China and Caribbean nations target closer cooperation

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that China and Caribbean nations enjoy broad prospects for cooperation and called on both sides to deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership they share.

He made the remarks in Beijing while meeting with foreign ministers and representatives from Caribbean countries attending the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.

Wang emphasized the importance of deepening political trust, supporting each other on core interests, and advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to help Caribbean nations accelerate independent development.

During the past decade, all Caribbean countries with diplomatic ties to China have seen their leaders visit Beijing, eight have joined the Belt and Road Initiative, and six have signed visa exemption agreements with China.

Efforts should be made to expand people-to-people exchanges, Wang said, while pledging that China will increase government scholarships and training.

He also called for stronger multilateral cooperation, commitment to genuine multilateralism, and joint efforts to build a fairer and more equitable global governance system.

China, Wang said, will continue to support the Caribbean in tackling climate change and playing a greater role internationally.

Caribbean guests expressed appreciation for China’s long-term support in the areas of infrastructure, green development, disaster recovery, agriculture, healthcare, and education. They said the efforts had improved livelihoods, boosted resilience, and set a model for South-South cooperation.

And they reaffirmed commitment to the one-China principle and also voiced hope that South-South cooperation can be deepened through the China-CELAC Forum.