Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne embarked on a mission to the People’s Republic of China, aiming to fortify the bilateral relations between his island nation and the Asian country.
Accompanying him is a delegation of key officials including Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst, and Michael Joseph, Chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Authority.
They departed the island on Sunday.
China: A cornerstone in Antigua and Barbuda’s development
Antigua and Barbuda and China, in 2023 celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations.
In a recent interview, Prime Minister Browne emphasized the significant role of China as Antigua and Barbuda’s foremost developmental partner.
He credited China’s contributions, particularly in the realm of infrastructure development, as pivotal to the island’s socio-economic growth.
According to Browne, China’s support through grants and concessionary loans over the past two decades has been unparalleled, enabling significant advancements in the nation’s infrastructure.
The Antiguan Prime Minister credits the country’s air and seaports, as well as the buildings housing the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to the generosity of China.
China’s global impact: A vision of shared prosperity
Prime Minister Browne lauded China for its global contributions, especially in assisting developing countries.
He praised China’s approach of using its resources for global capacity building and shared prosperity, contrasting it with involvement in global conflicts.
Browne depicted China as a nation committed to elevating living standards worldwide and ensuring equitable resource distribution.
Anticipating productive outcomes
While specific details of the talks remain undisclosed, Prime Minister Browne expressed optimism about strengthening the relationship further.
He anticipates returning with agreements that will enhance the bilateral relationship even more.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the visit, noting that Browne will attend a signing ceremony for cooperation documents, though the exact areas of cooperation have not been detailed.
