Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer has pledged Antigua and Barbuda’s continued support for the One China Policy and continued cooperation with the People’s Republic of China.
PM Spencer made the affirmation during discussions on Wednesday with the Director-General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Yang Wanming who is paying a visit to Antigua and Barbuda.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Spencer outlined that Antigua and Barbuda cherished the relationship with China and the activities shared over the past years are a testimony of the friendship and the understanding that both countries enjoy.
“I must commend the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador Liu Hanming for the excellent work he has been doing which has resulted in the outstanding relations that exist between our countries. We appreciate the numerous projects that China has funded in Antigua and Barbuda and re-affirm our support for the One China policy,” stated PM Spencer.
In response to Prime Minister Spencer’s remarks, Director-General Yang outlined that due to the joint efforts, bilateral relations have been good and China is satisfied with this relationship.
Mr. Yang also stressed that the Chinese Government places high importance on strengthening relations, maintaining exchanges and deepening dialogues. He stated that China is prepared to have exchanges between government departments, the foreign ministry and the legislature.
“China will continue to provide economic aid to Antigua and Barbuda to include the construction of a secondary school, a community centre, and a new airport terminal building. We also hope to strengthen our cooperation in Agriculture, new technologies and infrastructural development,” added Director-General Yang.
Discussions also centred on exchanges in culture, education and tourism. Pledges of support for Small Island Developing States in the area of Climate Change were also made by the Chinese delegation which included Ambassador Liu Hanming, two Division directors and a third secretary in the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also included in the discussions were Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister Ms. Sandra Joseph, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Anthony Liverpool and Foreign Service Officer Ms. Karen Cabral.
