In a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Antigua and Barbuda said goodbye to Her Excellency Zhang Yanling, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China. Her departure marks the close of a distinguished chapter in the two nations’ partnership one defined by deepened friendship, development cooperation, and mutual respect.

Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene praised the ambassador’s remarkable service, describing her departure as “a difficult one.”

He credited Ambassador Zhang with helping to elevate the Antigua and Barbuda–China relationship to new heights, saying her work has touched nearly every aspect of national development.

“I really saw you at work,” Greene said, recalling the ambassador’s coordination of Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s official visit to China a diplomatic milestone that demonstrated her efficiency and dedication. He also revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, will soon host a formal farewell ceremony in her honor.

photo by Chinese Embassy

Reflecting on her tenure, Minister Greene noted that Ambassador Zhang’s efforts expanded training opportunities for citizens, encouraged Chinese investment in key sectors, and strengthened ties in infrastructure, health, and education. “I cannot think of a single area in which your influence has not been felt,” he remarked.

Ambassador Zhang also expressed her deep gratitude to the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for their friendship and support over the past four years.

“I have felt so deeply the warmth and kindness extended to me,” she said. “It has always been my mission to build reliable partnerships and to see tangible results that improve the lives of our peoples.”

She credited the success of her work to the consistent collaboration of the Antiguan and Barbudan government. “Whenever I faced challenges, I knew I could count on your support,” she said to Minister Greene. “Every time, I received positive feedback and strong encouragement.”

Ambassador Zhang pledged to remain an advocate for the relationship even after returning home. “You will always have a steadfast friend in me,” she affirmed, underscoring China’s belief in equality among nations regardless of size or wealth. “We always put respect first. Every country has the right to development, and that principle runs deep in our hearts.”

photo by Chinese Embassy

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, also extended appreciation on behalf of the ministry and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

He singled out Ambassador Zhang’s instrumental role in advancing the Booby Alley Housing Project, calling it “a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit our citizens for generations.”

As Antigua and Barbuda bids farewell to Ambassador Zhang, her tenure will be remembered not only for strengthened diplomatic ties but for her genuine friendship with the Antiguan and Barbudan people, a connection that promises to endure long after her departure.