Above: China’s Chen Changzhi and Grenada’s Nazim Burke (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

A 20-member Chinese delegation arrived in Grenada Thursday for a visit with government officials.

The group was led by Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress.

“China has been and continues to be a partner in Grenada’s development,” said Acting Prime Minister Nazim Burke, who hosted the delegation. “We have enjoyed excellent relations and we look forward to further strengthening and deepening those relations.”

Burke, who is acting for Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, who is currently in St Lucia, said a “firm foundation for a strong and lasting relationship” has already been laid.

The two sides discussed areas of cooperation between the countries, along with the upcoming visit of the chairman of China’s Exim Bank to Grenada.

Chen called relations between the two countries “very strong,” and said his government was committed to continue supporting Grenada’s development, looking forward to a “more positive role in developing the China-CARICOM relationship.”

China and Grenada have had diplomatic ties since 2005. Grenada’s former ties with Taiwan led to a high-profile, still ongoing legal dispute over debt payments.