Chinese president urges more vigor for ties with Caribbean nations (5)

（Xinhua）  08:23, June 03, 2013  

Xi also met with Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica.Jamaica is a big power in the Caribbean and one of China's most important cooperation partners in the region, he said.

Xi suggested the two sides improve cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and mining.

Recalling his visit to Jamaica four years ago, Xi said he was deeply impressed by Jamaican people's passion for the Chinese culture.

The Chinese people are also familiar with Jamaican great athletes, Xi said, adding that the two countries should improve exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, sports and tourism.

Simpson-Miller said Jamaica cherishes its friendship with China and appreciates Beijing's assistance.

Jamaica, she said, is ready to strengthen economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with China, and to conduct communication and mutual learning on sports and environmental protection.

Xi also exchanged views on China-Caribbean ties with the leaders. Noting that the Caribbean region is an important force in the international community, Xi said China-Caribbean cooperation has boosted their development and benefited their peoples.

China is ready to establish and develop comprehensive cooperative partnership with countries in the region, Xi said.

Acknowledging that Xi's visit attests to the importance China has attached to the Caribbean region, the leaders said their countries are willing to join hands with China to advance Caribbean-China ties to a new phase.

Trinidad and Tobago is the first leg of Xi's ongoing Latin American tour, which will also take him to Costa Rica and Mexico.