How Antigua’s Permanent Missions are Strengthening Collaboration and Diplomatic Importance

The Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations in New York and in Geneva: Strengthening Collaboration and Diplomatic Importance on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Antigua and Barbuda continues to establish a strong presence and enhances its diplomatic importance in the international sphere. This was further demonstrated during the 78th United Nations General Assembly, which commenced on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 in New York.

Boris LATOUR, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations in Geneva, attended the Assembly as a member of the Official Delegation of Antigua and Barbuda. His presence aimed to strengthen coordination between the two Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations in Geneva and in New York.

Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE led the delegation, accompanied by E. P. Chet GREENE, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade & Barbuda Affairs, Sir Molwyn Morgorson JOSEPH, Minister of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation & The Environment, as well as Jeff HADEED, Non-Resident Ambassador to Italy, and Sami AL MUFLEH, Ambassador to The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

During the Assembly, several coordination meetings took place between Boris LATOUR, head of the Mission in Geneva, and Walton Alfonso WEBSON, head of the Mission in New York, with a focus on defending the interests and promoting the diplomatic, cultural, and economic influence of Antigua and Barbuda. They were accompanied by their respective teams, including Tumasie BLAIRS, Deputy Permanent Representative of the New York office, as well as Claxton DUBERRY, First Secretary.

The Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations in Geneva and New York are committed to working together in a coordinated manner to fulfill its diplomatic responsibilities effectively and represent the interests of Antigua and Barbuda on the global stage to promote Economic Development, Peace, and Strong Bilateral Relations.

The strong presence of the Antiguan and Barbudan delegation was evident as it attended Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE’s speech at the United Nations podium. In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving the economic development of the least developed nations and in addressing the consequences of climate change.

Among other tools, the multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI) that would assess the vulnerability of small island states, and other countries, should serve as a criterion for access to and allocation of concessional resources among countries, and is indeed crucial to Antigua and Barbuda’s development.

“The MVI is not just a tool; it is our gateway to essential financing, to robust national planning, to debt servicing, and possibly our final beacon when seeking insurance and compensation against the rising tides” the Honorable Gaston BROWNE argued.

Prime Minister BROWNE also called upon the international community to reassess the effectiveness of prolonged international sanctions against certain states, specifically highlighting the cases of Cuba and Venezuela. He argued that these sanctions only lead to the impoverishment of these countries and worsen the living conditions of their people.

Furthermore, he urged nations and the Security Council to actively engage in dialogue and take action to achieve peace in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, stressing the urgency for resolution in the interest of all countries worldwide. The notable and commendable presence of the Antigua and Barbuda Delegation was acknowledged by all participants, symbolizing the country’s strong commitment to multilateral international diplomatic institutions.

Walton Alfonso WEBSON and Boris LATOUR also took part in a private reception hosted by Prince Faisal BIN FARHAN AL SAUD, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During this event, Antigua and Barbuda expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its significant investment of 80 million dollars in the University of the West Indies Campus, which serves as a testament to the excellent relations between the two countries.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE’s Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia During the United Nations gathering, Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE graciously accepted an invitation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for an official visit to their country in mid-October 2023. Joining him on this important trip will be Ambassador LATOUR further emphasising the significance of the visit. The purpose of the visit will be to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations and to engage in discussions regarding the establishment of a permanent diplomatic relationship.

This visit presents a valuable opportunity for both Antigua and Barbuda and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deepen their ties and explore avenues for collaboration across various sectors. The delegation will engage in fruitful discussions with Saudi Arabian officials to explore the potential for strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation.

Through these deliberations, both countries aim to solidify their partnership and foster mutual growth and development. The forthcoming visit signifies the eagerness and commitment of both nations to forge a lasting bond and create mutually beneficial opportunities. It is an exciting prospect that holds great potential for fostering enhanced cooperation and understanding between Antigua and Barbuda and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Geneva, 26th September 2023