On June 8, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur. Both sides reached broad consensus on further strengthening bilateral friendly cooperation.

 

China and Barbados have witnessed fruitful cooperation in political, economic, cultural and educational fields, and carried out sound cooperation in international and regional affairs since the two countries forged ties 30 years ago, said Wen.

 

During the meeting, Wen pointed out that countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community. The Chinese government is ready to continue deepening mutually beneficial cooperation based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence. Wen proposed the two countries keep closer exchanges, further promote political trust and consolidate the political basis of bilateral ties. The two countries should tap potential, promote innovation of cooperative ways and expand exchanges in such fields as trade, finance, agriculture and tourism, said Wen. The premier noted that China will provide assistance within its available resources to Barbados and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in the Caribbean country. Wen urged both sides to expand humanistic exchanges and build mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. The two countries should also enhance coordination within the framework of South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue to safeguard the common interests of the developing nations, Wen said.

 

Wen appreciated Barbados's long-standing adherence to the one-China policy and its support of China's reunification.

 

Arthur spoke highly of bilateral ties, saying that since the two countries established diplomatic ties 30 years ago, bilateral friendly, pragmatic cooperative relations have been deepening continuously. Barbados supports China's grand cause of peaceful reunification and thanks for China's efforts to list the Caribbean country as one of designated destinations for Chinese tourists, as it opens up a new channel for bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation, he added.

 

China's persistent and robust development is conducive to world peace and stability and provides more opportunities for cooperation between China and the Caribbean region including Barbados, said Arthur. He expressed hope that the two countries will work together and support each other to play positive role in safeguarding world peace and justice.

 

Following the talks, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony of the exchange of notes on the feasibility study of a stadium expansion project built with Chinese assistance.

 

Prior to the talks, Wen Jiabao held a welcoming ceremony for Arthur. Vice Chairman of China Association for Promoting Democracy Central Committee Wang Liping, Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Chinese Ambassador to Barbados Liu Huanxing and other officials attended ceremony.