Antigua & Barbuda Wants Closer Relations With Germany

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Last Friday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne received a farewell courtesy visit from His Excellency Mr. Holger Wilfried, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda established diplomatic relations with Germany in 1982. Since then, both countries have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties and political cooperation. PM Browne thanked the outgoing Ambassador for the training opportunities the German government has offered Antigua and Barbuda, along with funding provided through the European Union. Prime Minister Browne noted the diligent work the Ambassador has performed during his tenure.

“I want to especially thank you for your personal engagement; you contributed immensely to the continued strengthening and constructive cooperation between our two countries,” PM Browne said.

During the farewell meeting, PM Browne mentioned the role Germany could play in advocating for more dialogue and constructive discussions on the de-risking challenge spawned by developed states within the EU, and others. During the last CELAC/Germany meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. E.P Chet Greene made a pointed presentation on de-risking and its effects on small island-states.

PM Browned proposed to the German Ambassador that the Heads of Government for the EU/CARICOM hold a high-level meeting to discuss the issues of tax havens, CIP and de-risking. The Prime Minister suggested that this would make for a collaborative effort and to do away with unilateral sanctions. “This will help to clarify the misconception that Antigua and Barbuda is a tax haven of the sort, as such pronouncements damage our reputation,” PM Browne commented.

In wrapping up, Prime Minister Browne reiterated commendations for His Excellency’s active role in strengthening the relations between Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of Germany, and he conveyed best wishes for the diplomat’s future responsibilities within CARICOM.

In his response, H.E. Ambassador Wilfried thanked the Prime Minister for his open dialogue throughout his tenure as Germany’s representative. He reassured Prime Minister Browne that he will bring forward the concerns of Antigua and Barbuda to Germany and the wider EU. His Excellency also noted the continued role his government will play in CARICOM’s Development through funding for climate resilient projects, green energy and strengthening coastal areas.

  1. E. Ambassador Wilfried is expected to maintain his presence in the region, focused more on bilateral relations with CARICOM.

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7 COMMENTS

  1. Mr Mugabi’s Son. Relationship with all & sunder. Russia, Germany & every country he thinks he can hoodwink with an A&B passport. Mozambique had to get rid of Mugabi kicking & screaming so A&B citizen’s prepare.

    • PM Browne is the best Prime Minister in the history of Antigua and Barbuda. Every country in the world strives for their citizens (passports) to have the most visa-free access possible in the world, this makes global business possible for our citizens and international business possible for our Antigua-owned companies.

      Antigua’s GDP growth is 5%+ and our inflation rate is less than 2%, our economy is the #1 fastest growing economy in the Caribbean region for 2018 and probably will be also for 2019 as well. So please base your ‘commentary’ on facts rather than loco smears.

  2. Who Mugabi fighting next? Sandals, Scotia Bank, Observer Media Group, Digicel, Flow, Barbudans Huricane Victims, Booby Alley Residence. Who next?

  4. Russia, Colombia ok great news….

    But what about Haiti a CARICOM country?

    And all the people that fighting for reparations take a look at this list of countries that still require a visa:
    Angola
    Burundi
    Cameroon
    Central African Republic
    Congo
    Democratic republic of Congo
    Ethiopia
    Ghana
    Gambia
    Zimbabwe
    Tunisia
    Togo
    Sudan
    Somalia
    Sierea Leon
    Senegal
    Rwanda
    Nigeria
    Mozanbique

    You know it is strange how we call ourselves African. Remember all the talk around the CCJ?
    Haiti is next door and still require a visa so.
    So much for African unity.
    By the way I wonder why the President of Ghana did not visit Antigua on his Caribbean tour? Ask Sir Ralp the Portuguese…..

  5. This is interesting, since the PM did not want to acknowledge the German police intelligence findings with Peter Virdee..😏😏. I guess the PM should be very thankful that Germany unintentionally saved his ass and gave him the heads up to wash his sticky fingers.

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