Grenada's FM hails ties with China, vows to boost cooperation

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Grenada will expand cooperation with China and strive to attract Chinese tourists and investors, Grenada's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Peter David, said here Thursday.

"China has always been a strong ally and faithful friend," David told Xinhua on the sidelines of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas' first official visit to Beijing since taking office last year.

Even under the pressure of the global downturn, China maintained its strong support for the Caribbean state, David said.

"We are pleased with the talks so far," he said. "It's good to strengthen ties between China and Caribbean countries.

"China has been a very solid ally in our economic development. China has respected our internal affairs," he said.

Diplomatic relations were resumed in 2005 when Grenada cut its 16-year official ties with Taiwan.

David said he was hoping to facilitate easier air travel between China and the Caribbean in order to attract more Chinese tourists with shorter travel times and fewer stopovers.

He also welcomed Chinese investors in the tourism sector, a pillar industry of the island state, such as hotels and restaurants, as well as the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.