CHINESE RESEARCH VESSEL VISITS JAMAICA

From left to right: Mr Lu Huisheng, (captain of the Dan Yiao), Mr. Zhao Zhenyu, Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, Minister Robert Pickersgill and Mr. Jian Lin, Senior Scientist of the 'Dang Yiao'.

Jamaica on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 welcomed a Chinese research vessel, the ‘Dayang Yihao’ (Ocean One) to its shores. The ship which docked at the Kingston Wharf (Berth 2) is in the island having completed its exploration of the Pacific Ocean leg of China’s first ever round-the-world oceanic research mission. The vessel will be in the island between October 5 and 10. The ‘Dayang Yihao’ launched its current mission in April this year with a mandate to search the seas for new forms of life and survey deep sea minerals.

At a short ceremony held in the meeting room of the ship, Minister Robert Pickersgill welcomed the members of the Chinese crew as well as the State Oceanic Administration of China to Jamaica. Minister Pickersgill noted that the Chinese were being welcomed to Jamaica at a time when relations between the two countries were at an all time high. ‘Ever since diplomatic relations were established between our two countries in 1972, we have had very cordial relations…this has resulted in a number of positive initiatives between our two nations,’ Minister Pickersgill said.

Also speaking at the welcome ceremony were members of the Chinese delegation headed by Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, Mr. Zhao Zhenyu and Mr. Lu Huisheng, captain of the ‘Dayang Yihao’. The Chinese Ambassador highlighted the fact that the vessel’s visit would strengthen the friendship between Jamaica and China. ‘I believe this cruise will make more contributions to help us know the deep better to use its resources more effectively,’ the Chinese Ambassador noted.

While here, a nine member delegation from the State Oceanic Administration of China will pursue bilateral talks with representatives from both the public and private sector as well as the maritime sector regarding matters pertaining to bilateral co-operation in marine research and development.

It is envisaged that Jamaica will benefit from visits through the placement of Jamaican marine scientists in Chinese Marine Research Programmes and assistance with the construction of a beacon on South West Rock.