Prime Minister Gaston Browne has welcomed France’s new Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Marie-Noëlle Duris, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation in climate action, education, healthcare, security and economic development.

During a courtesy call on Monday, Browne reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with France and expanding ties with the French Caribbean territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Climate change and the challenges facing Small Island Developing States featured prominently in the discussions.

Browne argued that traditional assessments based primarily on Gross National Income fail to capture the economic and environmental vulnerabilities of small island nations. He reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s support for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and reform of the international financial system.

The prime minister described climate change as an existential threat requiring stronger international cooperation, noting that Antigua and Barbuda and France share similar positions on climate justice and the need for a more equitable global financial system.

Duris reaffirmed France’s solidarity with small island states and its commitment to helping countries such as Antigua and Barbuda pursue sustainable economic development.

She also invited the Government to consider supporting a French-Mexican initiative calling on members of the United Nations Security Council to voluntarily refrain from using their veto in situations involving mass atrocities.

The officials explored closer cooperation between universities in France and The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, including student exchanges and collaborative academic programmes.

Browne said such partnerships could allow students to complete portions of their studies in France and Antigua and Barbuda while supporting the Government’s goal of developing the Five Islands Campus into a more international institution.

Closer links with Guadeloupe and Martinique were also discussed, particularly in transportation, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

Browne pointed to the geographical, historical and cultural connections between Antigua and Barbuda and Guadeloupe, including the longstanding participation of Guadeloupean visitors in Antigua’s Carnival.

Duris identified climate change, security, health, training, research and patient care as possible areas for stronger regional cooperation.

The talks also addressed Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with the European Union, including concerns surrounding visa-free access and Citizenship by Investment Programmes.

Browne called for a balanced approach that addresses European concerns while recognising the circumstances and interests of Caribbean countries. He again proposed an Electronic Travel Authorisation system as a possible alternative to imposing visa restrictions.

He also stressed the importance of preserving easy travel between Antigua and Barbuda and the neighbouring French territories because of their close economic, cultural and geographic ties.

Both sides discussed cooperation within international organisations and reciprocal support for candidatures to positions in multilateral bodies.

Duris also indicated that France is working with Antigua and Barbuda on a request for assistance with security preparations, in coordination with the relevant national authorities and regional partners.

Browne thanked the French Government and people for their continued engagement and expressed confidence that Duris’ tenure would further strengthen relations between the two countries.