Pictured here : His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali with China’s Ambassador to Guyana, GUO Haiyan.
January 14, 2023
The ever-evolving relationship between Guyana and China has bred many positive outcomes and will see the solidification of diplomatic relations between the two countries over the years to come.
This was expressed by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a recent interview on ‘The Leaders Talk’ which is a television programme on the China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The countries’ extensive and resilient relationship began in 1972 when Guyana became the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
It has undergone an evolution that culminated in the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of this commitment only last year.
“It is not a relationship that is built only on economic prosperity. It is a relationship that has a social and a political component, and one that has led to the advancement of both countries, ” the president said.
He made mention of the prevalence of Chinese influences on all aspects of Guyana’s socioeconomic composition, pointing out their impact on trade and commerce, technology, hospitality, and agriculture.
Further, President Ali reiterated Guyana’s position of support and respect for the ‘One China’ policy.
“We believe that the One China policy is important, not just for China, but for the stability of the region. More importantly, we believe that the region itself, as we work in a global community, must find ways in which there can be a deeper partnership and deeper collaboration so that the zone can remain one of peace,” he said.
President Ali stressed that China’s historical ties to Guyana have also made it an integral aspect of Guyanese society, and noted that the relationship ties into the ‘One Guyana’ initiative which is aimed primarily, at ensuring inclusiveness.
“The initial relationship has blossomed into a new relationship that has been diverse, multifaceted, and has opened up new channels of cooperation and collaboration, and new opportunities for the advancement of the people of both countries,” the president said.
Meanwhile, Dr Ali also spoke of the government’s continued efforts to manage the country’s oil resources in a way that brings prosperity and effectively avoids an instance of the paradox of plenty.
He highlighted that Chinese investors have been and will be encouraged to engage in the processes of the oil and gas endeavour, as a representation of the enduring relations between the two countries.
“We see China as an important part of the energy equation of our country. We continue to encourage China, as we encourage everyone, to participate fully in the bidding process of this energy platform that we are developing at a global scale,” the Head of State added.
Guyana/China relations imperishable – President Ali
FROM OUR ARCHIVES — June 30, 2022
−as countries celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations
His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the relationship between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China is imperishable, as inseparable ties between the two countries have brought tremendous development gains to the people of both nations.
President Ali was speaking at a reception to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bilateral relations between Guyana and China, at the Pegasus Suites, Kingston, Georgetown on Wednesday evening.
Six years after attaining independence, Guyana established formal diplomatic ties with China on June 27, 1977.
In so doing, Guyana achieved the distinction of becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise the People’s Republic of China. However, President Ali noted that the public agitation for this recognition had commenced even prior to independence.
The President said he was delighted to celebrate the significant milestone of relations between Guyana and China, noting that the friendship between the two countries is based on the principles of the United Nations (UN) charter- respect for each other sovereignty and territorial integrity, shared ties of blood and history, the pursuit of fraternal relations and common interest.
China’s support to Guyana has been astounding, President Ali acknowledged, while noting that the cooperation between the two nations has straddled almost all areas of national development. These include; agriculture, culture, defence, education, health, Information Communications Technology (ICT), infrastructure development, security, private investment, sport, trade and transportation.
“The rich interactions between Guyana and China over the past half of its century have not been limited only at the bilateral level. As our beliefs and principles and interests converge, our two countries have continued to collaborate in international forums.”
The Guyanese head-of-state spoke of the global challenges facing the nations including the energy and food crises, climate change and the crisis of inequality. It is for this reason, he stated, that policy-making has to take a different approach, and format.
These, he noted are elements of discussions between Guyana and China, at the level of the Commonwealth, and thoseconversations will continue at the Caricom Heads of Government meeting.
President Ali said the Government of Guyana is committed to a ‘One Guyana’ initiative which is aimed primarily, at ensuring inclusiveness. In this paradigm, he explained that the intention is to create an environment where all feel comfortable to live, and be part of a closely knit Guyana.
“My government desires to show no partiality, and this is why Chinese nationals, like nationals of any other countries, are welcome to our country’s national development,” President Ali stated.
Not only are Chinese nationals welcomed to Guyana’s national development, but they make up an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. “You are part of the national pot of what makes us all Guyanese,” he reiterated.
Providing a brief history on the Guyana-China bilateral relations, Ambassador of China to Guyana, GUO Haiyan said that people-centered development is the two countries’ greatest common interest. She believes that the relationship will bear more fruits, and bring more tangible benefits to both countries and their people.
Also present at the event were Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and other Cabinet members, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and members of the diplomatic corps.
The event also saw the unveiling of a commemorative stamp which was followed cultural performances by both Chinese and Guyanese artistes.
