Beijing, 25 January 2024 (TDI): Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Wednesday.
Li said that China and Antigua and Barbuda have been respectful and supportive of each other since they established diplomatic relations 41 years ago.
He added that China is willing to cooperate with Antigua and Barbuda to follow the important agreement made by the leaders of both countries, maintain and promote the traditional friendship, increase strategic trust, and improve cooperation in various areas for the benefit of both nations and peoples.
Cooperation in development and innovation
Li pointed out that both countries are developing countries and said that China is ready to work with Antigua and Barbuda to promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
And to enhance cooperation on agriculture and infrastructure, and explore more opportunities for cooperation on the green, blue, development, and digital economies to create new sources of economic growth.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges
Li also said that the two sides should boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in tourism, civil aviation, medical and health care, and human resources.
He said that China, to the best of its ability, is willing to help Antigua and Barbuda deal with climate change under the South-South cooperation framework and to keep working together on multilateral issues to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Appreciation and support for China’s initiatives
Browne said that the bilateral relations between Antigua and Barbuda and China have been growing strongly since they established diplomatic ties.
He thanked China for its strong support for the economic and social development of Antigua and Barbuda over the years and expressed his backing for important initiatives such as building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.
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Adherence to one-China principle
Browne also said that Antigua and Barbuda adheres to the one-China principle, regards Taiwan as a province of China, and firmly supports China in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said that Antigua and Barbuda is ready to enhance cooperation between the Caribbean Community and China, support the reform of the global economic governance system, and elevate bilateral relations to a new level.
And to work with China to tackle climate change, and strengthen cooperation with China on agriculture, education and infrastructure construction.
After their talks, Li and Browne witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents on the joint construction of the Belt and Road, trade, transportation, economic development, mutual visa exemptions, and climate change.
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