Reception Marking 30 Years of China-Suriname Diplomatice Ties Held

The CPAFFC gave a reception in Beijing on May 25 to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Suriname. Abdul’ahat Abdurixit, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, attended the reception. CPAFFC President Chen Haosu and Surinamese Ambassador to China Roy Marinus Wong Lun Hing made ebullient speeches.

In his speech, CPAFFC President Chen Haosu said: “Despite the great distance between China and Suriname, there exists a traditional friendship between our two peoples. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations and through joint efforts made by both sides, the friendly cooperative relations between China and Suriname in all fields have been resumed and developed. Exchanges of high-level visits have been frequent and mutual understanding deepened. The cooperation between our two countries in the political, economic, military, cultural and other fields has been fruitful. China and Suriname have always supported each other and cooperated closely in international affairs. In January 2005, Suriname recognized China’s total market economy status. China designated Suriname as a tourist destination for Chinese citizens. At the same time, nongovernmental friendly contacts between our two countries are increasing. The CPAFFC has forged long-term and stable friendly cooperative relations with the Suriname-China Friendship Association.” Chen expressed his belief that with concerted efforts made by both governments and peoples, the relationship of friendship and cooperation between China and Suriname would be further consolidated and developed.

Surinamese Ambassador Roy Marinus Wong Lun Hing extended warm and cordial congratulations on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Suriname and China on behalf of the Government and people of Suriname. The ambassador recalled in his speech the contacts between the two peoples 150 years ago as well as the unremitting efforts by both governments and peoples to promote bilateral friendly exchange since the establishment of diplomatic relations 30 years ago. He said, since then Suriname and China have seen rapid and all-round development of governmental and nongovernmental contacts and cooperation in various fields. Today Suriname and China are sharing a partnership of bilateral cooperation in the economic and social fields such as trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure building, personnel training, media, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The development of bilateral relations is in the interest of both peoples. The friendship and cooperation between Suriname and China has played an exemplary role in promoting the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Caribbean countries and is undoubtedly contributing to peace and development in the world.

Present at the reception were He Yafei, assistant foreign minister, Wang Hongqiang, secretary general of the China-Latin America Friendship Association, diplomats of the Surinamese Embassy in China and Surinamese students studying in China.