Photo:CCTV

China is ready to work with Nicaragua to enhance friendly exchanges, promote practical cooperation in various sectors and open up new prospects in bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said after the Chinese Embassy in Nicaragua held a solemn reopening ceremony on Friday (local time). The two countries resumed ties on December 10. 

Thanks to the concerted efforts of the two sides, within less than one month after the resumption of diplomatic ties, the five-starred red flag of China is once again raised in Nicaragua after 31 years, Zhao noted in a statement, which again shows upholding the one-China principle is an overriding trend that represents international justice and enjoys popular support. 

The resumption of diplomatic ties between China and Nicaragua serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides and is welcomed and supported by the two peoples, the spokesperson said. 

China and Nicaragua announced the resumption of diplomatic relations on December 10, 3.5 hours after the Central American country severed its "diplomatic ties" with the island of Taiwan.

The resumption of China-Nicaragua ties not only pricked the bubble made by the US and secessionists on the island -- pretending that the island was enjoying wider international recognition -- but also showed the world that Nicaragua's choice aligns with the global trend, experts said. 

Nicaragua's Foreign Minister Denis Moncada and presidential advisor Laureano Ortega attended the reopening of Chinese embassy in Managua, according to media reports. According to local media El 19 Digital, Moncada said the peoples of China and Nicaragua have fought for their national liberation with perseverance, achieving progressive victories for peace, prosperity, the eradication of poverty and the harmonious coexistence of all peoples and all nations. 

Moncada also noted that Nicaragua will continue working with China on the Belt and Road Initiative and other investments. 

The Chinese national flag was raised at the ceremony, and Ortega said in a Tweet that he was honored to attend the ceremony. "We will build a bright future of cooperation and brotherhood."

With the resumption of diplomatic ties, concrete cooperation between the two countries has already begun. For example, the first shipment of 1 million doses of vaccines -- totaling 200,000 doses -- donated by China arrived in Nicaragua within three days after the two countries resumed diplomatic relations. A second donated shipment of Chinese Sinopharm vaccines has also arrived in Managua.

Beyond the vaccine donations, Chinese businesses are already starting to look at possible cooperation in a wide range of areas, including trade, infrastructure, agriculture and mining, according to industry representatives. 

Global Times