Pres Ali optimistic about enhanced cooperation between Guyana, China

– lauds country’s contributions to Guyana in Chinese New Year message

In his message hailing the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit and lauding the contributions of the Chinese community to Guyana’s development, President Dr Irfaan Ali also expressed optimism that the year would bring enhanced cooperation between the two countries.

According to the President in his New Year message, he extended greetings on his behalf and that of his Government, to all those observing the lunar Chinese New Year 2023, which is being observed as the year of the rabbit.
“These greetings are also extended to Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana and to the staff of her Embassy, and by no means least, the not insignificant Chinese community in our country.”
“The Chinese New Year is an occasion marked by feasts, festivals, and other celebratory activities. It is a period of effusive joy and happiness for Chinese people all around the world,” the President also said.
Noting that this year is designated the ‘Year of the Rabbit’, he described some of the well-known attributes of the rabbit. For instance, the rabbit is known for “its swiftness, smartness, and nimbleness”.
According to the President, however, the rabbit is also gentle, calm, and peaceful. And Ali noted that the Year of the Rabbit symbolises the need for adeptness, vigilance, perseverance… virtues he pointed out are at the heart of the successes of China and Chinese nationals. He was optimistic that the lunar new year would offer the chance for enhanced bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
“I am confident that in this new year, these qualities will allow China to overcome its present challenges and to bring greater prosperity and peace to its people. Guyana and the People’s Republic of China are enjoined by imperishable relations, strengthened by ties of blood, history, friendship, and furthered by shared interests,” the President said.
“The Lunar Chinese New Year offers the promise of enhancing cooperation between our two States and between our peoples. The members of the Chinese community in Guyana continue to make a valuable contribution to national transformation and development. We are therefore pleased to join them in commemorating the Lunar Chinese New Year – the Year of the Rabbit.”
In her remarks to mark the Chinese Spring Festival, Ambassador Guo Haiyan pointed out that the rabbit’s most famous attribute – its ability to jump – is symbolic of overcoming difficulties and surpassing oneself.
When it comes to the Spring Festival, she had said the occasion is no stranger to Guyanese. According to her, the Chinese community and the Spring Festival, are deeply integrated into Guyana’s multicultural landscape. In fact, 2023 marks the 170th anniversary of their arrival in Guyana.
“Spring Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China, with a history of more than 4000 years. The Spring Festival culture is an important part of Chinese culture. The year 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, a beloved animal ranking fourth in the Chinese zodiac. It is a common species but with rich cultural connotations,” she said in her statement.
“Recently, the Chinese community held the Guyana 2023 Chinese Spring Festival Temple Fair in National Park, Georgetown, where more than 2000 friends from all walks of life, including Hon Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, joined the celebrations. Many Guyanese friends, dressed in Chinese costumes and holding folding fans, gathered to witness various displays of Chinese culture including food, song, lion and dragon dances, and fireworks show.”
Ambassador Guo also made reference to developments in bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields between Guyana and China, which she said has been further strengthened. She also noted that China is pleased with Guyana’s achievements in the past year, as the economy grew by 62.3 per cent and the Government made significant progress in economic and social transformation.