Chinese Premier & Min. Bowen

The Governments of Grenada and China have expressed deep satisfaction at the relationship between the two countries. These sentiments were communicated by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Grenada's Deputy Prime Minister, Gregory Bowen.

Minister Bowen was paying an official visit to China on the invitation of the Chinese Government. During a meeting with the Chinese Premier, Minister Bowen and the Premier discussed the future of China-Grenada relations with a view to strengthening the already strong bonds of friendship.

The Chinese Premier thanked Minister Bowen for Grenada's support of the one China Policy and Grenada's friendship. Minister Bowen in return thanked the Premier for China's assistance to Grenada especially in the areas of World Cup preparation, agriculture, and business development.

The ruling New National Party (NNP) government severed ties with the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan in the aftermath of the September 2004 destruction of the island by Hurricane Ivan in favour of ties with Mainland China. Minister Bowen also met with Vice Premier Hui Liangyu.

Both Minister Bowen and the Vice Premier positively evaluated the development of the cooperation between the two countries. The Vice Premier noted that Grenada and China are both developing countries and face the common task of development. He told Minister Bowen that Beijing would continue to push forward friendly bi-lateral relations under the principle of mutual respect, mutual benefit and common development.

Minister Bowen thanked the Vice Premier and reiterated that Grenada was grateful for the assistance being provided by China. While in Beijing, Minister Bowen signed two agreements to provide more assistance to Grenada.

One of the agreements will see the Chinese provide one million United States dollars in grant funding for Government projects in the spice Isle. The other agreement will provide more grant support for the completion and continued funding of the national stadium at Queen's Park.