牙买加工党总书记、政府副总理霍勒斯·张发言时间:2021-12-01 来源:
Remarks by Dr Horace A Chang CD MP
Deputy Prime Minister Jamaica, General Secretary ofJamaica Labour Party
This is a historic time for political parties globally as we lead our countries through the social, economic and public health challenges that are associated with COVID-19. Strategic engagements, such as this China-CELAC Political Parties Forum, presents the welcomed opportunity to strengthen our efforts towards collaborative and speedy recovery.
The governing Jamaica Labour Party welcomes this China-CELAC Political Parties Forum. This occasion underscores the role China continues to play in the infrastructural and economic development of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. On behalf of the government and people of Jamaica, I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to President Xi, the Communist Party of China, and the people of the People’s Republic of China. Though distanced geographically, the people of the Latin America and the Caribbean, and Jamaica in particular, are connected to China through history, culture and longstanding bonds of friendship.
It was former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer, of the Jamaica Labour Party, who initiated support for the One-China Policy in Jamaica, ahead of the rest of the region. This firm belief in China’s vision led to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, and has resulted in forty-nine years of friendship, collaboration and partnership. This has been maintained across successive administrations of our nation. We look forward to commemorating 50 years of mutually beneficial relations with China next year.
This year, as the Communist Party of China celebrates its 100th anniversary of commitment to the people and partners of the People’s Republic of China, Jamaica salutes your resilience, resolve and true vision of global development and prosperity. Congratulations on this milestone!
Strong political parties are the foundation of every democratic society. This year, the Jamaica Labour Party celebrates its 78th anniversary. As we position Jamaica on a path of sustainable growth and prosperity for our people, we appreciate the continued friendship and support from the Communist Party of China in our efforts to recover stronger.
Cooperation between the two countries and Parties has delivered tangible benefits for our people and our economies.
Over the years, we have established strong relationships in all aspects of national development, resulting in greater people to people connections and the full support of our people for the Jamaica-China partnership.
The recent COP 26 in Glasgow has allowed deep exploration of the realities of the environmental tests which we face. As an island state we have challenges of beach erosion and loss of fertile soil. Climate Change demands new learning and strategizing to mitigate these threats. Jamaica, stands ready to collaborate with China in introducing technology and other mechanisms to improve our climate resilience.
In addition, I wish to highlight the commitment of President Xi at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in which the government of China pledged three billion dollars ($3B) over three years, to support the COVID-19 response of developing countries, such as Jamaica, and to promote social and economic recovery within a green and low carbon energy context.
I must reiterate the thanks of the government and people of Jamaica for the 200,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine that were donated by the Government of China last week. This most generous gift is another indication of China’s deep commitment to Jamaica, and wider Latin America and Caribbean region.
I close by acknowledging the high level of importance and relevance of this China-CELAC Political Parties Forum. Thank you to the Communist Party of China for providing this opportunity for regional collaboration even as we forge stronger China – CELAC partnerships.
Thank you.
Dr Horace A Chang CD MP
General Secretary
Jamaica Labour Party