Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has embarked on a significant official visit to China from March 23 to 29, at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of China. This visit marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Dominica and China, a milestone highlighting two decades of friendship and cooperation.
Since formalizing ties in 2004, Dominica and China have cultivated a robust partnership, transcending the vast geographical distance and differences in size and economy. China, with its population of 1.4 billion and GDP of $17.52 trillion, is the world’s second-largest economy. Dominica, an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, has a population of approximately 73,000 and a GDP just under one billion dollars. Despite these contrasts, the two nations have forged a relationship based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared development goals.
The collaboration between Dominica and China has yielded tangible benefits for the Dominican people. China’s principle of win-win cooperation and non-interference has allowed Dominica to engage with a global economic powerhouse without compromising its political autonomy. The partnership has spurred advancements in infrastructure, economic growth, agricultural modernization, education, and technology in Dominica.
Prime Minister Skerrit has consistently emphasized the significance of the relationship with China. At the inauguration of the China-Dominica Friendship Association in September 2022, he acknowledged the profound positive impact of Sino-Dominican ties on the nation’s development. “Our partnership with China is a cornerstone of our progress,” Skerrit remarked, underscoring the transformative potential of continued collaboration.
For China, strengthening ties with Dominica represents a facet of its broader global diplomatic engagement. For Dominica, the partnership offers opportunities for prosperity and modernization, demonstrating how nations of different scales can work together towards common interests. As the two countries celebrate 20 years of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Skerrit’s visit underscores a shared commitment to a future of mutual benefit and cooperation.
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Dominican PM's China visit: Strengthening bonds, embracing prosperity
cgtn.com
