Guyana calls on China to ‘embrace the developing world’

President Dr. Irfaan Ali says Guyana and other developing nations are hoping that China can provide much-needed global leadership as the world confronts existing inequalities.

President Ali, at a reception held in Beijing, China, on Sunday, said China is presented with a “grand opportunity” to demonstrate how its people-centred style of leadership can help countries tackle global challenges like climate change.

Dr. Ali has been in China over the past week. He met with China’s President Xi Jinping, the country’s Premier Li Qiang and other government and business officials.

After engaging in several rounds of meetings, he believes that he has a better understanding of China’s politics and approach to development.

“(Those meetings were) highly encouraging and it is my informed opinion that there is a strong commitment for the expanded relationship (between Guyana and China) and one in which you will see tremendous results in the immediate future,” Dr. Ali said.

Already, Guyana is China’s largest trading partner in the region. Numerous Chinese companies are involved in small and large-scale projects in Guyana.

Based on a joint statement issued after President Ali met China’s President Xi Jinping, the two countries committed to deepening bilateral relations with a keen focus on deepening trade and investment ties.

President Xi, when he met President Ali last week, said his country stands ready to support Guyana’s development path, strengthen communication and cooperation, and advance bilateral relations.

Beyond the relationship between Guyana and China, President Ali says the South-Asian nation is well-positioned to provide global leadership.

“This is the leadership that will set you apart from the rest and this is the leadership that the developing world and Guyana believes that you can offer.

“This is the leadership we know you are capable of delivering and we know that you will not let us down and Guyana will stand strong in support of you in providing this leadership,” President Ali said as he offered remarks at a ceremony held in Beijing.