Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jungao lauded the friendly relations between Guyana and China at a celebration hosted to mark the Chinese Spring Festival or the New Year.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Jungao and his wife welcomed President Bharrat Jagdeo and guests including members of the diplomatic corps, government Officials, Chinese entrepreneurs, embassy officials and others at the function held at the Chinese Embassy. The year which started on Monday, is being celebrated as the Year of the Ox, an animal described as patient, tireless and capable of enduring any amount of hardship. The ox is seen by the Chinese as a symbol of fortune and hope.
In his address the ambassador said he appreciates Guyana’s support particularly during the earthquake in May that claimed the lives of about 10,000 Chinese including many children from Wenchuan in the Sichuan province.
When Jungao said too cooperation between the two countries reached new heights in October when Jagdeo attended the Summer Davos forum held in Tianjin and visited Beijing and Chongqing.
It was during these visits that economic and technical agreements were signed the ambassador said, adding that cooperation has also fruitful in fields such as the power sector agreement for the enhancement of the local electricity sector and enhancing bilateral relationships through technical and economic cooperation. “I am sure… the friendly relations between our two countries will be continually going forward in the New Year,” the ambassador said.
Referring to the hostile economic environment, Jungao said he ess confident that China will play a constructive role for the stable and sound development of the international economy to create a prosperous future for all.
Meanwhile, GINA said guests were entertained by cultural presentations such as the lion dance, an exhibition of wushu – a martial art form, performances by the Guyana Defence Force band, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the Chinese Medical Brigade and members of the Chinese embassy. They were also treated to the drawing of a snap raffle where some won prizes including televisions sets, juice processors, vases, wine and bicycles. They then dined on lavish Chinese cuisines.
The release said the new year also marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
