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HOME	APRIL 09th, 2005

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Qian Hongshan, China's Ambassador to Grenada, Qian Hongshan, on Monday formally presented his letters of credentials to Governor General Sir Daniel Williams.

It took place at the Office of the Governor-General at the Financial Complex on the Carenage in St. George's. In his remarks, Ambassador Hongshan praised Grenada for pursuing a foreign policy of peace and for actively participating in the regional integration process and regional development.

The Chinese diplomat commended the island for demonstrating what he referred to as a well organised post-disaster reconstruction with an unyielding spirit following the passage of hurricane Ivan last September. Grenada and China resumed diplomatic ties earlier in the year when the Keith Mitchell-led government broke off relations with the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan.

According to the Chinese dignitary, the resumption of ties between Beijing and St. George's will serve "the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and peoples". "We are confident that China-Grenada exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and educational fields based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit will continue to grow", he said.

Ambassador Hongshan stated that the Chinese Government is ready to work with the administration in Grenada to further promote the relationship between the two countries.

In response, Sir Daniel assured the Chinese Ambassador that the Government and people of Grenada are ready to continue and strengthen the renewed relationship. He noted that geographically China is the third largest country in the world with the largest population and is one of the five members of the United Nations Security Council.

In addition, he said that China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and although Grenada when considered alongside China is very small the fact remains that the two have a common interest for peace and security. "We all have common interest in containing violence and all forms of terrorists actions, by individuals as well as sectors of our world communities.

In fact, we can already see the need for a world police force to contain international offenders, since with the use of technology, offenders can cause problems across international borders", he said. "Grenada will join the rest of the world in ensuring that its space of air, land and sea is not abused by international offenders", he added.

Sir Daniel also used the opportunity to convey thanks to the Chinese Government for their assistance particularly as it relates to the rebuilding of the national stadium and their support in agriculture and housing. "Tourism is our main foreign exchange earner and as we build back our tourist industry we will be looking forward to many tourists from China coming to our shores", he remarked.

Last week, government announced that High Commissioner to London, Joslyn Whiteman has been appointed as Grenada's Ambassador to Beijing.