Deputy Director Wang, Director of Communications Maurice Merchant and Counselor Song View photo »

Minister of State responsible for Information and Broadcasting Dr. the Hon. Edmond Mansoor on Friday held discussions with senior officials of the Chinese Information Ministry in an effort to further promote mutual understanding and develop friendly relations between the governments of the People's Republic of China and Antigua and Barbuda.

Counselor Song Ronghua and Deputy Director Wang Zhiquan of the Information Department of Foreign Affairs Ministry of China also held discussions with Dr. Mansoor on examining the possibilities of cooperation and exchange in the news field between the two countries.

Dr. Mansoor told the diplomats that has government believes in a free press and is currently working at rationalizing, re-branding and re-imaging the state owned ABS Radio and Television making it performance driven.

The Information Minister also discussed areas of training, technical cooperation and sharing experiences in information and media management. The Minister updated the diplomats on progress being made in Information Technology development in the country, sailing week and the annual carnival festivities.

Counselor Song said that he is looking forward to discussing with his superiors the proposals put forward by the information Minister and extended an invitation for the Minister to pay an official visit to China. Minister Mansoor will prepare a detailed proposal on the possible areas of cooperation for delivery to the Chinese officials.

Also during the day, the Chinese Diplomats met with members of the Government's Information Division and Media Congress on ways of developing cooperation in journalism.

The meeting chaired by Director of Communications Maurice Merchant, highlighted the need for the peoples of both Antigua and Barbuda and China to learn more about each other since there already exists such strong economic ties.

The media grouping suggested media group exchanges and the need to bridge the language barrier between both countries and it was pointed out that the establishment of language programmes should be explored. Merchant outlined that he is confident that the government would support the establishment of a Regional Language Centre in Antigua and Barbuda to facilitate the teaching of the Chinese languages.

Merchant during his remarks also highlighted the close ties between both countries and stated that the government of Antigua and Barbuda will continue to strengthen those ties.

"The relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the People's Republic of China has been one of mutual cooperation and understanding. The economic relationship is at an all time high with investments in Antigua and Barbuda now largely through grants and not loan arrangements," He said.

"China is an important partner of Antigua and Barbuda. There exisits a strong, constructive relationship between our two countries. We fully support the basis principles of "One Country, two Systems" which promotes cooperation in various fields between mainland China and its regions," Merchant concluded.

Counselor Song also noted that Antigua and Barbuda was the first country in the region to establish diplomatic relations with China and his government cherishes this. Both sides agreed to maintain strong communication links.