Representatives from Guyana and India engaged in discussions this week to deepen bilateral relations in several sectors, namely oil, trade, and food security.
These talks, held in Georgetown, marked the fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations between the two.
India was represented by Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) for the Ministry of External Affairs. Meanwhile, Guyana’s interest was led by Ambassador George Talbot, Director at the Multilateral Affairs Department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.
Also present were President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Minister in the Ministry of Public Works, Indar Deodat.
President Ali expressed that the two countries share not only a common heritage but values too. He emphasised the need to strengthen bilateral relations and highlighted that Guyana is poised for rapid growth and development. The two sides also discussed cooperation in infrastructure projects, defence cooperation and capacity building.
There was also mutual interest in deepening relations in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology (ICT), education, development partnership, climate change and culture.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and cooperation in multilateral bodies including CARICOM.
Both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations to advance the foregoing talks at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi.
Guyana’s engagement with India forms part of the government’s approach to finding strategic partnerships that would support its agenda for diversified growth.
In November alone, Guyanese authorities engaged trade missions from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Talks are imminent with top officials from France.
