ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Antigua and Barbuda has become a signatory to the Cusco Declaration as the country broadens its security arrangements with non-traditional entities within the Americas.
Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene signing the agreement at the 17th Conference of Defence Ministers held in Cusco, Peru.Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene signed the agreement at the 17th Conference of Defence Ministers held in Cusco, Peru and during the ceremony emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in matters of security and that the signing of the Cusco Declaration is therefore seen as Antigua and Barbuda broadening its security arrangements with non-traditional entities within the Americas.
“While the Caribbean has not experienced terrorism on the scale witnessed elsewhere, we recognise that terrorism continues to evolve in form and method. Violent extremism, cyber-enabled radicalization, illicit financial flows and the exploitation of emerging technologies demand constant vigilance and collective action.
“No single nation, irrespective of its resources, possesses the capacity to confront these threats alone,” Greene said, adding “our success depends upon timely intelligence sharing, enhanced maritime domain awareness, coordinated law enforcement and defence cooperation, strengthened border management and sustained investment in regional capabilities”.
Greene said that for Antigua and Barbuda, this cooperation is not merely aspirational; it is operational.
“Through our engagement within the Regional Security System, CARICOM’s security architecture, the Organisation of American States and partnerships with hemispheric and international allies, we continue to strengthen our ability to prevent, deter and respond to emerging threats.
“These partnerships demonstrate that collective security is not measured solely by military strength, but by trust, interoperability and a shared commitment to common values,” he added.
The Cusco Declaration, formally titled Preamble to the Foundation Act of the South American Union, is a two-page declaration of intent signed by 12 South American countries during the Third South American Summit on 8 December 2004 in Cusco, Peru. It announces the foundation of the Union of South American Nations and called for a regional parliament, a common market and a common currency.
