The United States has expressed its commitment to strengthening commercial and strategic ties with Antigua and Barbuda, particularly in the field of energy development, as both nations continue to deepen cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.

In a message marking Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th anniversary of Independence, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm congratulations to the government and people, reaffirming Washington’s support for regional security and economic partnership.

“The United States values our partnership with Antigua and Barbuda in advancing regional security through continued cooperation to stem the flow of illegal guns and drugs, counter illegal immigration, and disrupt transnational criminal networks,” Secretary Rubio stated.

He highlighted ongoing collaboration under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, through which the U.S. and Caribbean governments work jointly to strengthen border protection, tackle transnational crime, and enhance maritime safety.

Rubio also emphasized Washington’s interest in expanding commercial engagement, noting that energy cooperation represents a major pillar of future collaboration.

“We remain committed to working with Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen commercial ties between our two countries, including through partnerships in energy,” he said. “Our private sector partnership on LNG energy is a model for the region that will lead to not only Antigua and Barbuda’s energy security, but also new commercial opportunities.”

That partnership includes a joint venture between Eagle LNG, an American energy company, and Antigua’s Hadeed Group, to develop a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power generation facility at Crabbes.

The project, viewed as a milestone in the nation’s transition to cleaner energy, received strong endorsement from U.S. officials during a site visit earlier this year by Michael Kozak, a senior official from the U.S. Department of State.

Secretary Rubio added that the United States looks forward to “deepening collaboration to create safer communities and greater opportunities for all citizens” across the region.

Antigua and Barbuda’s government has welcomed the growing partnership, describing it as a promising sign of expanding economic and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.