On July 28th, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Her Excellency Guo Haiyan was invited to speak in the Panel Discussion on 50 Years of Guyana-China Friendship co-hosted by the Guyana Peace Council and the Cheddi Jagan Research Center.

In her speech, Ambassador Guo first reviewed the characteristics of China-Guyana diplomatic relations as "three mutuals". She emphasized that mutual respect and equality laid important foundation of trust between the two countries, mutual benefit and shared development is the fundamental goal of cooperation between the two countries, and mutual understanding and support is the good tradition of friendship between the two peoples.

Facing the future, Ambassador Guo pointed out that the further development of bilateral relations lies in grasping the rare opportunities at present. The economies of the two countries are highly complementary. China is willing to work with Guyana to strengthen the alignment of development plans, so that mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation can benefit the two countries and their peoples more, and make the two "poor friends" once in history both live a good life.

Ambassador Guo also stated China’s position on some media misperceptions regarding Chinese loans, Chinese Companies and China’s influence in Guyana.

Mr. Donald Ramotar, former President of Guyana, Mr. Clement Rohee, President of Peace Council and Professor Al Creighton, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Education and Director of Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana also shared their opinions in the discussion.