Latest update May 12th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 21, 2014 News
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has provided the Guyana Defence
Force (GDF) with equipment support totalling 5M RMB (over US$819,600- using rate of US$1 equals 6.1 RMB ) to boost the efficiency of the army and help protect Guyana and its borders.
An excavator, ambulance, front-end loaders and inflatable boats with engine among other pieces of equipment were yesterday handed over to the GDF. Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin symbolically handed over the keys to some of the equipment to Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar who in turn presented them to Chief- of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips at Base Camp Ayanganna.
This follows Tuesday’s signing of a military aid agreement totalling approximately US $4.8M between the two militaries for China’s 2014 assistance.
Witnessing the event also was Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
President Ramotar said that the Government and the country value very much, its relationship with the People’s Republic of China and appreciate the great contribution that the country is making in many parts of the world and more importantly in Guyana.
“The contribution that we have received here today, from the People’s Liberation Army is indeed very vital in assisting the GDF to build its infrastructure, and facilitate its work in a more effective and efficient way,” the President said.
The President said that with the country’s terrain (low lying coastal plains, rugged mountains
in the interior and its vast river network) the equipment will play a very important role in the work of the army as it relates to defence and maintaining communication in the not so accessible parts of Guyana.
It will assist the army to move much more quickly, and to better respond to emergencies and difficulties in any part of Guyana, he said.
The President also highlighted the Chinese investments in the development of Jamaica, the Bahamas, Africa and South America.
Guyana has enjoyed 42 years of bilateral relation with China that has seen frequent exchanges between the two countries in several areas including the military. In fact, the support provided to the GDF today represents China’s 2011 military assistance to Guyana.
Brigadier Phillips explained that in the process, and still to come is the 2012 assistance of 10M RMB.
Major General Li explained that in order to show the importance that PLA attaches to the China-Guyana military to military relationship, and effort to help the GDF to further develop itself, the Chinese military decided to increase its military aid to Guyana for this year to 30M RMB.
Meanwhile Ambassador Limin noted that the two countries’ bilateral military cooperation is an important part of their bilateral collaboration and that over the many years regardless of international challenges, this bilateral military relationship has developed smoothly as always.
He said that it has lived through a time test over the many years to promote friendly relations between the two militaries and between the two countries’ people.
Ambassador Limin said that the signing of the 2014 agreement on Tuesday, and the handing over of the equipment today, represents a new start in this military cooperation.
Listen how to run an oil country
May 12, 2024
– GCF yet to respond to concerns regarding race course By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – Some of the country’s leading cyclists are considering boycotting the National Sports...By Anasa Williams Kaieteur News – Millicent Mary Frank was born on May 11, 1924, at Lot 103 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust,... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Is it ever justifiable for journalism to fan the flames of geopolitical tension? This question arises... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]