On November 8, 2023, a Bilateral Ministerial Meeting took place in Paris between the Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries of Antigua and Barbuda, Daryll Matthew, and His Excellency Jinpeng Huai, Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China.

The meeting highlighted the two nations’ strong relationship and commitment to further cooperation in education and culture. Matthew expressed his hope for an even more robust cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and China over the next 40 years, building on the countries’ 40-year history of collaboration.

Minister Jinpeng Huai echoed this sentiment and expressed his enthusiasm for fostering exchange and mobility opportunities for students from both nations.

The two ministers also discussed the importance of cultural collaboration, with Minister Matthew emphasizing China’s support in promoting the unique attributes of Antigua and Barbuda, including the Steel Pan musical instrument.

He expressed his desire for every school in Antigua and Barbuda to have its steel orchestra, and invited China to participate in this endeavor.

Both ministers extended invitations to each other, expressing a desire to continue and enhance the fruitful and promising collaboration between their respective countries.

This meeting is a testament to the enduring strength of diplomatic ties and the shared commitment to advancing mutual understanding and cooperation.