The relationship between Barbados and the People’s Republic of China is built on mutual respect, cooperation, and sincerity.
These principles were highlighted during a recent event at the Chinese Embassy, commemorating 47 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Deepening engagements and fruitful cooperation
Ambassador Xiusheng highlighted the continuous deepening of engagements and successful cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
He emphasized that China-Barbados relations are currently at their strongest in history. Key areas of collaboration include people-to-people exchanges, agriculture, development assistance, and education.
Commitment to the One-China Principle
The ambassador praised the Barbadian Government’s steadfast support of the one-China principle, which underpins the bilateral relationship.
This support is crucial for China’s reunification efforts and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Recent development assistance and projects
China’s recent development assistance to Barbados includes agreements and projects such as the construction of the national stadium, completion of the Sam Lord’s Castle Wyndham Hotel, China-Aid Centre for Food Security, and the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Project.
Vision for future cooperation
Ambassador Xiusheng expressed China’s willingness to work with Barbados to further promote the implementation of important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries.
The goal is to deepen political mutual trust, enhance cooperation in various fields, and support each other on core issues.
The ambassador envisions expanding and enriching the content of friendly relations, upholding multilateralism, and promoting a community with a shared future for mankind, aiming for global peace, security, prosperity, and progress.
Modernizing communication strategies
Tyson Henry, Chief Information Officer at the Barbados Government Information Service (GIS), acknowledged the beneficial cooperation with China in modernizing the department’s approach to communications.
He emphasized the importance of effective communication in today’s digital age.
The GIS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Xinhua News Agency in Guangzhou last year, leading to immediate benefits such as training workshops for Information Officers in Beijing.
Optimism for future collaborations
Henry expressed optimism about the ongoing relationship between the GIS and China, anticipating more fruitful collaborations that will benefit both nations.
He highlighted the positive impact of these partnerships on modernizing communication strategies and connecting with citizens locally and in the diaspora.
Celebrating 47 years of diplomatic relations
The celebration also featured remarks from notable figures such as Dr. DeLisle Worrell, President of the Association for Barbados-China Friendship; Dr. Chelston Brathwaite, former Ambassador of Barbados to China; and David Bulbulia, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies.
