| President Ramotar and Chinese President Xi discuss stronger bilateral ties -during Trinidad meeting |  |  |  |
THE 40-year old bilateral ties between Guyana and China were again highlighted, as President Donald Ramotar and a delegation, met with Chinese President Xi Jingping at the Hilton Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad yesterday.
 President Donald Ramotar and Chinese President Xi Jingping greet and share a photo opportunity Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese leader recognised the importance of diplomatic relations with Guyana, pointing to the four decades of bilateral ties with Guyana. 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.  President Donald Ramotar in the company of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh at a table discussion with China’s President Xi Jingping and his delegation 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) 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.(GINA) |