NASSAU, The Bahamas – The bond of friendship and cooperation between The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China was further strengthened during the visit of His Excellency Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, October 20 to Friday, October 21, 2011.
During his whirlwind visit, Mr. Yang paid Courtesy Calls on His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General at Government House, the Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister and was hosted to a Welcome Luncheon by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Security the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, at the Balmoral Club, Sandford Drive.
“Your visit further underscores the strong bond of friendship and cooperation that exist between China and The Bahamas. You have honoured us deeply by your visit,” Mr. Turnquest said.
He spoke to the “fruitful” exchanges and cooperation conducted between both countries in the political, economic and cultural fields.
“We have also supported each other and enjoy close cooperation in international affairs and The Bahamas looks forward to continuing its cooperation with China in addressing global issues at the multilateral level,” Mr. Turnquest said.
Bahamians have benefitted from China’s generosity through scholarships, training courses and technical cooperation. Additionally, the trade volume between both countries continues to grow annually, at the benefit of both countries.
“We owe a great deal of gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China for the assistance it has provided to The Bahamas in many different areas. As a nation, we are deeply appreciative of China’s continued confidence in The Bahamas,” Mr. Turnquest said.
Strategic investments in tourism, as well as those being developed in agriculture and fisheries, aim to assist The Bahamas in developing a more diversified and balanced economy, and to further facilitate mutual and joint investment for both economies, he added.
He acknowledged that the construction of the national stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, the gateway project at the Lynden Pindling International Airport and the Baha Mar development on Cable Beach is a strong testament to the trust and confidence China has in the stability of The Bahamas and its further growth and development.
Mr. Yang’s visit came on the heels of the visit of His Excellency Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on Saturday, September 10, 2011, during which both governments signed an Economic Technical Cooperation Agreement.
Mr. Yang left the country on Friday, October 21, 2011 headed for Houston, Texas. He and his delegation arrived via a chartered aircraft from Denmark.
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
