Guyana, China recommit to improving bilateral relations

The bilateral relations between Guyana and China, which began 40 years ago, were again highlighted, as President Donald Ramotar and a delegation, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Hilton Hotel in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad on Sunday. The president was accompanied by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese leader recognised the importance of diplomatic relations with Guyana, pointing to the four decades of bilateral ties.
He also recalled Guyana was the first English speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and a strong supporter of the “One China Policy”.
President Ramotar, in an invited comment after the meeting, said the talks were general, and both sides were satisfied with the relations; however, they have committed to further strengthen those ties.
“We were very satisfied with the level of our cooperation, but we both agreed that we will want to improve on what we have, to make them even stronger in our relationship going forward. We also spoke about the possibilities of Chinese assistance in helping us with other important infrastructure, but as you will appreciate in the short space of time (of the meeting), no details could be worked out, but in principle, I think we agree that we need to work to build on these relationships, and that we will be ready to work together… and to also encourage Chinese companies to invest into other sectors in Guyana, that we are ready to have more Chinese companies investing in our country,” the president explained.
According to President Ramotar, discussions were also held on how the two sides can work together in other areas to strengthen their ties. He however, did not divulge the details of these discussions, but only stated that some discussions were had on how the Chinese government could assist Guyana in infrastructure, and the transport sector.
Guyana and China have enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges at the political, diplomatic, economic and cultural levels. The relations have benefitted Guyana socially and economically with a number of key projects, like the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF), the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the construction of the world-class Marriott Hotel.
China has also supported Guyana in the health and security fields with roving medical missions and the donation of fire-fighting equipment from the Chinese government, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.