Georgetown : Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar on July 17 stressed the need for unison among Latin American and Caribbean countries and China, as he addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders from Latin American and Caribbean countries after the formulation of a cooperation forum between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Brazil that day.
The China-CELAC leaders' meeting in the Brazilian capital took place after the Sixth Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) summit from July 15-17.
Pointing to the need for unity in the current global dispensation, he underlined the critical need for close work among the countries to “pursue more aggressively ideals of closer regional and hemispheric integration.” President Ramotar also urged the forging of new relationships between countries.
He described China as one of the Region’s economic partners and lauded their relationship with that country over time.
“China occupies a special place in the world today. In its place in global leadership, it has cemented leadership in many areas, technology, science, culture and arts, and several other areas. The country is an example to many of us around the world. China’s place as a global leader is secure. We value our friendship with China, equally so it is our interest to pursue and strengthen that friendship,” the President stated.
He thanked the Chinese President Jinping for the announcement on the financial contribution into the economy of the Caribbean and Latin American countries. This, the Guyanese President stated, not only develops the relationship, but helps with the important human capital for the sustained and growing development of the countries.
“Therefore the 6,000 scholarships being made to Latin America and the Caribbean are very important to build our continent,” he added.
The Guyanese Leader noted that human capital to carry out the large task of integrating infrastructure and economy highlights the need for international relations, particularly the United Nations and the financial institutions.
“I believe a closer relationship with Latin America, the Caribbean and China will make a positive contribution in the development of this objective. Together we can play a major role for all that has already been said of the resources of our continent and China, and of course our economic and our financial position,” President Ramotar stated.
He also expressed full support for currency trade which he described as important “to immunise us from some of the consequences of financial events outside of our control.” The President added that it will help in a major way to prevent the happenings in CARICOM where the world financial economic crisis has affected many countries which are still suffering and feeling the impact.
The crucial need to establish new relationships is displayed by the many countries which are still vulnerable to the impacts of the economic meltdown, he said, and posited that the alliance would help to control the destinies of the countries.
“For many of us, investment by China has helped keep us afloat. Chinese investment has been important also in helping us in having the necessary investments in our own countries. In Guyana for example, in expanding our airport transport system and many of our roads, the Chinese assisted us. I would like to express our profound support for the initiatives being taken,” President Ramotar stated.
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