Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, presented his credentials to President Barack Obama at the White House on Sep 17th, 2015.
Speaking with the President in the Oval Office, Sanders remarked that “Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated its friendship to the people and Government of the United States by hosting for decades, within its soil, facilities that the United States regarded as vital to the safety and security of its people”.
He added, “Like the United States, Antigua and Barbuda is committed to economic improvement and economic rights, particularly within the framework of international treaties and compacts. My government will work with your government to ensure that obligations under such treaties and agreements are satisfied and that the integrity of international institutions are maintained for the good of all nations.”
In response, Obama observed that “Antigua and Barbuda and the United States share a long history of friendship” and that the twin-island nation “is a vital partner in the Caribbean”.
He said that he looked forward to working with Sanders “to advance our common agenda” and “in deepening further the strong and abiding friendship” of the two countries.
On a personal note, Sanders expressed his great admiration for Obama’s accomplishments as President and for the hope that he has given to people worldwide.
