The two-island nation is a sovereign country lying at the intersection between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Lesser Antilles. Bordered by other smaller islands including Great Bird, Guiana, Maiden, York Islands, and Green. With a population of over 97,120, 97 percent of its inhabitants live in Antigua and St. John’s, the capital, major city, and largest port. The economy of the nation mainly relies on its tourism sector, accounting for 80 percent of the GDP. Located in the West Indies, close to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe, the island shares maritime borders with Saint Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla in the UK, Montserrat in the UK, and Saint Barthélemy in France.
If you are interested in learning about the relations of the island, this article contains information on the foreign diplomatic relations of Antigua and Barbuda.
About the country
On the island nation, two-thirds of the population resides in Antigua, whilst Barbuda is barely inhabited. It gained its independence in 1981 and is a part of the United Nations, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas, and the Commonwealth of Nations. It is also a member of the Caribbean Community, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, and the Organisation of American States. In addition, the World Trade Organisation and the Eastern Caribbean’s Regional Security System. As of 2022, it offers the world’s 23rd most powerful passport and citizenship by investment program option. One of the perks of living here is the friendly tax policy which does not levy personal income here.
Diplomatic relations of the Island
It is a part of the International Criminal Court in a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of Protection for the US military. It called for reparations for slavery at the UN in 2013. It has diplomatic relations with the United States, Canada, the UK, the People’s Republic of China, and several Latin American countries bordering Eastern Caribbean states. It belongs to Petrocaribe and is a member of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) grouping, consisting of small island states in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Being a member of CARICOM, it supports the efforts of the US to execute United Nations Security Council Resolution 940, which was designed to aid the removal of Haiti’s de facto authorities in power. Thanks to its contribution of personnel to the multinational force, democracy was restored in Haiti in October 1994. The strong economic and political ties in the 19th century helped determined the island’s bilateral relations with other countries. The main diplomatic relations were with the United States, Britain, and Canada with the establishment of embassies in each of the countries. Presently, there are export and investment opportunities on the island for businesses owned by Australians, especially in tourism and other industries here. .
Bilateral relations with other nations
It began diplomatic relations with Nepal on 25 July 2017 solely based on goodwill, friendship, and mutual understanding resulting in contact and cooperation between the two members of the United Nations at international organizations, international conferences, and meetings. Both countries are a part of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77. They share similar views on numerous international issues, including the sentiments of smaller nations. With bilateral relations gradually increasing since the exchange of visits of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of Serbia has also shown commitment to activities in regional organizations in which this island nation enjoys full membership such as the Caribbean Community, and the Association of Caribbean States, representing a channel of communication while creating opportunities for more development of relations. The agreement to respect and abide by the relations between the Government of Yugoslavia and the Government of the country following regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention was signed in 2001.
