Chinese, Dominican cooperation 'opens new chapters'

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With the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Dominican Republic, a new chapter of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation has begun, Chinese Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Zhang Run said.

Zhang made the remarks following the inauguration of the Chinese embassy in the Dominican Republic on Friday at a ceremony attended by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Dominican Republic's Chancellor Miguel Vargas.

Thanks to the joint efforts of both countries, relations between China and the Dominican Republic are off to a good start, the ambassador said.

The Dominican president has set up a special office to coordinate the affairs related to the exchanges and cooperation with China, Zhang said.

The envoy said that relevant government agencies from both countries are in close contact in order to explore the signing of cooperation agreements and to establish mechanisms of cooperation.

The Chinese ambassador, who arrived in the Dominican Republic on August 19, said the Dominican government recognizes and adheres to the one-China policy, and the development of friendly cooperation with China constitutes the unanimous consensus of the diverse social sectors in the Dominican Republic, and will not be affected by other factors or outside forces.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Dominican Republic's Chancellor Miguel Vargas unveil a plaque during the opening of a new Chinese embassy in Santo Domingo, September 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

Zhang said the Dominican government has shown great enthusiasm to be part of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, with the establishment of diplomatic ties as a starting point.

Both countries have broad perspectives on cooperation in areas such as electricity, highways, ports, information technology and urban construction, he added.

The Chinese ambassador proposed that both sides look at the possibility of opening direct air routes, constructing a main digital route as a means to introduce advanced Chinese technology that would strengthen the Dominican program Digital Republic, and building a main cultural route by strengthening cultural and human exchanges.

In terms of China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November, the ambassador said the Dominican government places great importance on the event and will send a high-ranking delegation.

China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique in Beijing on May 1 on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Wang and Vargas unveiled a plaque during the opening of the embassy in the capital Santo Domingo on Friday.

(Cover: File photo of Zhang Run. /Xinhua Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency