The Government of Grenada and the Republic of China last week Wednesday signed a Cultural Cooperation Agreement which will facilitate cultural and people -to people exchange between the two nations.

The agreement was signed during a three-day visit of a seven-member delegation from China headed by His Excellency Yang Jiechi, Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People¹s Republic of China.

Minister with responsibility for Culture and the Performing, Senator Brenda Hood, signed the contract on behalf of the Government of Grenada while China¹s, Vice Minister signed on behalf of his government.

Mrs Hood said that both countries will be able to share experience and educational opportunities as a result of the contract signed. She said that this is the beginning of a cultural relationship between Grenada and the Republic of China. She termed the event as a historic day in the history of Grenada.

Jiechi also signed an agreement with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon Elvin Nimrod, providing Further Financial Assistance to Grenada which includes the rebuilding of the National Stadium which is as a result of the MOU signed by both countries on January 20, 2005.

Nimrod said that despite noises from certain quarters, they was and remains convinced that the decision to re-establish relations with the People¹s Republic of China in January 2005, is in the interest of Grenadian people.

He said that enshrined in the MOU signed by both countries, is a mutual commitment on both sides to observe and adhere to some basic and fundamental principles, such as mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-aggression and non-interference in each others internal affairs.

Grenada also agreed that there is but one China in the world and that it¹s government is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

Other assistance China agreed to give Grenada include provision of 2000 low income housing units; scholarships and other educational programmes; assistance in the construction of the second phase of the general hospital; assistance in agricultural development; encourage and facilitate Chinese investment in Grenada.

The minister of foreign affairs said that so far the Chinese government has demonstrated a commitment to meet its obligation under the MOU. His Excellency Yang Jiechi in his remarks said that the relationship between both countries have developed and brought benefits to both countries since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. He said that his country will continue to do its best to give further aid to Grenada.