Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Location :

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is the arm of Government with the primary responsibility for the provision of diplomatic, international trade, protocol/consular services and the maintenance of good relations between Antigua and Barbuda and its regional and international counter parts. The work of the Ministry is guided by a set of fundamental principles that forms the framework for a countries foreign policy and strategic objectives to guide its foreign relations.

These include:

• Support for economic and social policies that promote poverty reduction, good governance and the protection of our environment and use of our resources in a sustainable way.
• Building a regionally competitive Antigua and Barbuda through support for and participation in the regional integration process.
• Developing knowledge and creating strategies to respond to the latest developments and trends in international trade negotiations, trade policy analysis, strategy formulation and implementation providing guidance on these issues;
• Delivering high-quality support for nationals abroad.
• Building international alliance for peace, justice and respect for the rule of law.

In this regard the Ministry carries out the following broad functions:

• Managing and coordinating regional, international and multilateral/bilateral relations.
• Promote international trade, investment, tourism and educational opportunities.
• Provision of Consular services and safeguarding and advancing the interest of nationals living abroad.
• Provision of diplomatic and protocol services.

The Ministry comprises of Headquarters in St. John’s Antigua and Barbuda and seven (7) diplomatic missions and consular posts in, Washington, Miami, Toronto, London, Cuba, New York Consulate and the United Nations Mission.
There are approximately (45) officers/staff in the Foreign Service - all of whom provide direct or indirect services to Antigua and Barbuda. This include representational officers (to include Non-Resident Ambassadors and Special Envoys) and administrative staff in overseas missions.
The Ministry is hoping to establish the International Trade Department during 2016.
Additionally the consular activities of the Foreign Ministry are buttressed by the support of Honorary Consuls in Japan, Republic Korea, Germany, Sweden, Dominican Republic, Italy, Lebanon and France. Currently seeking confirmation from Bulgaria, Czech Republic and exploring to make appointments in Syria, Nigeria, and UAE.