PRESS RELEASE

On Tuesday 30th July, 2024 Antigua and Barbuda, and Japan held bilateral discussions on the margins of the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads to Government of the Caribbean Community.

The Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda engaged in dialogue with His Excellency Mr. Yutaka Matsubara, Ambassador of Japan surrounding opportunities for trade and investment between both countries.

Minister Greene praised the outstanding relations between both countries and thanked Japan for its timely support given towards the successful hosting of the 4th United Nations International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).

The Minister also thanked Japan for its long-standing support during the 40 years of diplomatic relations, which has contributed to the socioeconomic development of Antigua and Barbuda.

The support of Japan in the fisheries sector was highlighted where Minister Greene requested upgrades to the existing fisheries complexes, to maximize on trade and storage capacity for the government.

The Foreign Minister also requested from the Japanese delegation technical support in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

Additionally, Minister Greene expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for its donation of reverse osmosis plants to Antigua and Barbuda which has greatly assisted in the increase of water production throughout the country.

Ambassador Matsubara extended praises to Minister Greene for Antigua and Barbuda’s successful hosting of SIDS4.

He stated that Antigua and Barbuda displayed tremendous leadership on the global stage and further brought focus to issue of climate change and the plight of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The Ambassador stated that Japan would continue to support Antigua and Barbuda in the area of water conservation through its donation of desalination plants. He further mentioned that Japan will continue to assist Antigua and Barbuda with the issue of sargassum.

The Ambassador also took the opportunity to extend an invitation to Minister Greene to the Eighth Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of CARICOM and Japan in December 2024.

Both parties also discussed candidatures, the appointment of an Honorary Counsul, and the upgrades to the existing West Bus Station bus terminal.