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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 71 - Tuesday September 13, 2005 |
Prime Minister Skerrit Leads High Level Delegation to The People’s Republic of China Sean Douglas - Government Press Secretary
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Planning, National Security and Overseas Nationals, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, left Dominica recently for an official state visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of Chinese Premier H.E Wen Jiabao, from September 18 to 24, 2005.
This is the Prime Minister’s first official visit to China since Dominica established diplomatic relations with the PRC in March 2004.
Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Ian Douglas; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Labour, Hon. Charles Savarin; Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Senator the Hon. Dr. John Collin McIntyre and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Sports and Youth Affairs, Senator the Hon. Petter St. Jean are also part of the delegation.
While in China, Prime Minister Skerrit is expected to meet with Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice President Zeng Qinghong of China and other leading Chinese officials from different ministries.
During the visit, leaders of both sides will discuss issues of common concern and ways to further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.
A number of bilateral agreements in the fields of tourism, agriculture and education will be signed. The Prime Minister is also hoping to sign an agreement with the Chinese Government seeking judicial support on matters pertaining to combating international crime.
The Dominica delegation will also exchange views with Chinese entrepreneurs from both the public and private sectors. Visits to the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou have also been planned.
Since the historic establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on March 23rd 2004, bilateral cooperation continues to deepen for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The Chinese Government has provided both financial and technical assistance to Dominica and the Government of Dominica upholds the one-China principle and offers valuable support to China in international affairs.
Since the countries established diplomatic relations last March, Dominica has received over EC$25 million in direct cash support from the Chinese Government.
Presently work is progressing satisfactorily on the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau. The Project is being financed through grant funds by the Chinese Government to the tune of EC$33 million.
Before returning home, Prime Minister Skerrit will participate in a number of engagements in New York and Canada.
Minister For Education, Human Resource Development, Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon. Vince Henderson, is acting as Prime Minister.
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