Prime Minister Gaston Browne has put forward a series of proposals designed to strengthen ties between Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of Turkiye (Turkey), during talks with the country’s newly accredited ambassador, Emriye Bağdagül Ormancı.
Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established 26 years ago, and while both sides have enjoyed cordial ties, PM Browne said there is room to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas.
He suggested that a technical team be formed to identify opportunities for collaboration, particularly in education, trade, investment, and tourism. Among his proposals was a student exchange programme between Turkish universities and the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. Browne also highlighted the potential for training Antiguans and Barbudans in Turkiye’s tourism sector, describing it as one of the strongest in the world.
On the diplomatic front, Browne noted that Antigua and Barbuda has supported several Turkish initiatives in international forums, acknowledging Turkiye’s growing role as an emerging global power.
Ambassador Ormancı welcomed the prime minister’s suggestions and agreed on the importance of strengthening the relationship. She said that a legal framework would be needed to guide cooperation in areas such as education, culture, youth, sports, and economic development.
She also highlighted business and investment as priority areas, adding that Turkish companies are keen to expand into the Caribbean. Plans are underway, she said, for a Turkish business delegation to visit the region in the coming months.
By fostering these ties, PM Browne is positioning Antigua and Barbuda strategically on the global stage. It’s encouraging to see proactive diplomacy in action.
I hope this is indeed mutually beneficial
Opportunities of investments are always welcomed. But turkey? Unless they are giving us some big money then…we don’t need their culture
Turkey is a great place to get stuff from to boost the economy but if we cannot even trade with Africa how can we…with turkey
Turkey is a rich country. We need money for our roads and our housing projects. Pass the bucks
Usually these hand shaking diplomatic experiences are just that and we never hear from these countries again. Let it be that something good comes out of this
Great move PM Browne
Good vibes rass gassy