Director of American and Oceanic Affairs Division of Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Henan Province, Yan Jingwei, presents Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, with a token from his homeland. (B. Hinds/BGIS)

Barbados’ deepening of cooperation with China with regards to culture was among the areas discussed when Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with Responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, received a delegation headed by Director of American and Oceanic Affairs, Division of Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Henan Province, Yan Jingwei.

During the meeting last weekend, the Minister mentioned the long-standing relationship between the two countries and expressed the hope of strengthened relations going forward.

Senator Dr. Munro-Knight added that apart from future opportunities in culture, the Government of Barbados was interested in pursuing other areas of cooperation that would redound to the benefit of both countries. 

Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China, Yan Xiusheng, said the delegation’s visit was a significant occasion for Barbados.

He added that Henan Province was the “most populous province with a population of 104 million people and is the bread basket of China. I understand that Kung Fu and martial arts are very popular in Barbados… [so it is worth noting that] Shaolin Temple is located in Henan Province.” 

He thanked the Minister for her remarks at this year’s Fish and Dragon Festival, and the government for its continued support in general, adding that the cultural performers from Henan Province helped to “enhance the cultural exchanges between Barbados and China.”

Mr. Jingwei lauded the beauty of the island and added that he and his team were eager to engage in more cultural exchanges with the country, adding: “We express our sincerity and our happiness to be here and to be able to visit your country.”

He also expressed a willingness to help with developing tourism links between Henan and Barbados and promised to encourage groups of people from his homeland to visit.

The Director also invited a delegation from the Government of Barbados to visit Henan Province.

On the point of expanding the tourism links, Senator Dr. Munro-Knight said over the last two to three years, government had been pursuing non-traditional destinations and welcomed opportunities to deepen tourism links with China and by extension, Henan Province.

Also present during the call were Director of Cultural Policy and Research in the Prime Minister’s Office Division of Culture, Donna Greene-Rusnighi, Cultural Policy Officer, Karen Mascoll and Administrative Officer, Karen Harmon.

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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