Above: Dominica (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

China’s new Ambassador to Dominica, Li Jiangning, has presented his credentials to Dominica President Charles Savarin.

Li succeeds Ambassador Wang Zonglai, whose term ended in December 2013.

At a credentials ceremony on Wednesday, Savarin said he hoped the “close bilateral relations” between the two countries would be further enhanced during Li’s tenure.

Dominica and China have had diplomatic ties since 2004.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in March 2004, Dominica has benefited and continues to benefit significantly through fruitful bilateral exchanges and cooperation in infrastructural development, education, health, agriculture, trade and other areas,” Savarin said. “A number of technical and economic cooperation projects funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through grant funding and soft loans are underway in Dominica.”

The Ambassador said he would work to develop the relations between the two countries and “the friendship between our two peoples.”

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2004, our two countries have enjoyed frequent high level exchanges, ever increasing political trust, fruitful cooperation in business, culture, health agriculture and other fields, as well as mutual support and close cooperation in international affairs,” he said. “China highly appreciates Dominica’s firm commitment to the one china policy and stands ready to work with you in taking our relations to a higher level.”