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4TH ROUND OF THE CARIBBEAN-CHINA CONSULTATIONS, NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS

Published:2013-08-14

 10 MAY, 2010

The Caribbean and China Relations Deepen During Round of Talks

 
 
NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Caribbean and the People’s Republic of China met in talks to discuss matters of mutual interests in the further development of relations between both parties, Monday, May 10, 2010.
 
 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette presided over the 4th Round of China-Caribbean Consultations at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre at the Police Headquarters on East Street.
 
Participating were representatives from China, and Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China. Also present were Her Excellency Elma Campbell, The Bahamas Ambassador to China and His Excellency Dingxian Hu, China Ambassador to The Bahamas.
 
 
“Your presence here today reaffirms the relevance of this vital partnership, which commenced some eight years ago on the margins of the 57th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, 2002 in New York,” Mr. Symonette said.
 
 
The consultations, borne out of a desire to develop friendship and comprehensive cooperation, provide an ideal opportunity to engage in open and frank dialogue on issues of importance, and facilitate the strengthening of the relationship between China and the Caribbean.
 
 
“This partnership represents an impressive model of South/South cooperation and one of its most significant aspects is that it exemplifies a model of diplomacy for the mutual benefit of both peoples in areas usually not defined by equity,” Mr. Symonette said.
 
 
“We are mindful of China’s position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and the important role she plays in the ongoing deliberations regarding the Reforms of the Security Council.”
 
 
The global, financial and economic crises confronting the world’s economies have demonstrated how integrated and interdependent Caribbean economies are with the rest of the world and the need to forge relationships, which foster dialogue, cooperation, collaboration and mutual benefits.
 
 
Since the inception of the China-Caribbean Consultations, both parties have witnessed an increasing number of high level visits between the respective countries, expanding cooperation, increased trade and the conclusion of financial and technical cooperation agreements. Both sides feel this pattern of important activities augurs well for the future of the partnership.
 
 
Since the last meeting in Beijing, Mr. Symonette recognized China for successfully hosting the 29th Olympiad, and the recent opening of the Shanghai Exposition 2010, at which the Caribbean is also represented. He also congratulated China on its 60th Anniversary.
 
 
Mr. Symonette expressed condolences to China following the April 2010 earthquake that hit that country, while commending that country for its support to Haiti following the January 12, 2010 earthquake.
 
 
“We commend your government for the support provided to Haiti in the aftermath of that quake. The Caribbean is indeed hopeful that with the establishment of the interim, Haiti Reconstruction Committee and the launch of the Action Plan for the Reconstruction and National development of Haiti, that Haiti will be placed firmly on the path of rehabilitation and sustained development,” Mr. Symonette said.
 
 
He also mentioned that the issue of climate change is of particular concern to Caribbean States, and welcomes China’s support of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) in Cancun, Mexico in December 2010.
 
 
“The significance of the China-Latin America and Caribbean relationship is reflected in China’s Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, which speaks to developing friendship, cooperation and economic development,” Mr. Symonette said.
 
 
He added that China’s membership in the Caribbean Development Bank and her recent membership in the Inter-American Development Bank and other initiatives such as China/Caribbean Trade and Economic Forum, demonstrates China’s commitment to establishing and maintaining a long-term relationship with the Caribbean.
 
 
His Excellency Li Jinzhang, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China recognized the importance of such consultations between China and the Caribbean.
 
 
He thanked The Bahamas Government for arranging and hosting the consultations and further acknowledged the importance this country attaches to such relations.
 
 
Source: www.bahamaslocal.com