Director General of Bahamas Information Services Sir Arthur Foulkes welcomed a delegation from the International Department of the Central Committee Communist Party of China, during a courtesy call at Bahamas Information Services office in the Monarch Building, East Bay Street on Monday, July 28.

It was one of several courtesy calls the delegation is making, including a call on Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas, His Excellency Hu Dingxian accompanied the group headed by Ju Lidong, Director-General of the International Department of the Central Committee Communist Party of China.

Sir Arthur, who served as The Bahamas’ first Ambassador (non-resident) to China and is a founding member of the China Bahamas Friendship Association, indicated that China is becoming more important to small developing states like The Bahamas. He expressed gratitude for the assistance China is giving The Bahamas in education, cultural and sports development.

He also said that The Bahamas, though a small country, is looking forward to medalling at the 2008 Olympic Games slated for Beijing, China, in August. Sir Arthur said he hoped that the stadium being donated by China will be finished in time for Carifesta 2012 in The Bahamas.

Politically, Director-General Ju said China appreciates The Bahamas’ adherence to the “One China” principle, and the promotion of peace, mutual respect and sovereignty between both countries.

He also thanked The Bahamas for its support for the victims of the recent massive earthquake which impacted the lives of over 45 million Chinese. Director-General Ju said despite this, the will for hosting a successful Olympics has not been shaken.

The People’s Republic of China is being touted as the world’s fastest growing economy with a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the World Bank of 9.6 percent for 2008, despite a slow-down from 2007.