Press Release

September 3, 2009

United States Consul General Goldbeck Meets with Guangdong Vice Governor Wan

Newly arrived U.S. Consul General for Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi and Hainan provinces, Mr. Brian L. Goldbeck, met with Guangdong Vice Governor Wan Qingliang on September 2, 2009. Consul General Goldbeck and Vice Governor Wan both expressed a desire to increase cooperation and build on an already strong relationship shared by the United States and Guangdong province.

The meeting provided Consul General Goldbeck with an opportunity to introduce himself and deepen his understanding of the issues and events shaping Guangdong.  Participants included Vice Secretary General of the Guangdong Provincial Government Mr Liu Xiajie; Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office Hu Wei; and Guangdong Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation  Deputy Director General Liang Guixuan.

After listening to Vice Governor Wan’s warm welcome and description of strong ties between Guangdong province and the United States, Consul General Goldbeck remarked that the Vice Governor’s words reminded him of President Obama’s call for all to advance a “positive, constructive and comprehensive” relationship.  

Consul General Goldbeck continued: “I know that President Barack Obama has put special emphasis on the relationship between the United States and China.  We will be working hard to expand cooperation in South China. This will mean continued facilitation of people-to-people exchanges through travel to the United States as well as closer economic ties.”  He noted that the Consulate staff accompanying him to the meeting reflected U.S. desire for closer ties, those being Commercial Consul Ireas Cook covering trade and investment, Consular Chief Michael Jacobsen regarding travel, Economic/Political Chief Steve Lang for policy-related  dialogue, and Public Affairs Officer Robert Palladino handling press, educational, and cultural exchanges.  Consul General Goldbeck accepted Vice Governor Wan’s suggestion that he travel within Guangdong, noting he is planning to visit Shenzhen and Dongguan in the weeks ahead.