GDF inks Gy$1B military aid package with China

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has benefited from over Gy$1 billion donated by the Chinese military as part of a non-lethal military aid package.

Heads of the GDF and Chinese military met to conduct the annual bilateral staff conference and as part of the conference, the two armies signed a military-aid package to assist in enhancing the service of the local Army.

The package was signed by GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Major General Kong Li, of the People’s Liberation Amy at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Tuesday.

According to the Chief-of-Staff, since 1970, the Chinese Army has been providing military assistance to the GDF. He noted that the ties between the two countries have been consolidated with frequent cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic and cultural affairs.

He added that many GDF ranks have also benefited from tactical, operational and strategic levels of training from China over the years. “The GDF remains heartened and greatly appreciative of the continued military assistance as we work collectively towards strengthening the mutual relationship between the two nationals and military forces,” he noted.

Brigadier Philips disclosed that based on the agreement, the money will be used to acquire only non-lethal materials such as equipment, medical supplies and military kits along with building structures.

Meanwhile, Major General Li of the People’s Liberation Amy said that his visit to Guyana is to implement and sign the package that was agreed upon by the heads of the two military bodies. He added that during the discussions, he will also be listening to the perspective of the local Army, focusing particularly on what materials and supplies it will need from China.

Li maintained that this arrangement does not have any political affiliations and is solely an arrangement between the two military bodies. During the conference, presentations were made by both the Guyana Defence Force and the People’s Liberation Army after which discussions were held on military issues.

The GDF delegation at the conference was headed by the Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Phillips accompanied by Deputy Chief-of-Staff Khemraj Persaud, Commander of the Coast Guard Gray Beaton, and Commanding Officer of Air Corps, Major Courtney Bryne, along with others.

While the PLA’s delegation comprised Major General Li along with Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Li Min, military medical expert Colonel Zhang Ye from the PLA’s General Logistics Department, Senior Colonel Zhang Jin coordinator of the logistics materials and supplies and Senior Colonel Wang Wei from the General Equipment Department.