The upgrading of Grenada's international airport, essential for the country's connectivity and bringing in vital tourism, was made possible through support from China and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG), he stressed the crucial importance of infrastructure in a country's development, underscoring the country's upgrade of its 40-year-old international airport.
"So we start with our airport, which was completed in 1984. So if we fast forward 2024, it's 40 years later and we would not have had any significant investment or upgrading of our airport. The Belt and Road Initiative, through the kind courtesy of the government and people of China, was able to allow us to renovate the airport as well as make other significant improvements to our airport," said the prime minister.
"If you don't have an international airport, you are essentially isolated from the rest of the world. We rely on tourism a lot and therefore naturally having an international airport can facilitate our tourist product, which is absolutely vital and critical," he said.
China and Grenada signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Belt and Road cooperation in 2018, with fruitful results since achieved.
Located on the coast in the capital of St. George's, the National Cricket Stadium and the adjacent National Athletic Stadium together form Grenada's National Stadium. They were rebuilt by Chinese enterprises with aid from the Chinese government after the resumption of diplomatic ties between China and Grenada in 2005.
The circular cricket stadium is the largest single structure construction in this Eastern Caribbean island nation, able to accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. It has hosted a wide range of games, such as the 2007 Cricket World Cup, while also serving as a venue for the country's large celebrations, cultural events and entertainment activities.
The two countries have also deepened agricultural cooperation, with Chinese experts sharing know-how and technologies with Grenadian farmers in La Sagesse, and other locations.
Grenada's BRI-assisted airport upgrade keeps island country connected: PM
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
