China and Suriname enjoy a longstanding tradition of friendly exchanges, said President of the Republic of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi during his recent visit to China.
President Santokhi paid a state visit to China from April 11 to 17 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Santokhi noted that that the earliest Chinese migrants to Suriname arrived as far back as the mid-19th century, opening a new chapter in the history of friendly exchanges between China and Suriname.
"My country, which was the first country [in the Caribbean] where the Chinese people came 170 years ago. My country was the first one they visited as indentured laborers. And from that moment they stayed. And I think this is the most important reason why there is a strong bond between Suriname and China. The cooperation started 170 years ago based on people-to-people contact and from that people-to-people contact, the business started in Suriname, community business, grocery business, small and medium enterprises after the independence of my country," the president said.
In May 2018, Suriname signed a memorandum of understanding with China to jointly build the Belt and Road, which aims to boost connectivity through infrastructure.
Since then, the two countries have embarked on numerous mutually beneficial projects within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework, including airport roads, the Regional Hospital Wanica, and the Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center.
"The diplomatic relations started between Suriname and China, because of the history, because of the bond, because of the people-to-people contact and business. After the diplomatic relations, we entered a new era of cooperation, and that is why we should be the first in the Caribbean together as the first country in formal cooperation and also the first country to sign the Belt and Road Initiative," Santokhi said.
China, Suriname enjoy longstanding tradition of friendly exchanges: president
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Tarbes, a locale dear to Macron from his childhood, carrying forward the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Situated in the Hautes-Pyrenees Department of southern France, Tarbes lies more than 800 kilometers from Paris. This charming town holds special significance to Macron as it is his grandmother's hometown, carrying his cherished childhood memories.
Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron warmly received Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan at a mountain restaurant known as L'Etape du Berger, which is located at Col du Tourmalet, a legendary climb in the Tour de France cycling race.
The two heads of state, wearing no ties, enjoyed a traditional folk dance performance, tasted local delicacies, and chatted in a relaxing and cordial atmosphere.
Such amicable interactions between Xi and Macron, arranged after the fully-packed previous day of talks and meetings, allowed the two leaders more time for deeper understanding of each other as well as the countries and peoples they represent.
The French hospitality in the Pyrenees was reminiscent of the informal talks between Xi and Macron in April 2023 in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province.
The two leaders then strolled through a southern Chinese garden, had tea by the water, and listened to a live performance of the ancient Chinese music piece "High Mountains and Flowing Water," which represents cherished friendship in Chinese culture.
Macron on Tuesday recalled his visit to China last year, especially the meeting at the Pine Garden in Guangzhou which left him a deep and wonderful impression.
He said that through in-depth exchanges with Xi, he learned more about China's history, culture, philosophy, and development process and gained a deeper understanding of China's position on important issues.
Expressing gratitude to Macron and his wife for their warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements, Xi said he and his wife had a wonderful and unforgettable time.
Xi expressed his readiness to have frequent interactions with Macron and to work with him for sound and steady growth of China-France and China-EU relations and to bring more stability and positive energy to this changing and turbulent world.
Xi extended an invitation to Macron for another visit to China at a convenient time.
Before they parted, the local villagers started singing a shepherd's song, expressing gratitude to Xi and his wife for their visit and inviting them to come back another time.
Xi ends France visit with no-tie diplomacy
