Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley engaged in discussions during Mottley’s official visit to China. The meeting took place in Beijing on Sunday, where Li acknowledged Barbados as a valuable friend and partner of China within the Caribbean region. Expressing a desire to bolster strategic mutual trust, Li affirmed China’s commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors, with the aim of establishing China-Barbados relations as a model of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual benefit among developing countries.
In order to advance the joint construction of a high-quality Belt and Road initiative, China expressed its readiness to collaborate with Barbados and foster exchanges and cooperation in the realms of economy, trade, culture, and other fields. Furthermore, China encouraged its enterprises to invest and engage in business activities in Barbados. Li assured that China would increase the import of competitive products from Barbados and continue providing assistance within its means to support Barbados’ economic and social development.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by developing island nations in addressing climate change and other issues, China expressed its willingness to work together with Barbados to find solutions for financing difficulties. China pledged its support for developing countries in their endeavors to expedite energy transformation and achieve sustainable development.
Mottley emphasized the significance of Barbados-China relations and stressed the shared commitment of both nations to improving the livelihoods of their people and promoting sustainable development. She expressed gratitude to China for sending medical teams and providing assistance in Barbados’ fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with strengthening cooperation, Barbados expressed its willingness to collaborate with China in agriculture, energy, infrastructure construction, poverty reduction, tourism, culture, education, and jointly addressing global challenges such as climate change.
Barbados affirmed its opposition to “decoupling and breaking the chain” and expressed support for maintaining the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization as its core, as well as the stability of international production and supply chains.
Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements. These encompassed the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the blue economy, local cooperation, medical and healthcare, and news media.
