GUYANA, under the previous People’s National Congress administration, developed close relations with the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), or the Soviet Union. Economic and other ties in Guyana and other countries diminished with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, but Russia has maintained its diplomatic presence here and the two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations.
Signs of strengthening those ties have emerged during President Bharrat Jagdeo’s visit to Russia this week to participate in the 50th anniversary observances of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, where he studied Economics and which has conferred him with an honorary doctorate.
In discussions with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the Guyanese leader raised the prospects of closer ties between Russia and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Mr. Medvedev welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on global concerns and international issues, to discuss bilateral relations and outline plans for the future.
President Jagdeo said Guyana would like to see Russia play a greater role in this hemisphere and in the development process taking place here.
He noted that Guyana will in August assume the chairmanship of UNASUR (Union of South American Nations) and it is now part of the South American integration process.
He promised that with this country’s chairmanship of UNASUR for one year, it will be willing to do whatever it can to strengthen Russia’s ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.
President Medvedev noted that the development of relations between Russia, Latin America and the Caribbean was quite active last year and that he visited four countries during that period, while delegations from Latin America and the Caribbean and Guyana visited Russia.
He added: “I will continue this policy this year – we have planned several activities in Latin America. Why do I mention this? Simply because Russia is a country that has long been absent in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“You are well aware of what happened in the 1990s. But now we have taken the strategic decision to develop our relations with Latin America and Caribbean countries.
“We believe this is very important in light of the balance of powers and interests in the world. Furthermore, it will help the development of economic, social, educational processes and, incidentally, help us address a range of global challenges such as climate change.
“I know that you too are interested in this issue and we can talk about this as well.”
This is another welcome development given the global realities and the need for Guyana and countries in this hemisphere to broaden business and other opportunities outside of traditional Western circles.
The Guyana-Russia connection has stood the test of time and the stage seems set for firming it up even more.
A Russian company is into bauxite here and more investment opportunities are opening up with the thrust by Guyana for a low carbon economy.
The course seems set with President Medvedev’s clear promise from Russia’s strategic decision to develop relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.