By Gordon French
Caribbean Net News Guyana Correspondent
Email: gordon@caribbeannetnews.com
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, on Tuesday said Guyana’s Parliament fully supports the One China Policy, which continues to separate China and neighbouring Taiwan.
Ramkarran was delivering an address to the Parliamentary Committees of the National Assembly during the visit of Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China’s Parliament, Madame Gu Xiulian, and a delegation from China.
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| Madame Gu Xiulian makes a point during her address in Guyana on Monday. House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran is seated. |
On Tuesday, Madame Gu Xiulian and President Bharrat Jagdeo witnessed the signing of an agreement that will see China writing off some US$15.5 million of debt owed by Guyana, which was incurred during the period 1975-1993. But, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said Guyana still owes China a significant amount of money.
The two nations also signed an agreement to facilitate the travel of tourists groups between Guyana and China.
“Your Excellency, there are four political parties represented in the National Assembly. They all are in full support of the One China Policy. The issue has been raised from time to time in our deliberations and there was never any voice of dissent from that view.
"Your Excellency can be assured that the National Assembly will continue to support the One China Policy,” Ramkarran stated.
Gu Xiulian, who is on an official three-day visit to Guyana as part of a four-nation tour in the hemisphere, arrived at Parliament Buildings to a red carpet welcome.
Also attending the meeting were diplomatic missions from the United States, Canada, Brazil and India.
In her address to the Committee members, Gu Xiulian made it clear on how passionate China feels about reuniting with Taiwan in keeping with her country’s push of the One China Policy.
“Do not allow anyone to separate China from Taiwan by any means,” Gu Xiulian charged, urging that Guyana stay committed to the peaceful unification of the two states.
China and Taiwan have both made diplomatic advances into the Caribbean region, both offering to strengthen trade and economic ties.
But despite some Caribbean nations leaning towards Taiwan, Gu Xiulian said that China/Caribbean relations have made good headway, which is evident in the close ties between China and Guyana.
She said that China attaches great importance to its relations with Guyana and the Caribbean. She noted the various agreements that exist at the bilateral and regional levels.
In an effort to bolster trade relations, Gu Xiulian encouraged Guyana’s participation in the upcoming Caribbean Economy of Trade Cooperation forum which will be hosted in China.
Ramkarran noted that there have been various exchanges between China and Guyana. He said that the visit of Gu Xiulian, on the heels of the 35th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China, marks an important milestone in the developing relations between the two Parliaments and nations.
Noting the presence of Chinese in Guyana, Ramkarran said despite the circumstances our Chinese forebears met in Guyana, the country can boast today of a powerful Chinese contribution to society.
“In every aspect of life including business, the professions, public service, politics, education, and many others, Chinese influence on Guyana has been enormous and profound,” Ramkarran stated.
Noting the areas of cooperation between the two nations, Ramkarran alluded to the gift of the Convention Centre, the construction of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, investments in the forestry sector and Caribbean/China consultations.
Gu Xiulian also met with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin. | 
