China to enhance cooperation with Caribbean countries

President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with the five Caribbean countries during his meetings with their leaders in Trinidad and Tobago.

He held separate meetings with leaders of Guyana, Dominica, Grenada, the Bahamas, and Jamaica in Port of Spain. Discussions centered on efforts to carry this out.

Strengthening the China-Caribbean connection. Chinese President told five regional leaders that the Caribbean countries are significant forces on the world stage.

He promised China's firm support in developing strategic partnership with them.

And the Caribbean leaders say they will do their part.

Xi Jinping told Guyana's President Donald Ramotar the two sides share extensive common interests in issues like the reform of international institutions and protecting world's climate.

He called for closer ties in terms of economy and trade.

Ramotar agreed and expressed appreciation for China's support and assistance over the past decades.

He said working together would advance Guyana's development.

President Xi also met Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

They put a priority on more exchanges in construction, education and combating climate change.

When meeting Grenada's Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, Xi Jinping praised Grenada's support on issues concerning China's core interests.

They agreed on more higher-level exchanges and trust building.

Xi Jinping told Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie China regards the Bahamas as important cooperative partner.

He called for taking cooperation to a new level.

The Chinese president had a similar message for Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

Xi Jinping says he saw the Jamaicaa people's love of Chinese culture during his visit in 2009. He also said there's great potential for agricultural, communication and mineral cooperation.

Miller expressed appreciation China's support, and said Jamaica wants stronger cooperation in economy and culture.