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Antigua and Barbuda and China to forge greater cooperation

NEW YORK – The relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China has been classified as “vibrant and strong.”

These were among the comments made by the Foreign Affairs Minister of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Mr. Yang Jie Chi during a meeting with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda the Hon. Baldwin Spencer at the United Nations Headquarters on Friday, September 29.

“Our relationship has grown tremendously over the past twenty-five years and the People’s Republic of China considers Antigua and Barbuda to be a true friend. I hope that we can further find ways to expand our relationship. Antigua and Barbuda will always have the support of China,” Foreign Minister Yang stated.

In response, Prime Minister Spencer expressed appreciation for the level of cooperation that exist between both countries and stated that China has proven to be a special friend of Antigua and Barbuda with high levels of cooperation in various fields.

“I would wish to commend your government for supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s development. We thank your government for the provision of 25 scholarships to our young people to study in universities in Beijing. I must make special mention of Ambassador Wren Xioping who has worked extremely hard at ensuring that our relationship remains at a very high level. We wish her well in her new posting in Africa and look forward to welcoming the new Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda,” Prime Minister Spencer said.


Prime Minister Spencer and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Yang Jie Chi

During the meeting Prime Minister Spencer outlined a number of priority areas in the fields of education, community development, information technology and infrastructural development.

The Chinese Foreign Minister said that his government will look favorably at the proposals made by the Prime Minister and pledged China’s continued support of Antigua and Barbuda.

The issue of the One China Policy was also discussed with Foreign Minister Yang expressing pleasure in Antigua and Barbuda’s support of the policy. “We look forward to Antigua and Barbuda’s continued support of the One China Policy which is a part of a 1971 United Nations Resolution,” said Minister Yang.

Prime Minister Spencer for his part, said that Antigua and Barbuda fully understands and supports the basic principles of “One Country, Two Systems, which promotes cooperation in various fields between Mainland China and its regions. “This system presently exist between Antigua and our sister island of Barbuda,” said the Prime Minister.

The Meeting, which also addressed the issue of United Nations Reform, was also attended by the Chinese Director General of the Department of International Organisations and Conferences, Mr. Wu Hailong; Director General of the Department of Policy Planning, Mr. Ma Zhaoxu; Director General of the Information Department, Mr. Liu Jianchao and Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representation to the United Nations, Mr. Liu Zhenmin.

Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation included Senior Ambassador, Sir Ramez Hadeed; Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. John Ashe; Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Conrad Hunte; Ambassador Anthony Liverpool and Minister Consular, Ms. Janil Greenaway.

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