Xi Jin Ping talks to T&T PM Keith Rowley talks on major issues

China is ready to strengthen its traditional friendship with Trinidad and Tobago, backing ties in sectors varying from energy, telecommunication to support.

Thursday, 18th March 2021

Trinidad and Tobago PM Keith Rowley(L) and Chinese President Xi Jin Ping (R)

China is ready to strengthen its traditional friendship with Trinidad and Tobago, backing ties in sectors varying from energy, telecommunication to support, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday night. Xi made the remarks while on a phone call with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley, stating that China is ready to work with Trinidad and Tobago to lift mutual comprehensive, collaborative partnership to a new level. Also read: Kamla Persad takes a dig at PM Rowley, calls him “Mama Guy” The Chinese president also promised to expand collaboration with the Caribbean country in the digital economy, new energy, and inter-connectivity. According to Xi, Trinidad and Tobago were among the first nations to join the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative in the Caribbean region, adding that he believes the country can play a positive role in China's relationship with other nations in the Caribbean. Xi also said that China welcomes Trinidad and Tobago's support on issues concerning its core businesses, including those related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Taiwan. Also read: Gas To Liquids (GTL) plant is still a victory: Keith Rowley Talking about the fight against the virus, Xi noted that Trinidad and Tobago were the first with Latin American and Caribbean nations to donate aid materials to China, and China has also provided anti-pandemic equipments and technical support to Trinidad and Tobago in various channels. China is willing to increase vaccine partnership with Trinidad and Tobago and continue supporting the country in combating the pandemic, Xi added. Also Read: Keith Rowley is the worst leader in Caribbean: UNC On his side, Rowley first praised the Communist Party of China (CPC) as 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the Party's founding. He lauded the achievements Beijing has made over the years in economy, technology, and poverty alleviation. He added that China has worked as an important leader globally in the fight on COVID-19. "The CPC should be completely proud of itself," he said. Trinidad and Tobago's relationships with China are based on equality and friendship, said the prime minister, continuing that the country firmly abides by the one-China principle and is bound to increasing cooperation with China in various fields. The country is ready to work with China to jointly promote the building of the Belt and Road, he noted