Above: Prime Minister Samuel HInds, First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar, President Donald Ramotar, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yu Wenzhe and Mrs. Yu toast the Year of the Dragon (Photo: GINA)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Cooperation between Guyana and China has brought the former “tangible benefits,” according to Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yu Wenzhe.

Yu was speaking at a celebration in Guyana for Chinese New Year.

“Forty years ago, Guyana was the first Caribbean country to set up diplomatic relations with China,” Yu said. “Over the years, relations have stood the test of time. Our relationship is guided by the core principles of non-interference in each other’s affairs, mutual benefit and equality.”

Yu pointed in particular to China’s recent handing over of two new ferries to Guyana last week.

“As we are about to enter the Year of the Dragon, I wish the friendship and close cooperation between China and Guyana will be ever more fruitful with increasing vitality as symbolized by the Year of the Dragon,” Yu said. “Also, I have all confidence that all the Guyanese people will, under the leadership of [President] Donald Ramotar, join hands and work together for a better Guyana.”

Ramotar said Guyana wished China progress and prosperity in the new year.

“This year we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a year in which we can celebrate further achievements and further strengthen relations between our countries,” he said.