PRIME Minister Perry Christie said the physical presence of the People’s Republic of China through its new chancery will further deepen relations between the two countries.

He spoke at a ceremony marking the 63rd anniversary of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China and the dedication of the chancery offices on East Shirley Street. The event also commemorated 15 years of official relations between the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China.

“The opening of this new chancery building introduced a new chapter into Sino-Bahamian relations. With this physically permanent diplomatic presence, we trust that the roots of our friendly relations and work in the international arena will only grow deeper,” he said.

Also present were Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, Lady Foulkes, Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas Hu Shan, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Jerome Fitzgerald, Cabinet ministers, opposition MPs, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other officials.

Mr Christie noted that the official visit of highest Chinese official to date, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in October 2011, and the completion and handover of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in February this year, were “visible and tangible proof that the relationship between our two countries is more significant now than ever before”.

He said that the government is exploring the possibility of a visa waiver agreement proposed by China, which would enable citizens of both countries holding valid passports and valid Canadian, British, American or Schengen visas, to travel from here to China without a visa.

“This next step is a great demonstration of the trust we place in each other as sovereign governments, and of the confidence we have, that closer co-operation to encourage tourism and greater cultural exchange will not only promote understanding at a governmental and institutional level, but at a more local level as well,” he said.

To Ambassador Hu, he said the Bahamas appreciates China’s confidence during this time of global economic uncertainty.

He pointed specifically to the Baha Mar project, which Mr Christie said embodies the Sino-Bahamian relationship over the past 15 years; the scholarship programme from which scores of Bahamians have benefitted; and the $30 million technical agreement signed in June this year.