Antigua and Barbuda

Note: This column mainly includes countries along the Belt and Road and countries that have signed cooperation agreements with China on Belt and Road Initiative.

The year 2013 witnessed the steady and sound development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the People's Republic of China and Antigua and Barbuda.

The two sides maintained high-level exchanges. During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago in June, President Xi Jinping had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin Spencer. In March, Prime Minister Spencer sent messages of congratulations to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on their taking office. In May, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda Louise Lake-Tack attended the second Annual Conference of the World Cultural Forum (Taihu, China) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province and met with CPPCC Chairman Yu Zhengsheng. In June, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment of Antigua and Barbuda Hilson Baptiste attended the first China-Latin America and Caribbean Agricultural Ministers' Forum in China. Leader of the opposition Antigua Labour Party Gaston Browne visited China in August and met with Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the National Committee of CPPCC Zhang Qingli.

In April, the new Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Ren Gongping presented his credentials to Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda Louise Lake-Tack.

The two countries enjoyed stronger business cooperation and more frequent exchanges in the cultural, military and other fields. The China- assisted airport terminal project in Antigua and Barbuda made smooth progress. In August, Henan Culture and Arts Troupe staged performances in Antigua and Barbuda, which were warmly received. In October, Chief of Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force Trevor Thomas attended the Forum for Senior Defense Officials from Caribbean and South Pacific Countries in China.