(OPM)- Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called for China’s support to address the humanitarian, security and governance crisis in Haiti.
Mr. Skerrit addressed the 8th Round of Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and Caribbean Countries on Friday.
“As you are aware, Haiti is experiencing a security and humanitarian crisis – a crisis which requires the care and concern of all nations. In order to usher a likely solution to the crisis, there will be need for a Security Council resolution – we therefore request the fullest support of China at the Security Council,” Mr. Skerrit said.
Following the just concluded CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Trinidad, leaders noted the need for the immediate creation of a Humanitarian and Security Stabilization Corridor under the mandate of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution and agreed to seek support from international partners to help finance its establishment and the strengthening of security in Haiti.
Prime Minister Skerrit said Heads were also preoccupied with issues of food security, climate change impacts, the reform of international financial systems, and security and air transportation within the region.
“This consultation is therefore timely as it allows us to explore solutions to these common challenges, which can be implemented jointly and with urgency to secure the futures of our people and countries.
“As Small Island Developing States, we look to form stronger partnerships with China and draw on your innovation and prowess in science and technology to tackle these global issues,” he said.
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Hua Chunying addresses the 8th Round of Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and Caribbean Countries on Friday.
Prime Minister Skerrit expressed gratitude to the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Hua Chunying, for China’s longstanding and fruitful relationship with Dominica and support for Caribbean states in areas of infrastructure investment, security assistance, trade and COVID-19 aid.
“I am certain that I speak on behalf of my fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters, when I say that our ties with your country continue to bear fruit in most tangible ways.
“Indeed, China continues to be extremely supportive of the region’s fight against climate change and our efforts to build resilience, specifically through post-disaster relief and recovery assistance, as well as funding for the construction and rebuilding of key infrastructure post disasters,” the Prime Minister said.
Foreign Ministers and Representatives of Caribbean States with diplomatic relations with China attended Friday’s meeting.
Foreign Ministers and Representatives of Caribbean States with diplomatic relations with China attended Friday’s meeting
China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hua Chunying told the forum China values its relationship with Caribbean countries.
“We see great increases in people to people exchanges, we stood with each other in solidarity during the pandemic and we have provided each other with vaccines and medical supplies,” she said, adding that China and the Caribbean continue to engage in cultural and educational exchanges with up to 700 Caribbean students now studying in China.
