PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, highlighted the enduring partnership between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China at a reception hosted by Ambassador Yang Yang and the Chinese Embassy in Guyana on Friday evening.
The event marked the Chinese Spring Festival 2026, which celebrates the Year of the Fire Horse.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Phillips extended warm wishes to President Xi Jinping, the Government, and the people of China on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana.
In a Facebook post, the Office of the Prime Minister said the PM also reflected on the Chinese community’s 173-year legacy in Guyana and its cultural, social, and economic contributions.
He emphasised that Chinese traditions and values continue to enrich Guyana’s multicultural identity, while pointing to longstanding diplomatic ties in infrastructure, trade, healthcare, agriculture, education, and green development.
“We have built a robust and dynamic partnership over the years, based on mutual respect and a shared vision for growth and development – both at the individual and national levels,” he was quoted as saying.
Prime Minister Phillips underscored the importance of upholding international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and stressed the need for nations to stand together in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.
Further, he reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to continue engagement with China in areas of mutual interest, emphasising the importance of seizing opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity to benefit future generations.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Yang spoke at length about the friendship the two countries share.
“Fellow Chinese and dear friends, although China and Guyana are separated by vast oceans, we have become good friends sharing weal and woe, valuable partners in close co-operation, and brothers bound by blood.
“Under the strategic guidance of our two Presidents, China-Guyana relations have entered a fast track’ of development,” she said.
The Chinese diplomat revealed that in 2025, bilateral trade reached nearly US$2.9 billion, more than double compared with the previous year.
Among the projects executed by Chinese companies are the construction of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and six regional hospitals.
She also highlighted the work of the Chinese medical team which has helped to save countless lives and the training opportunities hundreds of Guyanese have gotten.
Looking ahead, China-Guyana relations will embrace even more promising future, she said later emphasising that China stands ready to work with Guyana and to turn strong trade growth into more high-quality projects that truly benefit the people of both countries.
Also, in attendance at the event were Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips, wife of the Prime Minister; Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues; Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; along with other government officials, diplomats and members of the Chinese community in Guyana.
