Interview | "China has truly demonstrated its firm commitment to working hand in hand with developing countries for development" - Interview with Bahamian Cabinet Minister Sears

Nassau, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Interview with Bahamian Cabinet Minister Sears: 'China has truly demonstrated its firm commitment to working hand in hand with developing countries for development'

Xinhua News Agency reporter Jiang Biao

China has taken a series of practical measures to promote South South cooperation, which not only promotes substantial progress in multiple fields in many countries, including the Bahamas, but also cultivates the spirit of solidarity, mutual assistance, and common progress in South South cooperation, truly demonstrating a firm commitment to working hand in hand with developing countries for development. "On the eve of leading a delegation to China to participate in the fourth ministerial meeting of the China Latin American and Caribbean States Forum (hereinafter referred to as the" Forum "), Alfred Michael Sears, the Minister of Immigration and National Insurance of the Bahamas, said in a written interview with Xinhua News Agency.

Sears believes that the current relationship between Latin America and China has developed into a multi-level and wide-ranging partnership. The China Latin America Forum provides a strategic platform for both sides to deepen political dialogue, practice multilateralism, and promote pragmatic cooperation. Since the official launch of the forum, Latin American and Caribbean countries have attracted a large amount of Chinese investment in infrastructure, energy, minerals, and other fields. The two sides have also continued to expand cooperation in science and technology innovation, agriculture, education, healthcare, and other areas.

The cooperation between the Bahamas and China vividly embodies the partnership characteristics of equality, mutual assistance, and win-win cooperation among countries in the global South, "said Sears." We have always firmly adhered to the One China principle and regard it as the cornerstone of our bilateral relations with China. "Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has provided important support to the Bahamas in multiple fields, effectively promoting the country's development.

He specifically mentioned that the Bahamas National Stadium, built with Chinese aid, has now become an important landmark for sports events and cultural activities in the Bahamas, carrying the deep friendship between the two countries.

Sears recalled that in 2024, Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas became a friendly province island with Hunan Province in China, promoting continuous deepening of innovative industries, education, and cultural exchanges. In addition, when the Bahamas was hit hard by Hurricane Dorian, China promptly provided humanitarian assistance and supported post disaster reconstruction. China also provides scholarships to Bahamian students to support them in pursuing further studies in China.

"These cooperation not only significantly improved the infrastructure and education level of the Bahamas, but also built a deep emotional bond in the hearts of the two peoples." Sears said that Bahamians are increasingly interested in learning Chinese and exploring Chinese culture. To this end, the Bahamian government will further strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation with China this year through measures such as hosting cultural festivals, deepening university cooperation, and expanding tourism exchanges.

Sears said that the Bahamas highly values the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. In addition, the Bahamas is facing challenges such as unique vulnerability to climate change and a single economic structure. Global development initiatives focus on key areas such as climate resilience, poverty reduction, education, healthcare, food security, and green development, which are crucial for the Bahamas and the entire Caribbean region.

Sears stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the official operation of the China Latin America Forum and looks forward to this ministerial meeting becoming an important milestone in deepening China's relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries. The forum will provide a broader platform for both sides to discuss development strategies and work together to address global challenges. The Bahamas looks forward to taking this opportunity to engage in more practical cooperation with China in areas such as sustainable development, trade, and investment