Wang Yi: China to deepen practical cooperation with Suriname

China is willing to be a reliable partner of Suriname in its development and revitalization and seize the opportunity which the Belt and Road cooperation has ushered in a new stage of high-quality development to deepen China-Suriname practical cooperation and jointly realize modernization, China's top diplomat said on Tuesday.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, made the remarks while meeting with Surinamese Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin in Beijing.

China and Suriname have a time-honored friendship, said Wang.

This year marks the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first group of Chinese in Suriname, and Suriname was one of the first Caribbean countries to recognize the one-China principle and establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China.

Bilateral ties have developed soundly and steadily and have benefited the people of Suriname, Wang said.

China appreciates Suriname's reiteration of its firm adherence to the one-China policy, supports Suriname in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, he said.

In terms of the China-Caribbean relationship, Wang said the Chinese side always views it from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to take the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Caribbean comprehensive cooperative partnership to deepen political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen coordination on multilateral affairs with the Caribbean side.

Wang said he believes Suriname will make new contributions to the development of China-Caribbean ties.

Ramdin said Suriname firmly supports China in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, always abides by the one-China principle and will continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and other major global initiatives proposed by China.

As a good friend of China in the Caribbean region, Suriname will remain committed to the Caribbean-China friendship, he said.