ST JOHN'S, Antigua: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has articulated a foreign policy for the first time in its 25 year history since independence.

In the 2006 Throne Speech, Governor General Sir James Carlisle outlined that the country's foreign policy is a well-defined one, which is a sign of "our political maturity."

He noted that, for the Antigua and Barbuda government,  the fundamental values and core guiding principles that will be promoted abroad, are the very same values and principles that guide their actions here at home.

"In view of the freedoms we enjoy here at home, we seek a world in which freedom, justice and opportunity thrive, and governments are accountable to their people, for the protection of their rights and guaranteeing their security and basic needs. Such a world, is the best guarantee of the security and prosperity of the people of Antigua and Barbuda," Governor General Carlisle outlined.

He said that the country's foreign policy for 2007 will be centred on a theme of "Active Diplomacy for a Changing World."

In order to achieve their objective, the Government has identified the following ten strategic priorities for the regional and international arena:

1. Supporting initiatives and partnerships aimed at making the world safer from global terrorism and weapons of mass destruction;
2. Reducing harm to our twin-island nation from international crime, including drug trafficking, people smuggling and money laundering;
3. Working for a stronger international system that can prevent and resolve conflicts;
4. Building an effective and regionally competitive Antigua and Barbuda in a secure neighbourhood;
5. Supporting our national economy and business through an open and expanding sub-regional, regional and global economy and security of energy supplies;
6. Promoting national sustainable development and poverty reduction underpinned by sound democratic institutions, good governance and protection of our fragile environment;
7. Managing regional integration while ensuring that the single market and economy within CARICOM provide local entrepreneurs and workers with greater economic opportunities;
8. Delivering high-quality support for our nationals abroad at all times;
9. Strengthening relations with our traditional allies such as the United Kingdom, the People's Republic of China, Cuba, the United States, Canada, Venezuela and Commonwealth countries and broadening newly established diplomatic links with countries of the middle- and far- East, and in Africa by negotiating for new trade and economic relationships;
10. Promoting Antigua and Barbuda as a gateway for extraregional  investment in the region, with a view to making this nation the most competitive Caribbean country by 2008.

The Government, during the Throne Speech, also commended the efforts of its diplomatic corps for their sterling efforts in maintaining a focused and extensive programme of strengthening the country's bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation.