On Tuesday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed Abdullah Muhammad Alsaihani, the new Non-Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Antigua and Barbuda.

During the courtesy call at the Office of the Prime Minister, the prime minister expressed his strong desire to strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

He mentioned that Antigua and Barbuda is currently in discussions with the Saudi Royal Family to appoint an Economic Envoy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who will likely be upgraded to the position of Ambassador.

This move will help to further enhance the relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Browne also highlighted that Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an air services agreement between both St. John’s and Riyadh.

He expressed his hope that Saudi Arabia will consider Antigua and Barbuda as a possible destination for its new airline, as it is capable of doing long-haul flights.

During the previous year, when Saudi Arabia transported Caribbean leaders to meet with Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Antigua and Barbuda was one of the countries where the Saudi aircraft made a stop.

In addition, the prime minister made a case for Antigua and Barbuda to benefit from establishing a Development Fund in the Caribbean, which will be set up by the Saudi government.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has been successful in its bid to be the venue for the 2030 World Expo, and the Saudi campaign for the Expo in the Caribbean started in Antigua and Barbuda.

During his visit to St. John’s, the Saudi ambassador also held discussions with Foreign Minister E.P Chet Greene, and visited the campus of the University of the West Indies at Five Islands. Saudi Arabia has approved US$80 million to finance the expansion of the university, and work on this project will begin shortly.