Guyana and its sister Caribbean country, Trinidad & Tobago are set to establish a Working Group on energy, investment, trade and cooperation through mechanisms such as the Framework Agreement on the Deepening of Bilateral Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Sector Cooperation.
This was revealed on Wednesday, when Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dr. Amery Browne met virtually to recommit to strengthening and expanding the ties between the two countries.
The ministers agreed to pursue implementation of the mechanisms with a view to meetings of the High-Level Bilateral Commission, Executing Committee and Joint Working Group within six months of their meeting.
Further, Todd and Browne agreed to continue collaboration in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Advancing the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda: Prioritising Regional Food and Nutrition Security since Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago sit on the Special Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security and given mutual concern about the regional food import bill.
Todd also took the opportunity to convey Guyana’s gratitude for Trinidad and Tobago’s continued support for the preservation and maintenance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Furthermore, the officials articulated expressions of appreciation for the outstanding service of the Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, who will soon conclude his term of office. They also looked forward to working with the Secretary-General designate, Dr. Carla Barnett, once she assumes office.
Todd and Browne agreed to meet again in the near future at a mutually convenient date and time.
Meanwhile, the Working Group on energy and investment which was signed in September 2020 between Todd and the former US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, is still under “active consideration” the minister shared.
He told OilNOW this week that although the agreement was inked under the former US administration, he does not envision that the Joe Biden government will abandon the Working Group.
