Chinese President Xi Jinping and Surinamese President Jennifer Simons on Thursday exchanged congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Noting that China and Suriname enjoy a long history of friendship which remains robust over time, Xi said over the past half-century, the two sides have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, and continuously deepened mutually beneficial cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
Xi said he attaches great importance to developing China-Suriname relations and is willing to work with Simons to take the 50th anniversary as a new starting point to enhance strategic mutual trust, carry forward the traditional friendship, push forward practical cooperation in various fields to achieve more outcomes, and jointly write a new chapter in China-Suriname strategic cooperative partnership.
Simons said that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Suriname-China relations have continued to grow deeper, the friendship between the two countries has remained strong and profound, and strategic cooperation between the two sides has become increasingly close.
The Surinamese president said that she truly cherishes the fruitful outcomes of bilateral cooperation across various fields, and expects the two sides to further enhance unity, deepen and expand cooperation, and realize the shared vision of prosperity and development in the next 50 years.
Xi, Surinamese president exchange congratulations over 50th anniversary of ties
Canada is deepening ties with Europe as it moves to reduce trade dependence on the United States, with analysts divided over whether closer integration with the EU is the right path.
Earlier this month, Canada was the first non-European country to attend the European Political Community summit in Armenia. Prime Minister Mark Carney met with EU leaders to discuss how Canada is a top destination for foreign direct investment.
This was regarded as a new approach Carney has been taking to loosen ties with the United States.
"We've seen Canada has reoriented itself also towards India and China. So, it's about the strategy of the prime minister on middle powers," said Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Experts say it makes sense for Canada to look towards the EU, because the trading bloc is aligned with Canada on many important issues.
"So, I do see a very important element of stability and of an international community based on certain values and on certain conventions and on certain principles and regulations through international law. So, in that sense, I'm very much in favor of Canada and the European Union working together," said Triandafyllidou.
The EU's relationship with Canada is the oldest formal relationship the bloc has with any industrialized country, going all the way back to 1959.
Over the past year, Canada and Europe have become even closer. Earlier this year, Canada became the first non-European country to join the EU's Security Action for Europe initiative. This will give Canadian defense companies expanded access to the European market. Many analysts say it's about time Canada looked more towards Europe.
"So, it's a very big market for them to have ignored for years just because your neighbor was your easiest trading partner. So, it's about time they look in other markets for this," said Aki Constantinou, investment counsellor of Royal Bank of Canada.
A Nanos Research survey done for The Globe and Mail newspaper in Toronto shows that just over 50 percent of respondents would either support or somewhat support Canada becoming a full member of the EU. Still, Constantinou is not convinced that may be the best move for Canada.
"They have the EU for trade, except for the UK because of Brexit. They have a common currency, but the people and the economies are very different. Germany is different from Greece. The Balkans differ from Western European countries. So, adding Canada in there, it doesn't make sense for Canada. And I don't think EU would benefit as much," said Constantinou.
There is also concern about Canada losing its unique identity.
"Of course, what I think is distinctively Canadian is multiculturalism, is the diversity of the population, is the embracing of not just individuals, but also communities. So, that is very distinct from Europe that remains, I think, dominated from ideas of historical nations where migrants come and have to assimilate more than integrate," said Triandafyllidou.
For now, Canada is focusing on better relations with the EU, a move that many see as a step in the right direction.
Canada’s push toward Europe sparks debate on integration
