Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd and Beijing Foreign Minister, Wang Yi
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Hugh Todd met with China’s Foreign Minister and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, in Beijing to reaffirm and expand bilateral co-operation between the two countries.
Minister Wang highlighted Guyana’s historic role as the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to establish diplomatic ties with China, noting that the relationship has grown steadily over the past five decades.
He stressed that the deepening of friendly co-operation has delivered tangible benefits to the Guyanese people and pointed out that Guyana is now China’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean. He said China continues to respect Guyana’s independent development path and stands ready to collaborate further under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) co-operation.
This includes expanding efforts in energy, mineral resources, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and infrastructure, as well as exploring new areas such as the digital and green economies. The two countries also intend to strengthen exchanges in healthcare, education, and culture.
Minister Wang affirmed China’s commitment to encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Guyana, supporting its goals of industrial advancement and economic self-sufficiency. He stressed that China’s rise is rooted not in colonialism or geopolitical dominance but in peaceful development.
In response to growing unilateralism and protectionism, he said China remains a steadfast partner of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized states.
“The stronger China becomes, the more we are able to assist developing nations in defending their rights and promoting a peaceful, just and equitable world,” Wang stated. He also reiterated China’s readiness to work with the Global South to uphold international norms and strengthen the central role of the United Nations.
Minister Todd, reflecting on his third consecutive visit to China since assuming office, praised the enduring strength of Guyana-China relations. He described China as a “trustworthy and good friend,” and expressed appreciation for the role Chinese enterprises have played in Guyana’s rapid development.
He welcomed greater Chinese investment and reiterated Guyana’s willingness to deepen mutually beneficial ties. Todd commended China’s long history and resilience, and acknowledged the growing significance of global initiatives led by President Xi Jinping.
He said Guyana values China’s influence in global governance and expressed support for multilateralism and the protection of international law. Both ministers also discussed the potential of the China-CELAC Forum to advance collaboration and foster the development of a shared future between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) nations.
