Chinese Ambassador NIU Qingbao enjoyed Jamaica: Sad to go
Published:Tuesday | February 20, 2018 | 12:00 AMLatara Boodie
As the Embassy of the People's Republic of China celebrated the start of a new year, they also bid farewell to Ambassador Niu Qingbao, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. The emotional occasion was attended by friends, family and well-wishers from the Government, and the opposition.
"This an emotional moment. My tour of duty in Jamaica has been extremely precious and rewarding for me. I would like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt appreciation to friends from all walks of life," said Qingbao at the reception. The ambassador began his tenure in 2015 as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Jamaica and Permanent Representative of China to the International Seabed Authority.
During his stint, Qingbao has contributed significantly to China-Jamaica relations and has declared the bond to be stronger than ever. "The ones who have touched me the most and are the most worthy of my gratitude are the Jamaican people. You are friendly and talented. You are the centre of the China-Jamaica partnership. I am honoured to work with you and serve you," he said.
Of his wife and daughter he said, "I express gratitude to my wife and my daughter for consistent, understanding and support. Like myself, they have thoroughly enjoyed Jamaica and are reluctant to leave. My daughter even asked if she could stay after my departure," said the ambassador with a chuckle.
"We are pleased that our engagement with China is one of partnership and achievement of our shared interest based on mutual respect," said Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck.
Vibrant, mutually beneficial
Last year, Jamaica commemorated 45 years of a strong China-Jamaica relationship. Chuck explained that the partnership was vibrant and mutually beneficial. "Ambassador, at the beginning of your tour, you promised to prioritise high-level exchanges and to advance the friendly China-Jamaica partnership for common development. Within a short period, you quickly adapted within your new environment and settled into your role," said Chuck.
"No matter where I go, I will always continue to care about and contribute as much as I can to China-Jamaica relations. May China-Jamaica friendship be deeper than the Caribbean Sea, higher than the Blue Mountains and richer than the Blue Mountain Coffee," said the ambassador.