Over the weekend, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Antigua and
Barbuda has established diplomatic relations with the Joseon Cybernation with
immediate effect.
According to the media release this happened following what it termed ‘intense
discussion and the unanimous decision’ of the Cabinet.
The release explained that Joseon is the non-territorial successor state to the
Joseon Empire that was founded in 1392, in what is today’s North and South
Korea, now separate nations. “The non-territorial state seeks peaceful and friendly
relations with the states of the United Nations to contribute to building a world of
development and goodwill. It does not claim any territory. Joseon is a dynastic
empire that ruled over a united Korea until the early 20th century. It has been
reimagined by Joseon King Andrew Lee as a digital nation without territory or
borders,” according to the release.
Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, Lionel Max Hurst has disclosed
that already Antigua and Barbuda has been benefitting from the relationship with
the Joseon Cybernation. “A representative from the Joseon King Andrew Lee has
visited the country and he made a presentation of US$1.5 million that went to
assist with the current expansion of the Sir Novelle Richards Secondary School.
Additionally, they have committed to making a further amount available, that is
expected to go towards the University of the West Indies at Five Islands,” Hurst
revealed.
Hurst explained that the relationship with the Joseon Cybernation will not affect
Antigua and Barbuda’s already close ties with the Republic of South Korea.
“There’s no competition concerning the two relationships,” he noted.
The media release further explained that Antigua and Barbuda has, during its four
decades of sovereignty, sought to build peace and friendship internationally and
regionally. The foreign policy of Antigua and Barbuda has been aimed at achieving
friendly relations with all states and peoples and declaring no state an enemy of
this Small Island Developing State. The country aims to befriend even those states
and entities that are non-traditional and modern entities.
On 5 th April 2022, the two states, Joseon and Antigua and Barbuda, signed an
Agreement that supports education, economic investment, and other developmental
initiatives and provides the basis for longstanding friendly relations. The signing of
a Treaty of Peace, Amity, and Commerce with Antigua and Barbuda speaks to the
forward-looking views and policies of our outstanding Caribbean state.
This newly executed agreement establishing diplomatic relations will continue the
tradition of seeking peace and development with many partners.
