China, Trinidad and Tobago PM pledge to boost cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) meets with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (2nd L) at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 26, 2014. Peng Liyuan (1st R), wife of President Xi, attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Wednesday and they pledged to boost cooperation between the two countries.

Recalling his state visit to Trinidad and Tobago in June last year, Xi said he was deeply impressed with the hospitality of the Trinidadian people and that he was glad to see the consensus reached then with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar being implemented in recent months.

As 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, China is ready to work together with Trinidad and Tobago to seek more convergence of interests, plan medium- and long-term cooperation, push ahead with key projects, enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and cement friendship, Xi told the visiting prime minister.

Persad-Bissessar arrived in Beijing on Monday for her first official visit to China.

She said the visit gave her a better idea about prospects for cooperation.

The Chinese dream of national rejuvenation is connected with hopes for a better future in Trinidad and Tobago, according to Persad-Bissessar.

Her country is willing to boost cooperation with China politically, economically and culturally in pursuit of common development, said the prime minister.

Trinidad and Tobago will play an active role in promoting cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, she added.