China, Jamaica pledge to enhance cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller during a welcoming ceremony for Simpson Miller prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 21, 2013. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

China and Jamaica on Wednesday pledged to enhance their cooperation in all areas including trade, agriculture, infrastructure construction and environmental protection.

The pledge was made during a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Jamaican counterpart Portia Simpson Miller, who was invited by Li to visit China from Aug. 20 to 25.

Li said Jamaica is a friendly and important partner of China in the Caribbean area. The two countries have huge potential for cooperation.

He called on the two to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, new energy, education, health care and sports, and promised to encourage and support Chinese companies to participate in programs beneficial to Jamaica's economy and people's livelihood.

He also hoped the Jamaican government would implement more favorable policies and take effective measures to protect the safety and legal interests of Chinese citizens and companies. [ Simpson Miller applauded the remarkable progress the two countries have witnessed in bilateral relations, and expressed appreciation over China's long-term assistance and support to the Caribbean.

She said Jamaica will strengthen communication and coordination with China and expand cooperation.

As for the relations between China and Caribbean countries, Li said China will continue to view the relations from the strategic standpoint, and endeavor to push forward comprehensive cooperation.

Saying Jamaica is an important country in the Caribbean area, Li hoped Jamaica would continue to play a positive role in China-Caribbean relations.

The premier said China will also strengthen dialogue, exchanges and cooperation with small islands countries including Jamaica on climate change and environmental protection.

Simpson Miller said Jamaica will work with China to cope with global challenges such as the climate change, and promote the development of Jamaica-China relations and Caribbean-China relations.

After their hour-long talks at the Great Hall of the People, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of cooperation deals involving economy and technology, education and infrastructure construction.