Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, met with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, at Ilaro Court, where they addressed plans to purchase additional buses for the Transport Board, among other discussions. (J. Bishop/BGIS)
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley engaged in wide-ranging discussions on Wednesday with two newly appointed envoys to Barbados, aimed at further strengthening existing bilateral relations.
During her first meeting at Ilaro Court, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, congratulated Barbados on the successful hosting of the recently concluded CARIFESTA XV. He praised the rich culture of Barbados and the wider region, describing it as creative and diverse.
Prime Minister Mottley used the opportunity to brief the Ambassador on Government’s plans to create more spaces for cultural expression. She also thanked him for the continued presence of the Chinese Medical Team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which supports local doctors in providing care for patients.
The discussions also addressed plans to purchase additional buses for the Transport Board; infrastructural projects such as the expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the construction of a new national stadium; as well as renewable energy and other areas of cooperation.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley also met with Ambassador of the European Union to Barbados, Fiona Ramsey. (J. Bishop/BGIS)
In her second meeting, Prime Minister Mottley welcomed Ambassador of the European Union to Barbados, Fiona Ramsey, who pledged to continue advancing the growing partnership between Barbados and the EU.
Both officials committed to collaborating in key areas, including climate financing, renewable energy, education, trade, and airlift.
Ms. Mottley underscored her interest in pursuing more opportunities for “South-South” cooperation, noting her vision for Barbados as a hub for investment in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and other priority sectors.
Ambassador Ramsey emphasised that Barbados was a safe place to live and invest, while also admitting that she was “loving the island more”.
Barbados established diplomatic relations with China on May 30, 1977, and with the European Union in July 1976, when the EU Delegation Office in Barbados was first established.
Author: Julie Carrington
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/pm-mottley-holds-talks-with-chinese-and-eu-ambassadors/
