Minister Mitchell Paid Courtesy Call By VP of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

Foreign Minister the Hon. Frederick A. Mitchell, MP was paid a courtesy call by Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), H.E. Ambassador Jiang Jiang, along with H.E. Dai Qingli, Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, and representatives from the leadership of The Bahamas-China Friendship Association (BCFA) on Monday, 20th November 2023.

The delegation’s discussion focused on bolstering bilateral relations and shared priorities of both countries relative to the upcoming 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), scheduled to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30th November through 12 December 2023. Foreign Minister Mitchell emphasised the urgent need for climate justice, noting rising sea levels and the potential land loss of Bahamian islands by 2070.

Vice President Jiang Jiang stated that the People’s Republic of China also had a vested interest in carbon neutrality and is aiming to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060. He further noted that the People’s Republic of China had accelerated its Green Economy through green production methods and highlighted that the People’s Republic of China is the largest manufacturer of energy-efficient vehicles in the world. Both delegations emphasised the urgent need for global action and looked forward to having impactful dialogue and resolutions at COP 28.

Foreign Minister Mitchell thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its commitment to ensuring that the British Colonial Hilton is renovated and reopened and that the Thomas Robinson Stadium is repaired in preparation for upcoming international events that The Bahamas will host.

Foreign Minister Mitchell extended his appreciation on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas for the People’s Republic of China’s assistance with future road work developments and major infrastructural projects.

The meeting adjourned with both delegations pledging their commitment to continued cooperation.