China-Dominica ties a ‘model’ for South-South cooperation, Xi tells Dominican PM

Chinese leader offers support to Caribbean country’s active role in regional and international affairs

Talks to broaden relationship held 2 days after the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries

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Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is welcomed to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday. Photo: EPA

Published: 2:07pm, 26 Mar 2024Updated: 10:55am, 27 Mar 2024

Beijing has pledged further social and economic support for the Caribbean nation of Dominica, with Chinese President Xi Jinping also highlighting the potential for political cooperation.

In a meeting with Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Beijing on Monday, Xi said China is willing to work with Dominica to synergise development strategies and turn the relationship into a driving force for win-win cooperation.

At the meeting, which came two days after the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries shortly after Skerrit came to power, Xi called the relationship a model of South-South cooperation, according to state news agency Xinhua.

“The key to the sound development of China-Dominica relations lies in a high level of political mutual trust, as well as in mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns,” he said.

“China firmly supports the people of Dominica in following a development path suited to their national conditions and stands ready to bolster friendly exchanges and strengthen the sharing of experience on governance.”

Xi said China supported Dominica in playing an active role in international and regional affairs and was willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation to deepen South-South cooperation and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.