As Guyana joins the People’s Republic of China in ushering in their New Year celebrations, acting President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has expressed hope for continued cooperation with the Government of China, as both countries strive for a greener economy.
The Chinese Ambassador Cui Jaianchun and delegation at the New Year celebrations
“Our friendship, which started nearly 45 years ago, was born out of a common desire to build a relationship that produced tangible benefits for the people of our two countries,” Nagamootoo recalled during the reception on Wednesday night.
He acknowledged China’s significant successes since then, highlighting that Guyana felt honoured to have a friend that has been able to demonstrate how effective international trade and capital flows can be in bringing immeasurable economic success for itself and the international community as a whole.
“It serves to remind all of us of our mutual dependence on each other and the common responsibility that we have towards helping to improve the human condition. The opportunity for economic expansion and human development rests on open trade relations and greater flows of foreign investment and Guyana is pleased to be a part of that system,” he said.
Nagamootoo also noted that Guyana was looking forward to being able to continue doing business with China in an atmosphere of mutual respect, in keeping with the aspirations and capacity of both countries.
The acting President also expressed gratitude to China for its immense assistance throughout the years, while placing the construction of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in the spotlight, as well as the offer of exchange programmes for Journalists, security personnel and other professionals.
“We are grateful for the services of your Medical Brigade, and for assistance to expand and improve Guyana’s public infrastructure, public safety and security, and provide language and cultural support,” Nagamootoo asserted.
Moreover, he alluded to similarities between the two countries, highlighting that “like China, [Guyana] seeks a peaceful solution to any controversy and welcome the intention of the Secretary General of the United Nations to ensure the use of a peaceful mechanism to bring the unjust claim to our Essequibo region to an end, once and for all….[and]…Like China, Guyana is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and has adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which provides a framework for the realisation of the green economy. “
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jaianchun expressed great pleasure in spending his first Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in Guyana and commended the gracious hospitality he and his wife received.
He also noted that Guyana was an influential country in the Latin American and Caribbean Region and the Chinese Government placed high importance on the relationship between the two countries.
The Ambassador stated that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, the friendly cooperative relationship between China and Guyana has been developing constantly and steadily in the manner of mutual respect and support and equal coexistence.
“We have witnessed continual visits of all levels, sound progress of economic and trade cooperation and frequent people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The friendship between our two peoples has been deepening day by day,” he said. (Ramona Luthi)
