KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s resilience in overcoming slavery and achieving Independence has been hailed by the newly installed Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency, Chen Daojiang.

The ambassador said: “the history of Jamaica’s fight against colonial rule and slavery is laudable and emotionally moving.”

He said that the “strong leadership and arduous efforts of Jamaicans” have allowed for significant progress in the nation’s socio-economic development.

He noted that the country has made significant achievements in the fields of science, education, culture, health and sports, while continuously improving people’s living standards and playing an active and important role in international and regional affairs.

Ambassador Daojiang noted that the Independence celebrations coincide with 50 years of Jamaica-China diplomatic relations this year.

He said that China “stands ready to work with Jamaica and takes the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations as an opportunity to enhance practical cooperation in various fields, pursue high-quality belt and road cooperation (investing in infrastructure projects), and promote strategic partnerships to bring more benefits to our two countries and peoples”.

He extended an invitation for Jamaica to participate in the China-Caribbean Development Centre aimed at bolstering relations between China and regional countries, and the Global Development Initiative, which is intended to assist countries, particularly developing nations, to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 with a focus on “greener and healthier global development”.

Ambassador Daojiang said that the experience of COVID-19 has highlighted the need for the international community to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to jointly meet challenges and continue to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.