Direct Air Links Between Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina Discussed

Establishing direct air links between Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina was among the discussions held between Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Ambassador Marcelo Balbi Calvo

Ambassador Calvo met with PM Browne at his office this week, where the matter was discussed briefly

“We are looking towards having stronger people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and I am hoping that at some point, we can look at the possibility of establishing greater air links between Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina,” he said

“It is the overall objective of my administration to have greater trade with South America, which means we have to strengthen the transportation both maritime and air transportation between the two countries,” Browne said

Meanwhile, the government of Argentina has extended an offer to provide Antigua and Barbuda with training in handling antimicrobial substances to protect human and animal health.

Ambassador Marcelo Balbi Calvo conveyed this offer during a meeting with Prime Minister Gaston Browne at the Office of the Prime Minister this week

The countries had relationships since 1984.

The ambassador also mentioned that Argentina is offering a soil and water management course for sustainable agriculture, with an opportunity for a representative from Antigua and Barbuda to attend.

Additionally, Argentina will conduct a course next month focusing on the significant issue of antimicrobial resistance, which affects human and animal health.

Prime Minister Browne expressed gratitude for the offer, emphasizing the increasing global concern regarding antimicrobial resistance.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration, not only bilaterally but also through multilateral cooperation, in addressing this issue.

“This has become more and more of a global issue and there has to be greater collaboration. They are becoming resistant to antibiotics and they represent a significant threat to not only animals but human beings aswell,” he said

Prime Minister Browne highlighted past collaborations between St. John’s and Buenos Aires, including Argentina’s support to Antigua and Barbuda during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing test kits.

Recognizing the need for strengthened collaboration in anticipation of potential future pandemics, Prime Minister Browne conveyed Antigua and Barbuda’s eagerness to build upon the existing cooperation with Argentina.

““Argentina has assisted us with building capacity in a number of areas, including health care, education, and certainly agriculture, and we are hoping your appointment will assist us in deepening cooperation especially in the area of trade as we seek to import more of your products,” he said

He underscored the significance of global collaboration in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and noted that some experts are warning about the potential for the current bird flu to evolve into a pandemic.

It was also mentioned that antimicrobial substances are agents that can either kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth.

These substances differ based on the primary microorganisms they target, such as antibiotics for bacteria and antifungals for fungi.