China and Grenada agreed in Beijing Friday to consolidate and
advance relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment and
other areas.
Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao, in his talks with visiting Grenada Prime Minister Keith
Mitchell, said the two countries have strengthened cooperation and
strengthened ties since they resumed diplomatic ties in January
this year.
"Facts have proven that developing mutually beneficial
cooperation on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful
Coexistence between China and Grenada conforms to the fundamental
and long-term interests of both countries," Wen said.
China attaches importance to its relationship with Grenada, and
appreciates Grenada's hope to develop bilateral ties.
"I believe the China-Grenada relations can surely score greater
development through our joint efforts," he said.
The premier called on the two countries to plan for future
development of their relations in an all-round way, saying the two
sides should strengthen exchanges between governments, parliaments
and political parties to boost political mutual trust.
The two countries should also promote non-governmental exchanges
and expand cooperation in areas like culture, education and
tourism, so as to lay a foundation at the grassroots level for the
friendship of the two countries, Wen said.
The two countries should also work for close coordination and
cooperation in international affairs to boost South-South
cooperation and promote common development.
Wen said economic and trade relations constitute an important
part of bilateral relationship between China and Grenada, and
although the scale is "limited" at present, there is potential for
their complementary economies.
China will implement the action plan of economic and trade
cooperation adopted at the 2005 ministerial-level meeting for
China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation, to push forward
China-Grenada cooperation in trade, investment, finance,
agriculture, fishery and other areas, Wen said.
"China will, within its own capacities, continue to support and
assist Grenada in its country's economic and social development,"
he said.
Mitchell also reiterated that Grenada will continue to pursue
the one-China policy, and the Chinese premier expressed
appreciation over it.
Mitchell agreed with Wen on his proposals for further
consolidating and developing bilateral relations.
He said China is a country of important influence in the world,
and developing Grenada-China relations is conducive to the
development of Grenada's economic and social growth and will bring
benefits to the people of Grenada.
Grenada is confident about the prospect of developing the
friendly and cooperative ties with China, he said, hoping that the
two sides could expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism
and other areas.
(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2005)