OAS and China Explore Options to Increase their Collaboration for the Benefit of Latin America and the Caribbean

WASHINGTON, DC – The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today hosted the General Director of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Relations of China, Yang Wanming, with who he discussed new options to further collaborate on projects and programs for Latin America and the Caribbean.

During the meeting, that was held in the Continental organization’s headquarters in Washington, DC, The Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, showed his interest in finding areas together to, “Develop and strengthen the relationship with China, promoting deeper cooperation and voluntary fsupport for OAS programs.”

The head of the OAS mentioned that the Hemispheric Organization and the People’s Republic of China began their bilateral collaboration in 2004, the year the Asian country assumed permanent observer status in the Organization. “We value the contribution made by China since then, your presence and willingness to work with us in obtaining common goals for the continent,” he said.

Yang Wanming expressed the importance that his country grants to Latin America and the Caribbean, and thanked the Secretary General for his interest and the Organization’s “to continue working with our country. The OAS is a good partner for China to have in order to achieve its goals of making bonds with the Hemisphere,” he expressed.

The Chinese representative visited the OAS with the directors for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Foreign Ministry of China, Hu Lan and Sun Yi; as well as the Deputy Director of North America and Oceania, Hu Yumin. The Secretary General was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Ambassador Hugo de Zela; OAS Secretary of External Relations Ambassador Alfonso Quiñonez; and the Director of International Relations, Jorge Sanín.