Canada has agreed to assist the twin-island nation with preparations for the upcoming Small Island Developing States Conference expected to take place here in 2024.

On Tuesday, representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, and Canada met within the margins of the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to discuss their longstanding diplomatic relations.

The Canadian delegation led by Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with His Excellency Dr. Clarence Henry, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, where they discussed several relevant and pertinent issues

Sidhu said his government’s support for the upcoming conference stems from the fact that the issue of climate change affects everyone globally

Both men also praised the strength of relations between both countries over the decades.

Among the other topics discussed was the recent relaxation of Visa requirements for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda which was received positively by the Antigua and Barbuda delegation.

Ambassador Henry thanked the Canadian representative for his country’s support of Antigua and Barbuda, also taking the opportunity to request that Canada work alongside the United States and CARICOM to find workable solutions to resolve the crisis in Haiti. 

The delegations also discussed the issue of regional transportation, CARICOM-Canada relations and further areas of bilateral cooperation between both nations.