His Excellency Dr. Cai Dafeng, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China calls on House Speaker

Mon, Sep 23rd 2019, 03:57 PM

Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Hon. Halson Moultrie and His Excellency, Dr. Cai Dafeng, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China have committed to continuing the mutual bi-lateral, relationship that The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China share.

During a visit to The Bahamas, His Excellency Cai and a 14-member delegation toured the House of Assembly and met with the Speaker; the Hon. Don Saunders, Deputy Speaker and David Forbes, Chief House Clerk in the Upper House Friday, September 20, 2019. The Vice-Chairman announced a donation of $500,000 by the Chinese government to The Bahamas for Hurricane Dorian relief aid. The Chinese government recently presented $100,000 towards Hurricane relief efforts and $20,000 in goods to The Bahamas for the victims of Hurricane Dorian.

The Speaker said neither country could have anticipated the disastrous events that took place a few weeks after The Bahamas and China agreed to the visit of His Excellency Dr. Cai.

“Great Abaco and Grand Bahama suffered a severe economic setback and countless of lost lives (with many more missing). But The Bahamas is a Christian nation. We are a people of faith. We believe that there is a God who rules in the affairs of men and we believe that God still lives in The Bahamas. Bahamians everywhere are grateful for the global outpouring of love and assistance both from China and the other nations that are trying to help us.”

With the aid of a map of The Bahamas, the Speaker gave the delegation a brief geography lesson highlighting the two islands that were recently devastated by Hurricane Dorian. The officials also took photographs and exchanged pleasantries and gifts.

“I am happy to welcome you to our shores and I am certain Bahamians cherish your compassion, friendship and the contributions that China (as well as other nations) have pledged to the rebuilding of our country. The Bahamas is distinguished as a place of love, peace, tranquility and unity. We reject all forms of war and avoid conflicts,” said the Speaker.

He told the delegation that The Bahamas has enjoyed a “mutually” beneficial relationship with China.

“Our foreign policies evince mutual respect through the recognition of exclusive jurisdiction and sovereignty. Both nations honour the rule of law and pursue international relations that are in the best interest for the advancement of our people and the development of our nations,” he added.

 

His Excellency, Dr. Cai Dafeng, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China made a call upon Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Hon. Halson Moultrie on Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Senate. Dr. Cai was accompanied by Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas His Excellency Huang Qinguo. In group photo, from left: HE Huang Qinguo; HE Dr. Cai Dafeng; the Hon. Halson Moultrie; the Hon. Don Saunders; and Mr. David Forbes.

(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)

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