GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (DPI) – At the plenary session held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Wednesday, His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, announced among other objectives of bilateral discussions with the Surinamese president, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi and government officials, “is aimed at reducing existing gaps and barriers and to create opportunities for cooperation.”
The Guyanese president further noted that the objective of the enhanced collaboration is geared towards improving the lives of the countries’ citizens through social and economic benefits.
“We are not on a time-wasting exercise. We are going to make decisions today for a better tomorrow, and we are going to advance at a very rapid pace from today in relation to all the commitments and decisions that we will take,” he said.
Prior to the commencement of the plenary session, the two heads of state and their respective ministers of foreign affairs met to advance discussions in several areas encompassing a number of sectors.
President Ali said that new areas of collaboration were discussed, including the environment, the oil and gas sector and the likelihood of establishing a common gas strategy for Guyana and Suriname.
“As you are aware, both parties here have similarities and have similar challenges and opportunities in relation to the environment. Both of us also have to manage an emerging oil and gas sector in the context of our credentials on the environment and climate change. So, that is a new area that we have added.”
In addition, the two presidents discussed local content and the legislation governing local content policy, tourism, and linkages between Suriname, Guyana and Brazil, infrastructure, agriculture and trade and enhanced security.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency president Santokhi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation. He acknowledged that the engagement allows for the advancement of important discussions between the two countries.
“President, this visit offers an excellent opportunity to evaluate the progress of bilateral cooperation within the context of this dialogue and cooperation platform established a year ago, he concluded.”
