Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Friday that China is willing to further bilateral ties with Guyana and enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

In a meeting with Guyana's Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Tang said China and Guyana are both developing nations and to expand bilateral cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit is in the interests of the two peoples.

He said China wants to enhance dialogue with Guyana to improve mutual political trust and actively implement the action plan signed at the 2005 ministerial meeting under the framework of China-Caribbean economic and trade cooperation forum to boost bilateral trade cooperation.

The state councilor promised that China will continue to provide assistance in support of Guyana's social and economic development.

He also expressed the hope that the two countries will enhance exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, education and health and improve consultation in international affairs to jointly safeguard the interests of developing nations.

Guyana is the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean region which forged diplomatic ties with China. Hinds said Guyana appreciates China's consistent support and assistance and is willing to improve bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, natural resources exploitation, agriculture and forestry.

Hinds also reiterated his country's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2005)