Kingston, 23 January 2024 (TDI): On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China’s desire to collaborate with Jamaica on aligning their development plans, increasing their cooperation in various sectors, strengthening their cultural and social ties, and building a solid base of public support for the friendship between China and Jamaica.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, spoke at a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who was joined by Jamaica’s foreign affairs, finance, health and infrastructure ministers.
Prime Minister Holness remembered that he had the privilege of meeting Xi Jinping when he came to Jamaica as China’s vice president in 2009 and that he and President Xi declared the elevation of their relations to a strategic partnership in 2019.
Prime Minister Holness asked Foreign Minister Wang to pass on his warm regards to Xi and said that China was always ready to assist Jamaica when it faced challenges, which has greatly contributed to Jamaica’s economic growth and quality of life, and clearly shown China’s genuine intention to help developing countries.
The prime minister emphasized that Jamaica will remain loyal to the one-China policy, prioritize the Jamaica-China relationship, and work hard to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister also passed on Xi’s warm regards and said that China values Jamaica’s steadfast friendship and support for the one-China principle and is grateful to Jamaica for backing China in defending its vital interests.
He stated that China believes that all countries, regardless of size, are equal and respects Jamaica’s decision to adopt a system and lifestyle that suits its own conditions.
Wang also said that China supports Jamaica in protecting its sovereignty, independence, and national pride and taking a more active part in regional and international issues.
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Foreign Minister Wang mentioned that the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Jamaica has been successful and has great potential.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang informed the Jamaican side of China’s development achievements and centenary goals.
Further added that China is speeding up its modernization and is ready to offer a helpful example for developing countries that want to achieve fast growth while keeping their independence.
He added that the two sides can exchange views on state governance and pursue common development.
Prime Minister Holness said that China’s modernization has established a standard for high-quality development.
He said he has seen China’s commitment to the principle of equality and sincerity towards small and medium-sized countries and he is confident that China will keep playing a leading role in tackling global challenges.
Prime Minister Holness wrote, that Wang’s visit marked a “major achievement” in diplomatic relations, “showing the lasting friendship and cooperation between our two great countries”.
He also said that we hope to continue enhancing the ties that support the progress and happiness of our people.
Foreign Minister Wang also met with Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith on the same day.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang ended his 10-day tour of Africa and Latin America in Jamaica, after starting his trip in Egypt on January 13. He also visited Tunisia, Togo, Ivory Coast and Brazil along the way.
