General News

During the meeting, Mr Blair and his team were given a video presentation on the development of Guyana from an infrastructural perspective and on the Government’s plans for economic diversification.

Mr Blair is the first former or sitting British Prime Minister to visit the country.

During his two-day visit, he is scheduled to participate in a sit-down conversation with President Ali which will be moderated by Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin. They will discuss global climate challenges, Guyana’s leading role in environmental protection and the importance of education and scientific research.

During a private sector meeting in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, on Tuesday afternoon, the Head of State highlighted the opportunities in Guyana, including the country’s agricultural potential, fresh water access and the

imminent reduction in the cost of electricity.

He also spoke of the ease of access to the Northern Brazil market and CARICOM.

He told the private sector representatives to form themselves into consortiums and work towards mutually beneficial investments.

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, who witnessed the signing yesterday, called it historic and said that it is a precursor to solid, long-lasting partnerships.

Several of the Memorandums of Understanding are within the oil and gas industry, including, the establishment of an oil refinery; the establishment of a petrochemical plant and a study for participation in Guyana’s Oil Exploration Block.

The two countries also aim to enhance their agriculture potential, cooperation and will team up to market both their sun and sand and nature base-tourism.

Discussions focused on several areas of cooperation.

President Ali is on a two-day Official Visit to the Dominican Republic.

The Head of State and members of his delegation met with His Excellency, President Luis Abinader and members of his government, before commencing several meetings at the National Palace in the capital city.

Along with the government-to-government meetings, a number of private sector representatives from Guyana have also travelled to engage their counterparts from the Spanish-speaking nation on investment opportunities.

Minister Todd thanked the High Commissioner for his contributions towards strengthening the dynamic partnership between Guyana and India and reiterated the Government’s commitment to the furtherance of bilateral relations between the two countries. Dr. Srinivasa expressed his profound appreciation for the support extended by the Government of Guyana during his four-year tenure that resulted in several fruitful developmental initiatives and high-level visits.

Discussions focused on the prospect of a partnership between the Government of Guyana and the State of Arkansas in the area of agriculture, especially as it relates to education and private sector investment.

During the meeting, President Ali also spoke about the strong relations between Guyana and the US and Guyana’s pursuit of becoming a regional leader in energy security.

At the end of the meeting, President Ali presented Congressman Crawford with a signed cricket bat.

Dr Ali also spoke about the strong relations between Guyana and the US and Guyana’s pursuit of becoming a regional leader in energy security.

Congressman Crawford was presented with a signed cricket bat by the President.

Also, present at the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan and Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken.

The Head of State was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Hugh Todd. China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying, also attended the event.