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| Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean, receives a??gift from newly installed Chinese Ambassador, Xu Hong, today, during a courtesy call??at Government Headquarter. (C.Pitt/BGIS)?? |
Barbados’ important role in international and regional affairs was praised by the new Chinese Ambassador, Xu Hong, during a courtesy call on Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.
During the meeting at Government Headquarters today, the two officials discussed a range of issues including closer collaboration on renewable energy, culture, education, economy and trade-related issues.
The Ambassador, who was impressed with the strides the island has made also mentioned Prime Minister Stuart’s successful visit to China and the need to implement some of the issues discussed: "We need to implement some of the outcomes of your visit so that we can bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries," he remarked.
In turn, the Prime Minister praised the successful diplomatic relations that had existed between Beijing and Bridgetown for the past 35 years and added: "Since then the relationship has grown from strength to strength and Barbados has been able to benefit from the cooperation with China and there is much evidence across Barbados that China is a friend of Barbados."
Ambassador Hong commended Barbados for its commitment to the One China Policy and expressed the hope for further dialogue on a range of issues.
Barbados and China established diplomatic ties on May 30, 1977.