THE ties between French Guiana and Guyana have been strengthened through economic and trade cooperation, debt relief and bilateral relationship forged by, among others, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This was acknowledged by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds on Monday evening, when he spoke at a reception hosted by the Ambassador Joel Godeau, at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown, in observance of the National Day of France.
Mr. Hinds told the gathering of diplomats and other special invitees, that the closeness between the two countries was enriched when a French delegation visited in 2010.
He added that the Guyana Government remains committed and ready to work with the French in fulfilling earlier agreements, especially in the areas of climate change and the environment.
The Prime Minister also made mention of the ‘REDD Project’ which also has the interest of the forests of both Guyana and French Guiana.
The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is looking forward, with anxiety, to the next bilateral meeting between the two countries, said Mr. Hinds, adding that he hopes there can be increased communication and partnership between the non- governmental organisations (NGOs) of the two countries.
Some concerns
He also registered some concerns with the French Ambassador, who is also accredited to Suriname. Among those he mentioned were the reforming of the financial system issues being faced in the developed world and access to concession financing.
In closing Mr. Hinds expressed optimism that Guyana will be getting support from France at the level of the G8.
Meanwhile, Mr. Godeau said it is the intention of the French Government to continue cooperation with Guyana and there will be continued dialogue on regional and international matters.
He alluded to the common space shared between Guyana and French Guiana as one of the reasons the two countries need to maintain good relations, citing cooperation in the areas of security, which continues to develop.
According to the envoy, his country is ensuring the technical and scientific support for the ongoing construction of the forensic laboratory in the compound of the University of Guyana (UG). He said the ties between the two countries are getting stronger with the citizens of each settling within the other.
He said there is also the ongoing cooperation in the areas of sports, culture and trade that continue to add to the development of stronger ties. In addition to those strides, there are efforts being made on the economic front in both the countries with the contribution of citizens from France and Guyana.
The diplomat said, while the French community in Guyana has grown tremendously over the past few months and years, those nationals have been contributing to the economic life here and he assured them that he will continue to pay an interest in their welfare and address the issues that affect them.