International Relations as a Catalyst for Development

During its first term, the UPP Administration achieved its Foreign Policy objective of making Antigua and Barbuda a Confident and Respected Member of the Caribbean region and the world.

During 28 years of misrule, the ALP had established an image of Antigua and Barbuda as a rogue state governed by a corrupt and greedy political cabal. Repairing this pervasive negative image of our homeland was a critical undertaking and called for skilled diplomacy and dynamic representation of our nation in international fora and congresses in which members of the international community function.

In our second term, the UPP will build on our first term successes and will continue to carry the standard of excellence in diplomacy and international representation that currently identifies Antigua & Barbuda on the international stage.

To this end, the following initiatives will be fundamental to our International Relations during our second term:

• Major emphasis will be on strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop, implement and manage a progressive Foreign Policy worthy of a small, dynamic and influential Caribbean State. The organization of the Ministry will be rationalized and enhanced to give effective support to the nation’s missions overseas, enabling them to optimize their functions and deliver even better results.
• To continue to empower our youth to be counted amongst the most educated and best trained young people in the world, our Foreign Policy initiatives will be aligned even more closely to our Domestic Policy objectives. For example, our quest for academic scholarship opportunities in many countries will be intensified. The UPP’s extensive programme of international scholarships will also deliver on another promise to create a truly multi-lingual society.
• Our Foreign Missions and Diplomatic Envoys will be mandated to continue their efforts to develop partnerships with our many friends in the international arena that will assist in upgrading our national infrastructure, enhancing our human resource development, encouraging foreign direct investment in our economy and strengthening our presence in the diplomatic capitals of the world.
• To rationalize our diplomatic effort and improve its cost effectiveness, we will explore the options of establishing joint diplomatic representations with our OECS and CARICOM sister nations in certain parts of the world.
• We will continue to deepen our bonds of friendship and cooperation with those nations where we currently have Diplomatic Missions, namely, the UK, the USA, Canada, China, and Cuba. Our highly beneficial relationship with Venezuela will be deepened.
• We will continue our engagement with Africa, and during our second term we will establish diplomatic relations with a number of key African nations and appoint Honorary Consular Agents in these nations to establish and develop profitable partnerships on the African continent.
• We will continue our vigorous advocacy of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and of deeper integration of the OECS.
• We will continue to use our membership in international organizations and multilateral agreements like the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the World Trade Organization, the Commonwealth, and the European Partnership Agreement to bring tangible benefits and assistance to Antigua and Barbuda and other small states.