The opening of an embassy for Antigua and Barbuda in the Chinese capital,
Beijing,
will serve to further strengthen the already close relationship between the two
countries.
Those were the sentiments expressed Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene in
remarks he gave at the opening of the embassy on Tuesday.
“The opening of this Embassy will enable my government to further enhance our
diplomatic engagements, promote more effective economic and investment
cooperation initiatives, provide consular services to our students and citizens, and
promote more people to people exchanges.
“Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the People’s Republic of China approach to
diplomacy and its all-embracing way of engaging us as equal partners with a
shared vision for the world. This approach to diplomacy is also very evident in the
many global initiatives put forward by China to promote goodwill and cooperation
among nations,” Greene stated.
The foreign minister used the occasion to show raise of the Father of the Nation,
National Hero, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, for his vision in being one of the first
leaders to see China’s real potential and for moving swiftly to establish diplomatic
relations with the PRC.
“I have directed my staff to create a V.C. Bird wall right here in our Embassy as a
mark of respect and reverence for his vision, commitment, and desire to build a
long-lasting relationship with the government and people of this great nation, the
People’s Republic of China. A wall will also be erected for the Honourable Gaston
Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, in recognition of his embrace of
the V.C. Bird vision 41 years later,” he revealed.
Noting that there is much conflict and strife taking place around the world, the
foreign minister also expressed strong support China’s Global Security Initiative as
articulated by President Xi Jinping.
“It is crystal clear that the Security and governance are under threat. It is for this
reason that Antigua and Barbuda support the Global Security Initiative (GSI),
proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, designed to provide a safe and stable
environment for international relations, economic development, and global peace.
Additionally, my government remains committed to the ‘One China Policy’, that
there is only one sovereign state, the People’s Republic of China serving as the
sole legitimate government of that China, and Taiwan is a part of China,” Greene
declared.
He added that as members of multilateral institutions like the United Nations,
Antigua and Barbuda will continue to collaborate with China on critical issues of
mutual interest within the bilateral relations and to ensure that the principles
enshrined within the charter of this august body are kept, ensuring peace and
goodwill among the many nations of the globe.
