Foreign Minister Hugh Todd yesterday reiterated Guyana’s “unswerving” commitment to a One China Policy.
He made the declaration during a courtesy call from China’s new Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, according to a release from Takuba Lodge.
In February this year a surprise announcement on the setting up of a Taiwan office here left Beijing incandescent. The arrangement was quickly terminated by Georgetown leaving it to face embarrassing questions about what had happened since Guyana had had a longstanding One China Policy that did not countenance any official contact with Taiwan.
Yesterday’s release said the new Chinese Ambassador alluded to the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Guyana and China and noted that the Chinese Embassy is planning to observe that momentous anniversary.
The release said that Todd spoke of the significant contributions made by China to Guyana’s development agenda, especially in the public infrastructure sector. In this regard, he recalled China’s role in transformative projects in Guyana such as the Conference Centre, the airport expansion, construction of major roads and bridges among others.
The Foreign Minister also “commended China for its global outlook and its attention to developing countries”, the release said. He expressed gratitude for China’s assistance towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, through the provision of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other supplies.
Todd added that at the multilateral level, Guyana and China share common principles, including commitment to the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs.
