His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali called Canada a significant development partner to Guyana, that supports human resource growth, community development, the judicial system, security enhancement and the energy sector.

Speaking at a reception last evening to mark the 156th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, hosted by the Canadian High Commission in Guyana, the President said that Guyana anticipates greater collaboration with Canada through bilateral consultations in trade and investment and looks forward to finalising the air transport agreements.

Canada has been one of Guyana’s key trading partners, and according to Dr Ali “relations have been predicated on cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit and for upholding important values such as respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law”.

Guyana and Canada established diplomatic relations on May 26, 1966.