Barbados is committed to its relationship with China says Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.
This reaffirmation came last evening as Mr. Stuart addressed a reception at Hilton Barbados to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People???s Republic of China.
The Prime Minister described both countries??? association as being based on friendship and mutual respect and gave the assurance that those relations would continue to deepen.
???Over the past 36 years, Barbados and China have enjoyed a rich and ever growing relationship. People to people exchanges between Barbados and the People???s Republic of China have been growing and I am sure I am correct in saying that every Prime Minister of Barbados, with the exception of the late Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, has paid a state visit to the People???s Republic of China.
???And, that should indicate the esteem in which the People???s Republic of China hold Barbados, but also the esteem in which Barbados holds the People???s Republic of China,??? he told his audience which included Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave and Lady Belgrave, as well as Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson.
China???s Ambassador to Barbados, Xu Hong, also spoke about the strong friendship, noting that it dated back to the establishment of diplomatic ties on May 30, 1977. He said the bilateral economic and trade relations had developed rapidly and cooperation in other areas had been fruitful.
???China has provided Barbados with assistance within its capacity and Barbados rendered strong support to China in many areas. It can be said that Barbados has long been an invaluable friend of China,??? he stressed.
Mr. Xu disclosed that a crew from China Central Television was currently in the island and a two-episode documentary called ???Glamorous Barbados??? would be produced to introduce this island???s unique culture to the Chinese people.
The Republic of China was the official designation of the state that succeeded the last imperial dynasty in 1912 and the People???s Republic of China was proclaimed on October 1, 1949.
sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb