THE annual Guyana-China Bilateral Military Exchange Conference convened at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, last week Friday, with leaders of both delegations expressing optimism for the outcome of the one-day caucus.
Leading the Guyanese delegation was Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best opposite the Chinese Liberation Army Rear Admiral Goa Jingdong. Others with Best were Colonel, General Staff, Bruce Lovell, Coast Guard Captain John Flores, Colonel John Lewis, Lieutenant Colonel Nazrul Hussein, Colonel Commander Gary Beaton and Lieutenant Colonel Cargyl Kyte.
The Chinese side also included Li Qinfeng, Yu Wei, Lai Xuebo and Xiong  Shuilong.
In opening remarks, Best welcomed and thanked Goa and his contingent for visiting and emphasised the importance of the bilateral relations existing between the two countries, in particular the two militaries.
Recalling that he had the distinct pleasure of visiting China on two previous occasions, Best noted that the Chinese are now on their second reciprocal visit to Guyana.
Over the years, officers and soldiers of the GDF have made several visits to the People’s Republic of China and engaged in various training activities and Best recalled that local ranks who were trained have all returned with glorious reports of the way they have been treated and the knowledge they gained.
He pointed out that, among those on the Guyana delegation Friday were some who received training in China.
Best said he was particularly happy to hear that, within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Guyana has the largest number of persons trained in China. 
He said the GDF has subscribed to a policy that allows ranks to proceed with military training as part of the bilateral relations with China.
In declaring the conference open, Best observed that the issues slated for discussion were not difficult ones and he expressed optimism that the meeting would be successful and, at the end of the day, both sides would be pleased with the results.     
Goa, who spoke through an interpreter, said he was very pleased to be in this country and to meet with Best and his GDF team.
The Chinese Leader, too, anticipated that the conference would be a success. He said: “I hope we can address a lot of concerns of common interest.”
Goa said the delegates attending attach much importance to the talks and the bilateral relationship.