Honourable Everly Paul Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda officially inaugurated the Embassy in the United Arab Emirates. He stated that it marks a significant milestone in the development of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Minister Greene went on to affirm that the new Embassy reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the progressive realisation of extensive political, economic and cultural ties with the United Arab Emirates.
The inauguration ceremony, held on 21 May 2025, was attended by dignitaries from the United Arab Emirates, including His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates, Her Excellency Dr. Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Health and Life Sciences in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Head of Diplomatic Missions accredited to the UAE, and a number of prominent businessmen in the UAE.
In his welcome address to the audience, the Honourable Minister Chet Greene asserted that the establishment of the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda will tighten the bonds of friendship and points of collaboration between the two nations. The Minister also highlighted the UAE’s achievements in identifying itself as a global hub fostering innovation, cultural relations and commerce. He emphasised that the Embassy being the first by Antigua and Barbuda in the Gulf would widen its perspectives into the region.
The Minister also lauded H.E. Theon Ali, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the State of Qatar, for his facilitatory role in setting the foundation for the formation of the Embassy. Ambassador Ali’s remarks were that Antigua and Barbuda needs to build productive partnerships that support trade, tourism and sustainable development.
In his inaugural address, the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the UAE, H.E. Gilbert Boustany highlighted the necessity of strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The Ambassador identified a shared vision for the future in renewable energy, global trade and Artificial Intelligence (AI).