Antigua and Barbuda Seeks to Strengthen Diplomatic Ties with Peru

Antigua and Barbuda has signaled its interest in deepening diplomatic relations with the Republic of Peru as both countries explore new opportunities for cooperation across several sectors.

The intention was outlined on Thursday by Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene during a courtesy call by Peru’s newly appointed Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Gustavo Lembcke.

Although diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1985, Greene noted that engagement has remained limited over the years, with most interactions occurring on the margins of the annual United Nations General Assembly meetings each September.

“I hope that your appointment will be the beginning of renewed relations between our countries, as we are practically neighbours within the Americas,” Greene said. “We have supported your initiatives at the UN, but I believe the time has come for us to do more.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister pointed to several areas where collaboration could be strengthened, including climate change and education. He emphasized that small island states like Antigua and Barbuda face disproportionate impacts from climate change and could benefit from greater regional partnerships to address the issue.

Greene also highlighted the potential for academic cooperation through the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, suggesting that partnerships with Peruvian universities could support student exchanges and expand opportunities for Antiguan and Barbudan students to learn Spanish.

Ambassador Lembcke welcomed the opportunity to strengthen ties, noting that Peru is seeking to expand its diplomatic presence and engagement across the Caribbean.

He explained that Peru currently maintains embassies in Cuba and the Dominican Republic—both Spanish-speaking Caribbean nations—as well as in Trinidad and Tobago, its primary diplomatic base for the English-speaking Caribbean.

Lembcke said he has been accredited to Antigua and Barbuda as well as Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Haiti. Meanwhile, Peru’s embassy in Port of Spain will oversee diplomatic relations with Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia.

“We believe this will strengthen our position in the Caribbean and allow us to deepen our ties with the region while promoting stronger political cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels,” he said.

During the meeting, the ambassador also referenced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) submitted by Peru to the Antigua and Barbuda government in 2022. Greene confirmed that the government will revisit the proposal with the aim of determining how soon it can be signed and implemented.

Both sides expressed optimism that the renewed diplomatic engagement could open the door to greater collaboration in areas including education, climate policy, and regional cooperation.