South America and South Atlantic Islands

Ascension Island (British Overseas Territory)
Last reviewed: 28 July 2009

Country information

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Ascension Island’s Relations with the International Community

HMG is responsible for Ascension Island’s external relations.

Ascension's relations with the UK

HMG is responsible for Ascension Island’s external relations, defence and internal security. The principal point of contact is the Overseas Territories Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Administrator’s Office, Georgetown, Ascension Island.

Wideawake

Wideawake airfield on Ascension, a US Military Base providing regular flights to and from Britain, also forms part of St Helena’s gateway to the world and an important transit point for the many Saint Helenians who work on the Falkland Islands. Negotiations with the US authorities, concluded in October 2003 with the signing of an agreement, allow limited air-charter access to the airfield. This agreement was extended for a further five year period from the beginning of October 2008.