On the surface it would appear that it is monotonous for us once again to assemble to celebrate that which we did last year and in previous years.
It is true that we are meeting on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our beloved Commonwealth of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China. But in so doing, this year in particular, there is much more than the establishment of relations for us to celebrate.
We live in an era of nationalism and individualism, where countries and individuals around the world are focused on individual survival; where long-standing allies can be forgiven for saying; “sorry, but the vagaries of our domestic economic challenges demand that we look and focus inward at this time”.
Small nations like Dominica would understand and easily forgive an individual, establishment or entity, including a sovereign nation that said to us today “the global economic situation is so impacting us that we can no longer honor obligations we made, in good faith, five years ago”.
Given what we read about and view on television each night, the hardships of countries small and large caught in the grip of the current global economic crisis, it would be understandable for the closest of allies to review and amend commitments and undertakings given when the economic and financial landscape was rosier.
To date, that has been the honest but unfortunate posture of many of Dominica’s traditional allies. We understand their experiences and we commiserate with them.
But, it is also in light of those realities that tonight we draw closer to and celebrate, with an even greater sense of pride and purpose, the demonstrated commitment of the People’s Republic of China to strengthening its friendship and cooperation with countries such as Dominica, at this particular time.
Your Excellency, I take note of the reassurances of friendship and cooperation of your country, and on behalf of the Government and people of Dominica, I wish to express our heartfelt appreciation. As I said earlier, your government could easily have “looked the other way” at this time.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, not only has China not retreated from its commitments, but it is constantly exploring ways and means of strengthening cooperation between our countries.
We ought not to take the friendship of our esteemed and progressive friend for granted.
China has not been spared the ravages of the global economic downturn. Their cries may not be as loud and persistent as other countries and regions, but they too have been chastened by what is being described as the worst global economic meltdown since the great depression of the 1930s.
Yet, they have been unrelenting in reaching out to small and vulnerable states, which they know would be early and easy victims of the crisis.
What is particularly interesting about China’s approach to Dominica is that it appeals to and impacts ordinary Dominicans at the community level. Across this beautiful island of ours is the manifestation of China’s efforts to reach out and assist with the overall improvement in the quality of life of our people.
Worthy of note also is the fact that Dominica has, with pleasure, supported China in all its diplomatic endeavors at the international level, primarily because China has been reasoned and reasonable in its policy positions. China’s adherence to fundamental principles has enabled it to adopt a very consistent position and perspective on issues.
Thus I am proud to proclaim this evening that the harsh effects and impact of the global economic meltdown have not adversely affected Dominica’s relationship with China, because of the adherence of both countries to the fundamental tenets of friendship and mutual cooperation and respect.
The Government and People of the Commonwealth of Dominica wish on this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to the One China principle on which our relationship is founded. We will spare no effort in strengthening and deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation that bind our people together. We are assured that as we continue to give expression to that friendship and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels, we will be able to chart a course that contributes to the advancement and progress of our respective People in spite of the challenges posed by the apparent unfavourable global economic situation.
I salute the Government and people of China this evening. Your Excellency, Please extend my very best wishes for the growth and continued success of your country to your President H.E. HU Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabo.
Long live Dominica-China relations!
I thank you. |
