Antigua and Barbuda and France are exploring a bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, cybercrime and other cross-border security threats, following high-level discussions held in St. John's on Thursday.
The talks took place during an official visit by France's Liaison Judge to the Caribbean, Justice Emmanuelle Doffe, who met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs E.P. Chet Greene.
Greene reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding cooperation with France on justice, security and the rule of law. He said Antigua and Barbuda is interested in negotiating a bilateral agreement that would strengthen efforts to combat transnational organized crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
The minister also identified cybercrime as a growing threat to the country and stressed the need for stronger international partnerships to address evolving criminal networks.
Among the proposals discussed was the creation of joint investigative teams, where appropriate, to improve cross-border investigations and facilitate greater intelligence-sharing between the two nations.
Justice Doffe noted that France is already pursuing bilateral extradition and criminal cooperation agreements with several Caribbean countries. Saint Lucia and Dominica have concluded similar arrangements, she said, which have strengthened judicial cooperation across the region.
She also indicated that France is prepared to support capacity-building initiatives through memoranda of understanding and specialised training in criminal investigations, judicial cooperation, financial crimes, cybercrime and other law enforcement disciplines.
Justice Doffe confirmed she would relay the proposals from the meeting to the relevant authorities within the French Ministry of Justice for consideration.
Her visit to Antigua and Barbuda is primarily technical in nature, aimed at strengthening practical cooperation between France and Caribbean jurisdictions on criminal justice matters. The mission focuses on improving coordination among judicial authorities, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and institutions responsible for tackling transnational crime — prioritising enhanced operational collaboration over traditional diplomatic engagement.
