China is keen to work together with the Bahamas for stronger relations, Premier Li Keqiang said at a meeting with Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie in Beijing on Jan 8.

Christie was in the Chinese capital to attend the first ministerial meeting on cooperation between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), being held in Beijing on Jan 8-9.

[Photo by Li Tao/Xinhua]

The Premier said that the Bahamas has been an important partner of China in the Caribbean region since the two countries established diplomatic relations 17 years ago. Beijing encourages more Chinese enterprises to go to the Bahamas for collaboration in fields such as the economy, trade and investment, Premier Li said. He also invited Bahamian enterprises to do business in China.

Other areas of collaboration such as fishing and tourism should be strengthened, the Premier said.

The Premier stressed that China understands Bahamas’ concern about climate change and pledged efforts to alleviate the situation. China will continue to strengthen cooperation with island countries and provide assistance, he added.

Christie spoke highly of China’s positive attitude and practical measures and said his country hopes to deepen cooperation.