Recently accredited Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, paid a Courtesy Call on Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes on Wednesday.

A release from the Ministry noted that the tone of the conversation was better than cordial especially when the Ambassador revealed his passion for Information Communication Technology.

“The Ambassador and Minister discussed the numerous opportunities that China offers to Guyanese for educational advancement, zeroing in on the introductory course in Mandarin that the Chinese embassy has introduced at the University of Guyana, and the opportunities for advanced language training in China,” the release noted.

It was noted that Jianchun had already met with the representatives of Huawei International who are currently in Guyana preparing for the second phase of the ICT network installation that will expand into inland regions.  The Ambassador expressed the hope that this collaboration would continue.  He was also satisfied with the early progress of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre’s rehabilitation. The building and facilities had been gifted to the Guyana government by the Chinese government in 2006.

Friendly diplomatic relations have existed between China and Guyana since the mid 1960’s and along the way the two countries have enjoyed mutual political trust and productive cooperation. Guyana is the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean region to establish diplomatic relations with China.