Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to Qatar, Theon Ali, has formally presented his credentials to Qatar's Deputy Amir, marking a significant new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in Qatar announced that Ali presented his credentials on Tuesday to Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir of the State of Qatar, during a ceremony at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.
The presentation formalizes Ali's role as ambassador, bringing to a close a process that began when he assumed duties as ambassador-designate in June 2024. During the ceremony, Ali conveyed greetings and best wishes from Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, reaffirming the country's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Qatar.
The Deputy Amir reciprocated by conveying greetings from Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the leadership and people of Antigua and Barbuda, and expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between the two nations would continue to grow.
Ali described the accreditation as a defining moment in Antigua and Barbuda's engagement with the Gulf region. "Today's accreditation is a profound milestone that underscores Qatar's immense strategic importance to Antigua and Barbuda," he said. "I am deeply honoured to formally cement a partnership that spans climate action, aviation, and sustainable development."
Discussions during the visit focused on advancing cooperation in climate resilience, air connectivity, and sustainable development.
Ali has been a central figure in Antigua and Barbuda's diplomatic outreach across the Gulf. He previously served as Deputy Head of Mission to the United Arab Emirates and was more recently appointed Deputy Chairman of the National Working Committee overseeing the launch of direct flights between the Gulf region and Antigua.
Prior to the accreditation ceremony, Ali had presented copies of his credentials on June 16 to Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary General of Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides concluded their meetings by reaffirming their commitment to translating shared priorities into concrete bilateral initiatives in the months ahead.
