Government of Saint Luca

Go to Homepage

[Feedback]

[Contact Us]

Search this Site

Saint Lucia Establishes Diplomatic Relations with China

horizontal rule

Governor General
Prime Minister
The Cabinet
The Senate
House of Assembly
St. Lucia Ambassadors
The Constitution
The Staff Orders

National Television Network

Saint Lucia Gazette
Press Releases
Speeches
Features
Notices
Vacancies

Saint Lucia 25th Independence Celebrations

About Saint Lucia
Frequently Asked Questions
Web Links
Government Directory
Browse by Agency
Site Help

 

by Richmond Felix

September 8, 1997 - St. Lucia has established full diplomatic relation with the Peoples Republic of China as of September 1, 1997. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. George Odlum in his address at the official signing ceremony, said that the occasion underscored Governments decision to regularize the situation where the Peoples Republic of China, will be considered sovereign and indivisible, and where St. Lucia will observe its own sovereignty, in order to promote the developmental thrust of St. Lucia and its people. Mr. Odlum said, that the occasion was brought about through a series of talks between himself and Chinese Ambassador Qin Huasun.

China like St. Lucia is a developing country, and shares a number of broad based interest. St. Lucia has established diplomatic relations with China, in conformity with the five principles of peaceful coexistence and the "one China" principle. Ambassador Qin Huasun, says that his government has attached great importance to the role of St. Lucia in regional affairs.

On Friday of last week, Prime Minister of St. Lucia, the Honorable Dr. Kenny Anthony announced that St. Lucia had severed so called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. Ambassador Qin conveyed his governments appreciation of St. Lucia's decision to recognize the Peoples Republic of China, as the sole legal government representing China in its entirety. He noted that, China had earlier this year, resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong, and that Portugal has already reached agreement on the return of Macao to China on December 20, 1999. Ambassador Qin said that, he is convinced the policy of "one country, two systems" will surely work in Taiwan and that following the return of Hong Kong and Macao, the settlement of the Taiwan question is just a matter of time.

An economic and technical agreement has also been signed, where St. Lucia will soon benefit from a scheme of projects to be undertaken by the Chinese government.

 

horizontal rule

Home ] Up ] Search for 1997 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.