger nations, amplifying our concerns and perspectives. By uniting with others through these platforms, we can address critical issues that disproportionately affect small island states, advocating collectively for climate action, sustainable development, and health security.”
Green urged the local diplomats to “align with the aspirations and needs of our citizens, reflecting priorities that include sustainable development, healthcare access, education, and the preservation of our cultural heritage.
“Our foreign policy must embody our Caribbean civilization and shared ambition of resilient prosperity. We look forward to hosting the OAS General Assembly later this year and the Commonwealth Heads next year.”
He said these diplomatic engagements, like the SIDS Conference last year, “serve important imprints into the international diplomatic tapestry of our small islands’ contribution to global civilization.”
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