FOREIGN Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Yu Wenzhe have underscored the close bilateral relations that the two countries have shared over the years, which have led to the successful implementation of a number of projects. In an interview with Editor-in- Chief of the National Communications Network (NCN) Michael Gordon at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) on Tuesday the ambassador spoke of the excellent relationship that the two countries share.
Apart from the economic and political cooperation over the past forty year, the ambassador pointed to the sharing of culture and exchange visits that have taken place between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett echoed similar sentiments noting that the relations are very strong and significant. She lauded China’s effort to assist Guyana in many regards, though it is trying to develop the country simultaneously.
“This Convention Centre where we sit right now is one tangible example of China’s relations with Guyana, but we can also speak of the Skeldon Sugar factor, the Ferries that in a very short time from now will be able to benefit our residents of the Essequibo regions and all of Guyanese who will be travelling in that direction,” Rodrigues added.
Guyana has also benefited from in excess of 120 Doctors serving here since 1993, mainly in Linden and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). She spoke of the scholarships as well, deeming the initiative as another tangible area of cooperation.
Guyana and China have also engaged each other with regards to climate change given the fact that the Chinese country is playing a leading role in terms of solar energy.
Apart from the scholarship programme in the education field, China has also provided some 30,000 laptops under the government’s One Laptop per Family (OLPF) project. In this regard, the Minister stated that Guyana will continue to learn from China in many areas and will continue to value the strong ties.
With regards to the political framework between the two countries, Rodrigues spoke of the strong political consultation mechanism noting that former President Bharrat Jagdeo has visited the country on several occasions and also officials from China have visited Guyana.
“Indeed we were part of a Caribbean group that was held in Trinidad to discuss business opportunities and the Airport project is one of those that will hopefully receive funding from the money that China has made available to the Caribbean countries,” she asserted.
The ambassador also described the relations on the political front as strong; noting that the two countries have similar views on most issues, while noting that China as a developed country is ready to work together with developing countries on issues and challenges to protect their interest.
Further, he stated that,” we believes that each country whether large or small have their own strong points and short comings and we appreciate very much the support we get from the developing country, we are ready to do our part to develop a national economy and try to improve the living standard of its people.” Additionally, he urged that developed and developing countries work together in moving forward.
Guyana has a lot to learn from China as it has made a lot of leaps and bounds with regards to development in the last decade, while China is very open to sharing experiences with Guyana.