Wang Yi calls for cooperation, exchanges to consolidate China-Jamaica friendship

China looks forward to strengthening the alignment of development strategies with Jamaica, expanding cooperation in various fields, and maintaining close people-to-people and cultural exchanges to consolidate the public opinion foundation for China-Jamaica friendship, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark when meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston.

Holness hailed China for supporting Jamaica’s economic development and improvement of people’s livelihood.

Jamaica will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy, prioritize bilateral relations, and strive to build a strong Jamaica-China strategic partnership, he said.

China appreciates Jamaica for firmly pursuing friendly policies towards China, adhering to the one-China principle, and supporting China in safeguarding its core interests, Wang said.

Noting that China advocates equality for all countries, large and small, Wang said China respects Jamaica in choosing a system with its own characteristics, and supporting the country in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and national dignity.

Commending the fruitful results yielded under the Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries, Wang called for expanding cooperation in areas such as economic and trade investment, new energy, agriculture, digital economy and blue economy.

Holness said Jamaica looks forward to learning from China’s successful experience to achieve more efficient and equitable development.

He expressed his belief that China will continue to play a leading role in addressing global challenges, calling for continued support from China on issues such as enhancing the resilience of small island countries to climate change.

Both sides also exchanged views on deepening China-Caribbean cooperation.

On the same day, Wang held talks with Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith.(CGTN)