Foreign Minister, French Ambassador discuss enhanced cooperation

Ambassador of the French Republic to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Antoine Joly, today called on Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd.

They discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation, among other mutual areas of interest.

Minister Todd provided an update on the Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the early release of the crew and vessels following their detention by Venezuela on January 21, 2021. He said that Guyana would continue to apprise the international community as events unfolded.

Ambassador Joly conveyed the support of France with Guyana on this matter.  He expressed his solidarity with the detained fishermen and their families.

The Foreign Minister alluded to the efforts underway by Guyana and Suriname to bridge the Corentyne River thereby connecting the Guiana Shield.

The Ambassador conveyed France’s interest in the project and underscored the importance of infrastructure in regional development. Minister Todd welcomed France’s expression of cooperation and interest in investment.

The Minister and Ambassador also discussed the ongoing COVID -19 pandemic, and possible areas of cooperation including technical cooperation, education, and military training.

Guyana and France established diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967. The relationship between the two countries also covers the engagement between Guyana and French Guiana.