Antigua and Barbuda has officially bid farewell to Her Excellency Zhang Yanling, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, marking the end of a four-year tenure that deepened cooperation between the two nations.

At a ceremony on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene praised Ambassador Zhang for her “remarkable service” and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

He credited her with advancing partnerships in infrastructure, health, education, and investment, and noted her coordination of Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s official visit to China as a highlight of her term.

“Your influence has been felt in every area of our development,” Greene said, adding that a formal farewell event will soon be held in her honour.

Ambassador Zhang thanked the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for their support, describing her time in the country as “a warm and meaningful experience.” She pledged to remain an advocate for the partnership, saying, “You will always have a steadfast friend in me.”

Permanent Secretary Dr Clarence Pilgrim also expressed appreciation, highlighting the ambassador’s role in advancing the Booby Alley Housing Project, which he called “a lasting legacy.”

Ambassador Zhang’s departure closes a chapter defined by mutual respect, friendship, and continued cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and China.