Stronger Ties with Brazil Mean Educational Opportunities for You

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer participated in the first ever CARICOM-Brazil Summit where he met with his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva. Much was accomplished at the meeting. The two leaders discussed stronger trading ties, educational opportunities for Antiguans & Barbudans, investment opportunities, energy cooperation, technology assistance and more. Prime Minsiter Spencer:

At this meeting CARICOM intends to establish a formal and structural relationship with Brazil. This meeting comes at an opportune time as Brazil enjoys significant influence in the region, Latin American and most importantly in the hemisphere where it has become a privileged interlocutor of the United States. So we intend to strengthen our relations with Brazil while at the same time increasing joint actions for our mutual benefit. Greater integration between CARICOM and Latin America can be forged at this meeting and at the same time we can achieve better levels of commercial, cultural, social and economic development.

On a personal level, Antigua and Barbuda will sign a visa-waiver agreement with Brazil which will exempt holders of Diplomatic and Official passports from requiring visas to enter Brazil. We will also sign an agreement for technical cooperation in Education and Sports. Since my administration came into office, we have been forging close relations which Brazil which has resulted in us establishing a Consulate in that country and Brazil establishing an Embassy here. We are very pleased with the progress of cooperation between our two countries.

While the previous ALP regime snubbed their nose at and alienated the international community Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is continuing his tradition of responsible leadership by building alliances that will ultimately benefit our people.