High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Guyana, Greg Quinn met with newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd today where a number of matters were discussed, including the twinning of Georgetown, Guyana and Aberdeen, Scotland, which is a spin-off from a visit by Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett, to Guyana last year.
“We have had a lot of cooperation in the past and we will do as much to continue,” High Commissioner Quinn said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday discussions also focused on security, the Agreement on Air Services signed in 2018, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and development aid, as areas of mutual cooperation and interest.
“Moving forward, we see the United Kingdom as a main developmental partner. I am excited to be part of this new push between Guyana and the UK and I am sure that our interactions will be progressive,” Minister Todd said.
During the Lord Provost of Aberdeen’s visit last year, an MoU, referred to as a Twinning Agreement, was signed with focal points that include stimulating and supporting offshore energy business interactions between the two cities.
Capacity-building and developing skills in the offshore energy industry in Georgetown, including facilitating university links and exploring opportunities through co-designed initiatives for funding priority Georgetown city projects, including healthcare services, solid waste management and green open spaces, were also part of the objectives.
Mayor Crockett had noted that Guyanese must be prepared for the rapid development and growth of the emerging oil and gas sector while at the same time balancing the tremendous attributes of Georgetown. He noted that planning for the infrastructural needs of the city, cooperation between the city administration and the national government, will be vital.
With the largest heliport in the world and an important service ship harbour port serving offshore oil rigs, Aberdeen is often called the “Oil Capital of Europe”.
