Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Theon Ali, has formally presented his credentials to Qatar’s leadership, marking a new stage in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to a statement issued by the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in Qatar, Ali presented his credentials on Tuesday to Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir of the State of Qatar, during a ceremony at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.

The presentation formalizes Ali’s role as Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to Qatar, a diplomatic engagement that has been developing since he assumed duties as ambassador-designate in June 2024.

During the ceremony, Ali conveyed greetings and best wishes from Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Qatar.

The statement said the Deputy Amir, in turn, conveyed greetings from Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the leadership and people of Antigua and Barbuda. He also expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between the two nations would continue to grow.

Ali described the accreditation as a significant milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s engagement with the Gulf region.

“Today’s accreditation is a profound milestone that underscores Qatar’s immense strategic importance to Antigua and Barbuda,” Ali said. “I am deeply honoured to formally cement a partnership that spans climate action, aviation, and sustainable development.”

The embassy said discussions focused on advancing cooperation in areas including climate resilience, air connectivity and sustainable development.

Ali has played a key role in Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic outreach in the Gulf region, including serving as Deputy Head of Mission to the United Arab Emirates and, more recently, being appointed Deputy Chairman of the National Working Committee overseeing the launch of direct flights between the Gulf region and Antigua.

Prior to the accreditation ceremony, Ali presented copies of his credentials on June 16 to Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to translating shared priorities into concrete bilateral initiatives in the months ahead.