BEIJING, China, CMC- Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has arrived at the head of an official delegation as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton exchanged congratulations on the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Describing Dominica as an important cooperation partner of China in the Caribbean region, President Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have maintained a high level of development, with ever-stronger political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation, and ever-deeper friendship between the two peoples.
Xi said he highly values the development of bilateral relations and stands ready to work with President Burton to take the existing ties to a new level, deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly build an even better future for bilateral relations.
President Burton’s congratulatory message depicted Dominica-China relations as dynamic and fruitful, adding that Dominica cherishes the friendship with China, appreciates China’s support and assistance, and is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation to tackle global challenges jointly.
Prime Minister Skerrit has since exchanged congratulatory messages with Premier Li Qiang, who said Beijing is willing to make joint efforts with Dominica to further deepen the two countries’ relations.
Since establishing diplomatic ties 20 years ago, Skerrit said that Dominica and China have seen mutual respect and understanding. China’s support and cooperation have contributed to Dominica’s economic and social development.
He voiced confidence that the bilateral relations will continue to strengthen and move forward.
He said he would meet with President X, Premier Li, and Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, during the Week.
“My delegation and I will also hold talks with top business leaders and attend the Boao Forum for Asia in South China’s Hainan Province,” he said, adding, “During this visit, we will sign several cooperation agreements, further cementing our strong bilateral ties with the People’s Republic of China.”
Skerrit, who is leading a delegation that includes his wife, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, and other senior government ministers, told China’s Xinhua News that the Belt and Road Initiative has opened up “numerous opportunities in providing financing and technical support to some of our countries to help build economic independence.
“Every country has a right to determine its own political system, and I believe that the political system that exists in China has also contributed to its prosperity and improved the way of life for the Chinese people,” Skerrit told the Chinese news agency.
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