President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, who was to meet with the Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Bali last November, says he is ready for bilateral discussions with Beijing.
“I am ready for bilateral talks at the level of two presidents to deepen cooperation across all sectors” Santokhi said at an event marking the Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday. He gave no indication when such a meeting will be held.
In the presence of the Chinese ambassador Han Jing, the Surinamese head of state expressed his gratitude for the contribution of the Chinese associations to the development of the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
President Santokhi was due to meet with President Xi last November but did not travel to Bali because of domestic problems in Suriname.
The Chinese Ambassador told the ceremony that he is committed to strengthening the relationship between China and Suriname, while Suriname’s ambassador to China, Pick Fung Chong, will soon travel to take up her position in Beijing.
President Santokhi said he is convinced that bilateral cooperation will be further strengthened with the new diplomat.
“The main emphasis will be placed on intensifying mutually beneficial ties in areas such as trade, economics and the humanitarian relationship.”
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivities for Chinese people worldwide. President Santokhi has urged the Chinese associations to participate in the activities marking the 170 years of Chinese immigration to Paramaribo.
Last year, the government set up a national committee to plan the celebrations.
CMC/
