After meeting with SP. Nabih BERRI, PM. Tammam SALAM and Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Gebran BASSIL, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Charles Fernandez, met with the Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps in Lebanon, and Consul General of the Republic of Singapore Joseph Habis at his office in Sofil Center, Ashrafieh and he was accompanied by the honorary consul Michel Aflaq and a number of assistants. 
During the meeting, Fernandez gave Habis a formal invitation to visit Antigua and discussed the relations between the two countries as well as the appointment of Aflaq as ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to Lebanon. They also discussed the work taking place to support investment, tourism and trade. 
On this occasion, Habis praised the importance of the visit in this particular circumstance, congratulated Aflaq on his new position and explained that the role of the Honorary Consular Corps in Lebanon is very important in consolidating and activating the relations between the countries and listed the achievements made at this level. He also expressed his willingness to take any action or initiative in the interest of further cooperation and pointed out that small countries do not preclude this, while revealing the success that Singapore has achieved in various fields, whether related to development and internal growth or its increased international presence.
After praising the hospitality he received when visiting Habis and officials in general, Fernandez said: “We are proud of appointing Aflaq as ambassador to Lebanon and we are confident that he will be a great representative of our country and will strengthen relations between both of our countries”. 
“The Honorary Consular Corps” Magazine asked Minister Fernandez about his impression after meeting with Lebanese officials and he said: “It was very good, the relations with Lebanon are solid and we are working on their continuation and activation."The Lebanese Diaspora in the islands of Antigua and Barbuda is very effective, some of whom are deputies and ministers and we seek to benefit from these abilities for more success in all fields.”
Regarding the presence of specific joint projects, he said: “We work on encouraging Lebanese investors to establish projects in Antigua where they benefit from facilities. There are more families that come to us and establish projects, and we appreciate the contribution of those in support of the economy.”
At the end of the meeting, Fernandez and Habis exchanged gifts and posed for souvenir photos and promised to follow up communication and cooperation where possible.