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Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its support for the one China Policy.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, EP Chet Greene, expressed this commitment during a symposium dedicated to upholding the one-China policy.
Greene emphasized the significance of the symposium in raising awareness and understanding of this important policy established by the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
He also took the opportunity to underscore the various ways in which Antigua and Barbuda have benefited from and continue to benefit from the PRC’s generosity.
“We sit here today reflecting on the One China policy and begin by thanking the government of the People’s Republic of China for the support you gave to my government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is the assistance from the People’s Republic of China which allowed us through vaccines to keep our people safe”, Minister Green said.
“I think it also represented then and represent now even in our minds the quality of leadership that China provides globally, and I want through you to indicate to your president and people just how grateful we are”, he added.
Green also spoke of the tremendous support that the government of the PRC is providing to the government as it prepares to host the 4th conference on Small Island Developing States, SIDS4.
“As we prepare to host the SIDS4 conference, no amount of appreciation is too much in recognizing your country’s donation of more than one million US dollars in equipment support, without which we would not be able to host this very important event here in Antigua and Barbuda”.
He says this, in addition to the many educational, social, and construction development support over the years, “has all served to provide beneficial top-up services to the government of Antigua and Barbuda in our own development thrust.”
In highlighting more contributions, the Foreign Affairs Minister made a note of the additional support that the Antigua and Barbuda government received from the PRC in opening an embassy in Beijing, the capital of China.
“This would not have been possible without the assistance and financial support of the Chinese government, and I recommit on behalf of the government of Antigua and Barbuda our unequivocal support to the One China policy. Long live the People’s Republic of China”.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yanling, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda, says the past 41 years of friendship “tells us clearly and consistently that the government of Antigua and Barbuda cooperation remains crucial to our adherence to the one China principle.”
“We value mutual respect, support each other’s core interests and major concerns. We work together to maintain regional stability and initiatives on global development, global security, and global civilization’” she added.
She says Antigua and Barbuda was the first Eastern Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China.
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