“Trinidad and Tobago and China established formal diplomatic relations on June 20, 1974 and, since that time, relations between both countries have grown stronger and deeper.” These were the sentiments expressed by Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs during the Farewell Reception hosted by His Excellency Huang Xingyuan, outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and his spouse, Ms. Ma Li on Tuesday 28th June, 2016 at Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
During the reception, Minister Moses highlighted the outstanding work done by Ambassador Xingyuan in assiduously advancing existing initiatives and spearheading new ones during his tour of duty in Trinidad and Tobago over the past three years. These initiatives included inter alia, the historic State Visit of His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China in 2013; the reciprocal visit of the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to China in February 2014; the official opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Beijing, China in February 2014; the fortieth anniversary celebrations of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations between Trinidad and Tobago and China in 2014 as well a number of visits from high-level officials from the People’s Republic of China in 2015 and 2016.
His Excellency was also commended for leaving an indelible mark on the various government-to-government arrangements that Trinidad and Tobago enjoys with China such as special projects, grants and the transfer of expertise afforded to this country in the areas of culture, health, security, agriculture, sport and education. These government-to-government arrangements include the launch of the Confucius Institute at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies in October 2013; the presence of Chinese Medical team that provided yeoman medical service to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and have trained local personnel; the acquisition in 2015 of the TTS Nelson II, a Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel for use by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (Coast Guard); the provision of physical education equipment for use in primary, secondary and tertiary level education institutions across Trinidad and Tobago; training of local farmers in cultivating tropical crops by Chinese agronomists in July/August 2015; and the creation of the UWI/China Agricultural University (CAU) Agricultural Innovation Park (AIP) in Orange Grove, the first phase of which was launched in October 2015.
Commenting on his tenure in Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Xinqyuan highlighted his love for the country, its people and culture. He indicated that holding the position of Ambassador of China to Trinidad and Tobago was the most valuable experience in his diplomatic career to date, stating that he came here with great expectations and can now leave with great achievements and memories.
Additionally, His Excellency also indicated that during his tour of duty the bilateral relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and China was strengthened at all levels – exchanges have become more frequent, cooperation in different areas achieved and the all-dimensional friendship between both countries has deepened.
Both Minister Moses and Ambassador Xingyuan expressed their hope for the continued improvement and development of the bilateral friendship between Trinidad and Tobago and China. Senator Moses extended best wishes for continued success to Ambassador Xingyuan on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as he leaves to take up a new diplomatic assignment in Cyprus.
Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
View official document here - Trinidad and Tobago and China
