WILLEMSTAD – The newly appointed Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Willemstad, Mr. Zhang Kaibin, has officially delivered his arrival message, expressing his commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship between China and the Dutch Caribbean region.
Mr. Zhang, the fourth Chinese Consul-General accredited to the Dutch Caribbean, praised the region’s natural beauty, welcoming people, and rich cultural heritage, and emphasized the longstanding ties between China and the islands.
“Although China and the region are separated by vast oceans and lands, we still enjoy huge potential for cooperation,” said Mr. Zhang in his message. “Our people-to-people exchanges continue to grow, and we have seen fruitful outcomes over the past decade thanks to mutual respect and shared benefits.”
Since the establishment of the Consulate in Willemstad, China and the Dutch Caribbean have developed closer relations across various sectors, including trade, culture, infrastructure, and tourism. Mr. Zhang said he is eager to deepen those connections during his tenure.
He also expressed a personal desire to engage with local communities, learn about the region’s customs, and experience the diverse cultural landscape of the islands.
“I look forward to stepping into local society, understanding local customs, and working hand in hand with friends from all sectors,” he added, stating his ambition to elevate bilateral relations to “new heights.”
Mr. Zhang’s arrival signals China’s continued diplomatic and economic interest in the Caribbean, where it has invested in multiple development projects and maintains growing ties with local governments and Chinese diaspora communities.
The Consulate-General of China in Willemstad plays an important role in facilitating cooperation, protecting the rights of Chinese citizens in the region, and promoting cultural and business exchanges between the two sides.