Grenada values its friendship with the People’s Republic of China deeply.
These were the reassuring words given to resident Chinese Ambassador Yang Shu by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at a ceremony held Wednesday night to mark the 77th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) held at the Crown Ballroom of Radisson Beach Resort along the Grand Anse beach in the south of the island.
In a keynote address in front an audience that included Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade, Speaker of the House of Representatives Leo Cato, President of the Senate, Dessima Williams, several government ministers and leading members of the opposition, the Prime Minister lauded China for its assistance to Grenada over the years.
He said that since the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2005 under the former New National Party (NNP) government of Keith Mitchell, “our partnership has continued to flourish, grounded in mutual respect, mutual benefit, and enduring friendship.”
“Our cooperation reflects China’s longstanding commitment to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.”
According to PM Dickon Mitchell, these principles of China “have served as a reliable foundation for our bilateral relationship and for China’s engagement with developing countries around the world.”
He noted that over the years, the Chinese have supported Grenada’s development in meaningful ways through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, human resource development, and people-to-people cultural exchanges.
“The people of Grenada remain grateful for these contributions, which have strengthened our capacity to pursue sustainable development and improve the well-being of our citizens,” he told the audience.
The Prime Minister also said that beyond infrastructure and economics “our relationship has been enriched through cultural exchange and educational cooperation.”
“These connections deepen mutual understanding and remind us that diplomacy is ultimately about people, relationships, and shared aspirations,” he added.
PM Dickon Mitchell told Ambassador Shu: “As we celebrate this anniversary with you, we also celebrate a partnership that continues to deliver tangible benefits for our peoples and we look forward to further strengthening our cooperation and working together to address the challenges that we currently face.
“Your Excellency, China’s history teaches us that vision, perseverance, and a commitment to the welfare of the people can achieve extraordinary results. As China marks its 77th anniversary, Grenada applauds the achievements of the Chinese people and reaffirms our commitment to the enduring friendship between our two nations.
In his own address, the resident Chinese diplomat stated that the government in Beijing sees Grenada as “a trusted friend and partner of China in the Caribbean.”
Ambassador Shu expressed the view that the practical bilateral cooperation between the two countries “has yielded fruitful results.”
He pointed out that Phase 9 of the Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project has commenced, and that “a number of “small and beautiful” livelihood projects that directly benefit local communities have been completed.”
He cited new areas of cooperation between Grenada and China as including among other things electric vehicles project and the dispatch of a Chinese medical team to the island and that people-to-people exchanges have continued to flourish.
He said: “This year alone, more than 700 Grenadians from all walks of life have participated in various short-term training programs in China, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two peoples.
“Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Grenada in green energy, digital transformation, infrastructure upgrading, disaster prevention and mitigation etc, so as to elevate China-Grenada relations to new heights.
The Chinese envoy stressed that his country, which is the other major superpower along with the United States, will always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international system with the United Nations at its core.
“China stands ready to work hand in hand with Grenada and all international partners to build a more peaceful, prosperous and beautiful world, and to create a better future for all,” he said.