Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has called for a stronger and more assertive diplomatic approach to defending Antigua and Barbuda’s interests, warning that powerful nations are increasingly using economic pressure and unilateral measures that threaten the sovereignty of smaller countries.
Speaking at the 2026 Diplomatic Encounter and Annual Ambassadors’ Meeting on Friday, Greene urged the country’s diplomatic representatives to stand firm against international pressure and ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s small size does not limit its influence on the global stage.
“We see powerful states leveraging economic coercion and unilateral measures that undermine the rule of law,” Greene said.
“We watch as the multilateral system, designed to protect the weak, struggles to restrain the strong.”
The foreign minister said the changing international environment, marked by geopolitical competition, fragile supply chains and the worsening climate crisis, requires Antigua and Barbuda to pursue its foreign policy with greater determination.
He warned that the international system established after World War II is facing growing challenges, leaving small island developing states particularly vulnerable to decisions made by larger countries.
Greene told ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomatic representatives that they must actively defend the country’s right to determine its own future.
“Do not allow our small size to be mistaken for silence or insignificance,” he declared.
“Whether in Washington, London, Beijing, New York, Madrid or Havana, you must assert our right to determine our own development path, free from coercion.”
Greene also emphasized that diplomacy must go beyond maintaining relationships and attending international meetings.
He urged representatives to press for fairer international trade rules, greater access to climate financing and stronger recognition of the economic vulnerabilities facing small island states.
The minister pointed to Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic achievements, including the opening of its embassy in Beijing, partnerships with India and Norway on the blue economy, and its continued advocacy within CARICOM.
He said the country has consistently defended its interests within the regional grouping, insisting that cooperation must recognize the sacrifices smaller states make in the name of integration.
Greene also challenged diplomats to build international alliances that remain strong regardless of changes in political administrations.
“Build alliances that outlast changes in administration,” he said, urging representatives to deepen relationships within CARICOM, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the wider Commonwealth.
He said Antigua and Barbuda must capitalize on the international attention generated by its hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to advance discussions on reparatory justice, climate justice and reforms to international development financing.
The annual diplomatic gathering was held at the Sir John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre under the theme “Sovereign Resilience and Global Reform. Small State, Global Stakes: Diplomacy for Justice and Influence.”
St. Lucia’s Minister for External Affairs, Alva Baptiste, delivered the feature address.
Greene concluded that Antigua and Barbuda must earn its place in international affairs through principled diplomacy, reliable partnerships and a willingness to challenge injustice.
“The world will not grant us relevance out of sympathy,” he said.
He urged the country’s diplomats to remain unafraid to speak truth to power while representing Antigua and Barbuda with dignity, integrity and excellence.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Foreign Minister Greene calls for tougher diplomacy in defence of Antigua and Barbuda.