Antigua and Barbuda and Brazil strengthened their economic and diplomatic ties on Friday at the 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) held in Brasília, Brazil.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne and His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, took significant steps towards strengthening relations between the two nations by signing an Air Service Agreement.

The newly signed Agreement will pave the way for further economic cooperation between the two countries through trade and investment.

This move is expected to boost the economic growth of both nations and create more opportunities for their citizens.

In addition to the agreement signing, President Lula announced that Brazil will reopen its Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda, solidifying the commitment to deepening relations between St. John’s and Brasília.

The news of the reopening of the Brazilian Embassy was welcomed by Prime Minister Browne, who mentioned that Antigua and Barbuda would be seeking to establish a presence in Brazil.

Moreover, Prime Minister Browne used the occasion to invite Brazil to attend the upcoming 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 to 30 May 2024.

He requested support for the conference and emphasized the significance of the event in promoting sustainable development in small island nations.

This agreement signing and other diplomatic moves are a clear indication of the strong relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and Brazil, and their mutual commitment to promoting economic growth and cooperation.