BARBADOS IS ONE OF THE FIRST countries in the Caribbean to have established diplomatic relations with China, and the Chinese government is prepared to work with Barbados to promote high-level exchanges between the two countries.
This was emphasized Monday by Chen Changzhi, vice-chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), during a courtesy call on members of the Senate at Parliament.
Thanking the Barbadian Government for what he described as a “warm reception”, Chen stressed that “exchanges between the legislatures of the two countries are an integral part of bilateral relations.”
He noted that “for the past 34 years since diplomatic ties were established, our friendship and cooperation have been developing smoothly and steadily”.
“Our two countries have cooperated well with each other in regional and international affairs and Barbados has become one of the most important partners of China in the Caribbean.”
Chen and a delegation of Chinese officials are in Barbados to observe Parliamentary procedure and learn some rudiments of the Barbadian legislature.
The Chinese delegation met with Deputy President of the Senate Kerryann Ifill, Deputy Speaker of the House Kenneth Best, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Maxine McClean and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly John Boyce.
They heard first-hand how the Senate is selected and its role in the governance of Barbados.
In welcoming the Chinese to the Senate Chamber, the Foreign Affairs Minister reiterated the “extremely good relationship” between the two countries, pointing to years of high-level exchanges and cooperation.
Alluding to the official visit to China by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart in June of this year, Senator McClean said it demonstrated Barbados’ commitment to strengthening its relationship with China. (BGIS)
