Qin Gang Meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration of Antigua and Barbuda Everly Paul Chet Greene

On June 15, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration of Antigua and Barbuda Everly Paul Chet Greene in Beijing, who is on a visit to China and attending the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance.

Qin Gang said that Antigua and Barbuda is a good and reliable friend and partner of China in the Caribbean. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago, the two sides have always rendered mutual understanding and support on issues relating to each other's core interests and major concerns, setting a fine example of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development between countries of different sizes. China stands ready to work with Antigua and Barbuda to enhance political mutual trust, jointly build the Belt and Road, deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, maintain close multilateral coordination, and promote greater development of bilateral relations. Antigua and Barbuda is welcome to actively participate in the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. China values its relations with the Caribbean countries, and stands ready to work with the Caribbean countries to promote fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Greene said that Antigua and Barbuda attaches great importance to its relations with China, and sees China as the most important cooperative partner. Antigua and Barbuda firmly upholds the one-China principle, which is a solid foundation for its relations with China, and will never change. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Antigua and Barbuda hopes to continue its friendship with China, jointly ensure the success of celebrations, enhance practical cooperation in infrastructure, economy, trade, agriculture, environmental protection, water resources and other fields, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Both sides expressed concerns over Japan's forceful push to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. They shared the view that this will harm the global marine environment and public health, and urged Japan to deal with related issues in an open, transparent, science-based, safe and responsible way.