Barbados/China relations robust

New Political Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Barbados, Zou Xi promises to work hard alongside his colleagues to take the relationship between the two countries to a higher level.

 

In addition, he wants to strengthen communication with the diplomats of foreign missions in Barbados.

 

Xi shared this with top diplomats, senior government officials and business executives gathered at the Chinese Embassy’s, Rockley, Christ Church headquarters on Monday night.

 

Xi is replacing Zhu Songhua, who has been relocated to Belfast, Northern Ireland.

 

During the reception in his honour, Songhua stressed that although he is leaving Barbados, he will continue to pay close attention to the country.

 

“There is no denying that Barbados has made tremendous strides in national development over the past 50 years. We have a very strong belief that Barbados will make great achievements in the next 50 years ahead with concerted efforts,” he expressed.

 

 

The outgoing Political Counsellor also noted that China and Barbados have been enjoying a stable and healthy friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago. He pointed out that this is even though the two countries are separated by vast oceans and differing population, language, culture and political system.

 

“Under Ambassador Wang Ke’s leadership our Embassy has been working closely with Barbadian counterparts in our efforts to promote bilateral relations … Our two countries have witnessed a number of firsts in bilateral cooperation in recent years and now we can say for sure that the relationship is more robust than ever,” he signalled.

 

Highlighting China/Barbados relations, Her Excellency Wang Ke, Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, introduced the eight healthcare professionals from the People’s Republic of China who were assigned to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in December 2016.

 

The doctors’ and nurses’ presence is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Government of Barbados and the People’s Republic of China. They bring expertise in the areas of nephrology, minimally invasive surgery, interventional radiology, anaesthesiology, orthopaedics, and critical care. (TL)