Zhu said the relations between China and Antigua and Barbuda have developed healthily and steadily in the past 20 years. The two countries have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in the political, economic and trade, technological, cultural and other fields, as well as mutual support and close coordination in international affairs.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the friendly and cooperative relations with Antigua and Barbuda, Zhu said. China would work together with Antigua and Barbuda to promote bilateral ties to a higher level on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

In his message, Bird extended his sincere thanks to the Chinese government for its valuable contribution to the development in his country.

He also noted that the government of Antigua and Barbuda has firmly adhered to the "One China" principle on the Taiwan issue in the past 20 years.

"As we witness the advent of the 20th Anniversary of this important milestone in our diplomatic relations, we do so with the knowledge and satisfaction that from the firm and cordial relationship that have been forwarded with the Government and People of your great republic, our country and our people have benefited appreciably from numerous projects of economic and scientific cooperation which have been jointly undertaken by our two Governments." said Bird, who is also Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

Bird also expressed the hope for closer ties, pledging to "collaborate with all reasonableness to ensure that the valuable friendship which now characterize the relationship between our two countries and Governments is maintained as the millennium unfolds."

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Bird also exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion.

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2003)