Antigua and Barbuda is strengthening ties with the United Kingdom as momentum builds for next year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which the twin-island nation will host.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene met with UK Minister Chris Elmore on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, where the two discussed plans for the high-profile gathering of Commonwealth leaders. Both officials welcomed what they described as a strong and productive partnership between their countries as preparations move into high gear.

“Antigua and Barbuda is proud to host CHOGM next year, and we are pleased to have such a productive partnership with the UK as we move forward with preparations,” Greene said following the talks.

The meeting also focused on the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Centre of Excellence, a flagship project under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). Greene pressed for London’s full support, noting the Centre will be a hub for innovation and practical solutions to advance sustainable development priorities across vulnerable island nations.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding Commonwealth values while supporting small states in meeting their development challenges.

Greene’s talks with Elmore were part of a busy day of bilateral meetings with global counterparts, which Antigua and Barbuda officials say will deliver concrete benefits for the country as it prepares to take centre stage at CHOGM 2026.