BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago on May 14, and they agreed to expand cooperation in infrastructure construction, finance and other areas.

Premier Li said Trinidad and Tobago was among the first Caribbean countries to establish diplomatic ties with China.

“The Chinese government attaches importance to its ties with Trinidad and Tobago,” the Premier said, noting that “China is willing to work with Trinidad and Tobago to consolidate political trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs to lift bilateral relations to a new high.”

“Trinidad and Tobago is China’s largest trade partner in the English-speaking Caribbean region,” the Premier said, adding that “both countries enjoy high economic complementarities and broad cooperative prospects.”

“China is willing to link the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of Trinidad and Tobago to enhance cooperation in areas including infrastructure construction, energy, finance and agriculture,” Premier Li said.

He added that China encouraged its companies to invest in Trinidad and Tobago in accordance with market principles and business rules.

“China is willing to continue supporting Trinidad and Tobago within its capacity, and helping Trinidad and Tobago develop its economy and improve its people’s well-being,” the Premier said.

Next year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and Premier Li called for more communication in education, culture, sports and tourism, as well as visa facilitation to promote people-to-people exchanges.

“China, Caribbean and Latin American countries are all developing countries, and they provide opportunities for each other,” the Premier said.

“The relations between Latin America and China, and ties between the Caribbean and China are important parts of South-South cooperation,” Premier Li said, noting that “strengthening cooperation among these countries accords with their common interests, and helps preserve regional and international stability and prosperity.”

The Premier said he hoped that Trinidad and Tobago would continue its constructive role in promoting ties between Latin America and China, and relations between the Caribbean and China.”

Rowley said both countries had maintained sound momentum of development since the establishment of bilateral ties.

Rowley said Trinidad and Tobago firmly adhered to the one-China policy and was willing to consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, and enhance pragmatic cooperation to realize common development. He thanked China’s support to his country over the years.

Rowley said Trinidad and Tobago was promoting economic diversification and developing tourism, which provided chances for bilateral trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Trinidad and Tobago is ready to boost cooperation with China in areas including the Belt and Road Initiative, health and finance to promote bilateral ties to a new high, Rowley said.

Before the talks, Premier Li held a welcoming ceremony for Rowley.

After the talks, they jointly witnessed the signing of documents concerning bilateral cooperation in economy and technology, healthcare and human resources.

Rowley also laid a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in downtown Beijing.

Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds a welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2018.[Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang holds a welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds a welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2018.[Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2018.[Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago witness the signing of documents concerning bilateral cooperation in economy and technology, healthcare and human resources after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago lays a wreath to the Monument to the People’s Heroes at the Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2018.[Photo/Xinhua]