by Xinhua writer Jiang Biao

NASSAU, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The cooperative relationship between the Bahamas and China embodies the principles of equality, mutual support and win-win collaboration within Global South partnerships, a senior Bahamian minister has said.

In a written interview with Xinhua ahead of his visit to China for the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Alfred Michael Sears, the Bahamas' minister of immigration and national insurance, expressed his country's commitment to strengthening solidarity and pursuing shared development goals with China.

"The Bahamas stands firmly in its commitment to the one-China principle, which has served as a foundational pillar of our diplomatic relationship with China," Sears said.

Among the landmark projects, Sears highlighted the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, calling it "a gift from China" and a central hub for sports and cultural events that symbolize the friendship between two nations.

Sears recalled a sister province/island agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province in 2024, aiming to enhance collaboration in innovation, creative industries and cultural exchange.

He also acknowledged China's timely humanitarian support after Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the provision of fully funded scholarships for Bahamian students to study in China, adding that there is growing interest among Bahamians in Chinese language and culture.

"The Bahamas recognizes and appreciates China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said, adding that China's Global Development Initiative focuses on key areas such as climate resilience, poverty reduction, education, health care, food security and green development, which are in alignment with the development needs of the Caribbean region.

In promoting South-South cooperation, "China has demonstrated a genuine commitment to mutual growth and solidarity among developing countries. These efforts have not only facilitated tangible improvements in various sectors but have also fostered a spirit of collaboration and shared progress," Sears said.

As the China-CELAC Forum marks its 10th anniversary, the minister said that the upcoming ministerial meeting will be a significant milestone in strengthening ties between China and Latin American and Caribbean nations, describing the forum as a strategic platform for political dialogue and multilateral cooperation.

"Since its inception, there has been significantly increased trade and investment within CELAC, especially in infrastructure, energy, and mining. Furthermore, there has been increased emphasis on the promotion of collaboration in science, technology, agriculture, education and healthcare," Sears said.

"It's important that the Bahamas deepens its relations with China and seek collaborative opportunities in the areas of sustainable development, trade and investment," he added. ■