Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne in a meeting with President of the Republic of Turkey Tayyip
Erdogan in New York last week, secured over two million US dollars in grant
aid for Antigua and Barbuda. During the meeting with President Erdogan, Prime Minister Browne expressed
Antigua and Barbuda’s desire to further develop the relations between the
two countries. He congratulated President Erdogan on being the first
president to be elected by the people of Turkey in free and fair
elections. He said that President Erdogan’s leadership has led to Turkey
becoming of the most successful developing economies.
President Erdogan during the discussions congratulated Prime Minister
Browne on his recent victory at the polls and outlined that Turkey is
interested in Antigua and Barbuda’s development and provided a grant of two
point one million United States dollars towards project development.
President Erdogan also advised Prime Minister Browne that his country would
welcome Antigua and Barbuda establishing an Embassy in Turkey and that his
government is prepared to cover the cost of rent for the facility for five
years.
Prime Minister Browne welcomed the suggestion and proposed that Turkey also
establish a mission for the Caribbean based in Antigua and Barbuda. He
also pointed out his government is prepared to work with the government of
Turkey in facilitating Turkish Airlines flying to Antigua and connecting to
other countries within the region. He said that his government will also
welcome Turkish businessmen exploring investment opportunities in Antigua
and Barbuda.
Both leaders also discussed other areas of cooperation with Turkey
committing to give serious consideration to the provision of a new fire
engine for the V.C. Bird International Airport and financial and technical
support to the government’s Five Hundred Homes in Five Hundred Days
programme.
Both leaders pledged to remain in close contact with President Erdogan
extending a personal invitation to Foreign Minister the Hon. Charles
Fernandez to attend follow-up meetings in Istanbul