Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka have officially established diplomatic relations, following the signing of an agreement in Washington, D.C. on Friday.

The accord was signed by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Sir Ronald Sanders, and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe. The agreement takes effect immediately, paving the way for stronger political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Both countries are members of the Commonwealth. Sri Lanka last hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2013, while Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to host the gathering of 56 member states in 2026.

Ambassador Sanders highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka can now collaborate more closely within the Commonwealth framework.

“Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka can work together to ensure the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is a success for the Organization and all member states,” Sanders said. He further emphasized that Prime Minister Gaston Browne is actively working to expand Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic reach, including the negotiation of visa waiver agreements with Commonwealth nations.

According to Sanders, such agreements would not only ease travel across member states but also strengthen the global value of the Antigua and Barbuda passport.

The new diplomatic ties are expected to enhance bilateral cooperation and deepen engagement between the Caribbean and South Asia.