China and Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday agreed to deepen pragmatic cooperation when the two countries' foreign ministers met in Beijing.

Noting Antigua and Barbuda is a good and reliable friend of China in the Caribbean region, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said that both sides have always understood and supported each other on issues related to their core interests over the past 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

China is willing to work with Antigua and Barbuda to consolidate political trust, promote the Belt and Road Initiative, expand people-to-people exchanges and intensify coordination, Qin said, adding Antigua and Barbuda is welcomed to participate in the three major initiatives proposed by China, namely, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

China attaches importance to the development of relations with the Caribbean countries and stands ready to work with them to promote fruitful cooperation in various fields, he noted.

Antigua and Barbuda considers China as its most important cooperative partner and it firmly adheres to the one-China principle, a solid cornerstone of bilateral relations that will never change, said Antigua and Barbuda's Foreign Minister Paul Chet Greene.

Noting this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Greene said that Antigua and Barbuda hopes its friendship with China last forever and expressed willingness to strengthen practical cooperation with China in fields including infrastructure, economy and trade, agriculture, environmental protection, and water resources.

The two ministers also expressed concern over Japan's discharge of radioactive wastewater into the sea, which they believe will endanger the global marine environment and people's health. They urged the Japanese side to effectively address the issue in an open, transparent, scientific, safe and responsible manner.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang meets with Antigua and Barbuda's Foreign Minister Paul Chet Greene in Beijing, China, June 15, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)