Foreign minister welcomes new Chinese ambassador

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, on Wednesday received a copy of the Letters of Credence from Tian Qi, ambassador-designate of China to Jamaica, at the ministry's New Kingston offices.

The diplomat, who was most recently ambassador to Yemen, has also served in the Chinese embassies in Ethiopia, Hong Kong, and Brunei Darussalam.

Following her initial welcome of Ambassador-designate Tian, Johnson Smith conveyed her appreciation of his country's development assistance, including in the areas of youth, healthcare, and infrastructure. In that regard, the foreign minister referred to China's funding commitment of J$5.8 billion towards the construction of a children's hospital in western Jamaica as well as their assistance in the building of two early childhood institutions in the communities of Olympic Way, St Andrew, and Morant Bay, St Thomas.

The minister further conveyed the Government of Jamaica's deep appreciation for the new foreign ministry building being constructed by China in downtown Kingston, which is scheduled for completion by year end.

Cooperation in trade, specifically the impending export of Jamaican seafood to China, investment cooperation, tourism, and possible high-level visits were also discussed.

Jamaica and China are in their 46th year of diplomatic relations.