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North & Central America and Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda

 Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

Last reviewed: 17 April 2009

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Antigua and Barbuda's Relations with its Neighbours

Antigua and Barbuda enjoys close relations with its neighbours. It is an active member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and shares a common currency and common judiciary with the other six full members and two associate members of the Organisation. Antigua and Barbuda is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which has established a single market. It co-ordinates its foreign policy with the member states of CARICOM.

Antigua and Barbuda's Relations with the International Community

Antigua and Barbuda greatly values its membership of the Commonwealth and of the United Nations. Within the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda advances the agenda of Small States in the international community. Venezuela, China and Cuba have Embassies in Antigua and Barbuda. It was the Chair of the G77 in 2008.

Antigua and Barbuda's relations with the UK

UK/Antiguan relations are excellent. A Bilateral Asset Confiscation Agreement to stem the proceeds of crime was signed in 1997. A Transfer of Prisoners Agreement was signed on 23 June 2003. Antigua hosted the second round, 'Super 8', of the Cricket World Cup in March/April 2007 in their new stadium, the 'Sir Vivian Richards' stadium, located on the outskirts of St John’s. Antigua hosted the 3rd test of the England vs. West Indies Cricket tour from 15-19 February 2009.

The UK Government hosted the (6th) bi-annual UK/Caribbean Ministerial Forum from 14-16 July 2008. UK and Caribbean ministers, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, met to discuss mutual co-operation on a range of issues including: economic development; climate change; security and migration.

Transforming the Caribbean Economy - new avenues for investment
Summary report on conference held on Thursday 2 November at Lancaster House, London [PDF, 45KB, 4 pages]

Cultural Relations with the UK

The British Council in Kingston, Jamaica has responsibility for the whole of the Caribbean.

Recent Inward Visits

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer attended the UK/Caribbean Ministerial Forum in London in July 2008. Dr Errol Cort, then Minister of Finance, in November 2006 attended the event on Gambling organised by the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) and the UK sponsored Caribbean Investment Conference in London, at which he was a speaker. Dr Cort also met Gerry Sutcliffe of the DCMS in January 2008.

Recent Outward Visits

Baroness Scotland visited Antigua in May 2004 and had talks with Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. HRH the Earl of Wessex visited Antigua and Barbuda in 2003 and 2006. The latter to help celebrate the country’s 25th Anniversary of Independence.

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