Guyana remains grateful for China’s tangible and valuable help - President Ramotar - as 40th anniversary of relations celebrated
Georgetown, GINA, June 27, 2012 -- Source
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Yu Wenzhe and President Donald Ramotar sharing a light moment viewing historical Guyanese photographs of Chinese momentous occasions in Guyana
The Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China this evening hosted a reception on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre Liliendaal, to celebrate the 40th year of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China.
President Donald Ramotar in addressing those gathered for the momentous event said that there is a good reason and justification for celebrating any lasting relationship, particularly one that bears ample testimony to strong bonds of friendship and cooperation.
“This has been the hallmark of the relation that has developed over these four decades between the Republic of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China…relations that have been founded on mutual respect and a sincere commitment to pursue activities for the ultimate goal of the economic and social development of our peoples,” the Head of State said.
President Donald Ramotar at the 40th Anniversary reception
The Head of State explained that Guyana’s links with China dates as far back as 1853 when the first Chinese migrants arrived in Guyana, whose descendants became doctors, lawyers, businessmen, artistes, with the first President of Guyana being Chinese.
“Over these decades, not only have we seen the benefit from the political and trade links with high level exchange visits between leaders and government officials, but our engagements at the party level have also flourished through a shared vision of the need to work for the improvement of the quality of life for our people and promoting equality and social justice,” the President said.
He added that Government’s position on the ‘One China policy’ has remained constant with government continuing their support for their Chinese brothers in their efforts for the re-unification of China.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Yu Wenzhe and President Donald Ramotar unveiling the stamp marking 40 years of friendly relations
“A vibrant programme of cooperation between the two countries have developed over the past 40 years, which now covers diverse fields including infrastructural development, economic and technical assistance, human resource development and investment,” the Head of State remarked.
Additionally, the deputation of exports in various disciplines has contributed to the sharing of knowledge and expertise between the two countries in areas such as agriculture, health, education cultural and sport programmes.
He said the symbols of China’s contribution are visible in many parts of society, amongst them being the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the Guyana International Conference Centre, and the two ferry vessels Kanawan and Sabanto.
“Within recent years China has emerged as one of Guyana’s main non-traditional export markets along with India and Brazil…Guyana exports approximately 34 products to China on a yearly basis,” the Head of State explained.
He said that the bilateral relationship between the two countries continues to be strengthened with significant commitment in the areas of trade, investment and development initiatives, whilst China has also remained a faithful ally in championing the cause of climate change.
Mr. Yu Wenzhe, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China said that he was delighted to join his many diplomatic and other friends who gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana.
“China and Guyana has a long history of friendly exchanges…40 years ago today that establishment of diplomatic ties ushered our relationship into a new historical period since then the relations and cooperation between China and Guyana has stood the test of time,” Ambassador Wenzhe said.
Despite twists and turns in the regional arena, the political relation between the two countries has matured and deepened, with frequent high level exchanges of visits, between parliament, government, students and political parties.
“Guyana has firmly supported China on the Taiwan issue…China has all along supported Guyana in its efforts to develop the national economy…our two countries have treated each other as close friends and good brothers and sisters who can always count on each other’s support and assistance,” Ambassador Wenzhe said.
A section of those gathered for the receptionat the Guyana International Conference Centre
He explained that the economic and trade cooperation of the two countries has been growing and expanding, with the bilateral trade growing from US$1M to US$147M today, with great potential to extend.
Over the 40 years of diplomatic relations both countries have benefitted significantly from support of the other.
Guyana specifically has benefitted tremendously from projects such as the One Laptop per Family Initiative which saw the Chinese government supplying thousands of laptop computers which will be distributed freely countrywide.
Other areas of support saw Guyana benefitting from the training of the GDF air corps pilots and engineers, the donation of two new roll-on/roll-off ferry vessels, millions of dollars in aid, amongst others.
At the end of this evening’s reception a stamp was unveiled to mark 40 years of friendly cooperation between the two countries.