Chinese premier vows to bolster political, economic ties with Jamaica

BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged Wednesday to continue China’s support to Jamaica’s economic development, saying the two sides should expand cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining and tourism.
Wen made the remarks when meeting with his Jamaican counterpart Bruce Golding.
“As the international financial crisis has posed severe impact on China and the Caribbean states, we should help each other, enhance cooperation, and jointly cope with challenges so as to consistently boost our friendly ties,” Wen said.
China’s trade with Jamaica slipped by some 30 percent to 219 million U.S. dollars last year. However, China’s imports from Jamaica nearly tripled year on year, according to Chinese custom figures.
He called on the two sides to bolster cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining industry and tourism, and said China is ready to support more cultural, educational and sports exchanges with Jamaica.
“Jamaica is one of the first countries in the Caribbean region to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, it always adheres to the one-China policy, and the two peoples have friendly feelings toward each other,” Wen told Golding, who is on his first official visit to China.
Wen pledged to boost exchanges with Jamaica at various levels, enhance coordination on international affairs and jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries.
On climate change, Wen vowed to strengthen contact with small-island countries in urging developed countries to carry out their obligations of providing fund, technology and support for capability building of developing countries.
“We comprehend and sympathize with the difficult situation small-island countries, including Jamaica, are in…and will jointly push forward international cooperation (in that aspect),” he said.
Golding hailed Jamaica-China exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy and humanitarian fields.
He pledged to stick to the one-China policy and voiced hope to expand trade and economic ties, as well as consultation on international affairs, with China.
China’s prompt humanitarian aid to Haiti after the devastating earthquake last month indicated the friendship between Chinese and Caribbean people, he said.
Golding appreciated China’s responsible attitude in tackling climate change and pledged to further cooperation with China.
Golding arrived in Beijing Monday. During his five-day trip, Golding is also expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Vice President Xi Jinping.