Strict engagement timelines for Guyana, Suriname

— ICT, Oil and Gas, anti-piracy among areas of focus 

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, August 9, 2020 

With new governments in place in both Guyana and sister country Suriname, the administrations of His Excellency, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and His Excellency, Chandrikapersad Santokhi are moving head-on towards the advancement of both countries. 

The South American nations have agreed to work together to further improve the lives of their citizens, and will be forming regular engagements to see their objectives realised. 

Through their respective Ministries for Foreign Affairs, the two countries have already set timelines to address among other areas, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Cyber Security, and Anti-Piracy. 

Engagements will also be held on the Oil and Gas Industry and the Security and Private Sectors. 

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Hugh Todd, said the two governments, rooted in the foundation of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, are both small states with similar inherent challenges. However, both countries have the same prospects for development. 

“We recognise that we could work closely together to improve the lives of, and standard of living, of both of our people. We recognise that we have to work aggressively to advance both countries… We want to do that within the ambit of our regional participation, but also strengthen our bilateral engagements,” he told journalists at the joint presidential press conference at State House this morning. 

Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Albert Ramdin observed that there is chemistry between both Heads of States which, he said, has much to do with the opportunity to make a change. 

“Making a change at the beginning of their leadership is timely. We are faced with so many challenges worldwide and in the region and nationally. Fresh leadership can only help to re-energise some of the required energy and capacity of the countries.”  

By mid-September, the two countries will begin to re-evaluate the existing programmes within the ministries before moving toward strengthening the engagements. 

The first official meeting is slated for October.