CHINESE Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Zhang Limin, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at his temporary office at the Ministry of the Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, to congratulate him on his new post, as well as to discuss issues which will further strengthen the two countries’ bilateral relations.During this meeting the two officials discussed a number of areas of mutual interest that could see possible collaboration between the two countries. Continuation and expansion of marketing Guyanese products in China was also discussed.
According to Prime Minister Nagamootoo, the meeting was a very good one and which has further bolstered the bilateral relationship shared between the two countries.

He also alluded to the fact that Guyana and China are “very old friends” and yesterday’s courtesy call was “a very cordial visit in which we exchanged our views on a number of matters including how to strengthen our bilateral relations.”

Another focus area which derived from this conversation was an improved investment climate for Chinese investors in Guyana.

Meanwhile Ambassador Limin, through his translator, echoed the same sentiments as the Prime Minister with regards to the relationship shared by the two countries. He said, “China and Guyana (have) enjoyed very good relations for a long time.”

He added that although the new Government has only taken up office for approximately two months, they “have demonstrated a willingness to develop and further strengthen China and Guyana’s friendly relations…China also gives great importance to developing relations with Guyana…we have been conducting close cooperation in their international affairs as well.”

In closing, the Ambassador also committed China’s continued support to Guyana, as it has done over the years. He noted that he has seen a broader opportunity for cooperation and a brighter future ahead for the continuation of this partnership.
The Ambassador also used the opportunity to gift Prime Minister Nagamootoo with a collection of work done by China’s President, Xi Jinping.

The Chinese Ambassador also recently paid a courtesy call on the Public Security Minister, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan during which discussions were held on numerous areas of collaboration for the security sector primarily in the area of capacity building. Guyana is to receive security equipment valued US$4M from China.

In 1972, Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise the People’s Republic of China, and after more than 42 years of friendship and cooperation, the bilateral relationship shared between these two countries continues to flourish.

In 1966, when Guyana gained Independence, steps were taken to promote ties between the two nations. In 1972, a time when the United States was leading global efforts to resist recognition of the Chinese people at the United Nations, Guyana risked itself as the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise and support the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and thus establishing formal diplomatic relations.
The relationship between the two countries has been steadily heightening. Guyana has thus far benefited from several areas of assistance from the Chinese in the investment, infrastructure, health, river transport and security among many others.