NASSAU, The Bahamas – On the occasion marking the 65th
Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China on September 28
at Melia Nassau Beach Resort, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of
Foreign Affairs the Hon. Philip Davis outlined the flow of diplomatic relations
between The Bahamas and China since 1997 that has comprised a fostering of goodwill
and friendship.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: “Ambassador, since the
establishment of diplomatic relations between China and The Bahamas in 1997,
there has been a constant flow of friendly activities between us in all
spheres, political, cultural, medical, economic and educational.
“Perhaps one of the most significant developments of friendly
relations between our two countries this year has been the lifting of all
barriers to legal travel by our two peoples.”
DPM Davis said that back in February 2014, both The Bahamas and
China signed a visa waiver agreement, allowing travel without visas for up to
thirty days.
“This landmark and trend-setting event, not only for The
Bahamas, but also for the entire Caribbean, opens the way for easier travel of
visitors and business persons between our two countries,” which he said
facilitated the strategy to ensure that the Baha Mar resort will experience no
impediments, as far as travel is concerned.
“In this vein, I should add that as we speak, both sides are
reviewing an Air Services Agreement, which is a prerequisite for seamless
one-stop travel between Nassau and key cities in China, that will further
ensure legal and hassle-free migratory flows between our two countries.”
DPM Davis also spoke even further on the plans for tourism
links.
“The Ministry of Tourism is currently investigating the
modalities for the imminent establishment of a Tourism Office in Beijing to
promote, in an aggressive and effective manner, the wide range of leisure
experiences that are offered here in The Bahamas for Chinese tourists, not only
in Nassau and Grand Bahama but also in our many Family Islands,” said DPM
Davis.
“Just this year alone, we have seen the granting of some 19
scholarships by China to Bahamian students to study a wide range of
disciplines, which would empower these young people to make meaningful
contributions to the continued development of The Bahamas, on their successful
completion of studies and return home.”
DPM
Davis said that on other matters, there have been cultural exchanges from both sides,
with a Chinese combat Troupe coming here for our 41st Anniversary of
Independence this past July and a cultural group from our side visiting China
just a few weeks ago.
“Another
significant event this year has been the visit to The Bahamas of a number of
doctors, who performed successful surgeries for the removal of cataracts on a
number of Bahamian citizens, thus enabling them to gain their sight once
again,” said DPM Davis.
Mr.
Davis said that this has had a profound impact on the lives of these people and
for this, Ambassador, we are forever grateful to the Government and People of
China.
“It
is clear that, notwithstanding the fact that we are separated by many thousands
of miles, we are able to join hands across the wide expanse and express friendship,
which is the key to a harmonious world, where peoples live in peace, respecting
their differences and celebrating their many similarities.” said DPM Davis.