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SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY BHARRAT JAGDEO, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA
AT A RECEPTION TO MARK THE 54TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA


September 30th, 2003

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen:


I wish, on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, to extend heartiest congratulations to the Government and people of China on this the 54th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

More than three decades ago our mutual friendship was formally inaugurated and these fraternal relations have grown in both strength and character. My country had the foresight and the unshakable belief that your people’s cause will always prevail and the rightful leaders of your great country would have triumphed and so even today we continue to fully support the one China policy.

Your country’s economic and technological achievements provide compelling evidence of what can be attained by developing countries through sustained work and commitment. In many ways, your accomplishments serve to inspire us in our efforts to eradicate poverty in our society and bring greater and more tangible benefits to all our people.

Excellency, I am pleased to acknowledge the development assistance we have received from the People’s Republic of China over these years. This valued assistance has been in various sectors and serves to enlarge our national capacity in order for us to accelerate our development.

Accordingly, I wish to express my Government’s appreciation and the gratitude of the Guyanese people to the many Chinese professionals, including doctors and engineers, who are making a meaningful contribution to the development of Guyana.

Further, Excellency, our peoples are the beneficiaries of the expansive agenda of cooperation between our two countries. This is a solid demonstration of our robust bilateral cooperation and it is a satisfying achievement. The modernization of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the establishment of a Bamboo and Mushroom Farm, and the services of experts in sports and the martial arts are indicative of this cooperation. The completion of the Guyana International Convention Centre will be a monument to our cordial relations.

Guyana applauds the unselfish endeavours of your county in sharing the vital lessons garnered from your development experiences. We note and appreciate your unstinting support and leadership in the Group of 77 and the many other fora where you have supported and championed the cause of developing countries.

Today’s celebration of your National Day gives us the opportunity to renew our efforts to intensify our bonds of friendship and cooperation.

I therefore wish to propose a toast to –

- the good health and well being of President Hu Jintao

- the strengthening of friendly relations between our countries, and

- the continued progress and prosperity of the People’s Republic of China!