President of Guyana David Granger on Wednesday said that the South American country is keen on cooperating with Qatar not only on building oil and gas capacity but also on realising trade and education opportunities.
The president was at the time accepting the Letters of Credence accrediting Qatar’s new non-resident Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Ahmed Ibrahim Abdulla Al-Abdulla, at the Ministry of the Presidency in Georgetown.
“I wish to convey Guyana’s interest in deepening cooperation with Qatar in trade, capacity building and education. I also wish to suggest that new fields of cooperation in energy and tourism be explored,” said President Granger.
“Guyana is keen on enhancing partnerships with experienced oil producers such as Qatar. I am confident that your appointment as Ambassador will provide opportunities for fruitful discussions and exchanges in the oil and gas sectors of both our countries,” he said.
The president noted that Guyana and Qatar have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on August 23, 1996. He said that the relationship is predicated on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security.
President Granger noted the recent signing of an agreement between Guyana and Qatar for the eventual commencement of air travel between the two countries.
“Guyana and Qatar further strengthened our bond of friendship with the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement on 24th September 2019 which will pave the way for future cooperation in investment, enhanced trade, air travel and the movement of people,” he said.
Guyana, Mr. Granger said, welcomes this important milestone and said that the country remains committed to working with the Government of Qatar “to enhance air connectivity in an effort to link the Caribbean and the Middle East.”
Qatar Petroleum announced on July 29 that it had agreement an with Total for a share of exploration and production rights in two blocks offshore Guyana.
Under the agreement, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals by the government of Guyana, Qatar Petroleum will hold 40% of Total’s existing 25% participating interest in the Orinduik block. The other partners in this block are Tullow Oil (the Operator) with a 60% participating interest and Eco Atlantic with a 15% interest.
However, Director of Guyana’s Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, has since indicated that details surrounding the announced farm-in, remain unclear.
