PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has lauded relations between Guyana and Canada and said the Government is committed to building an even stronger and more active relationship of cooperation and partnership.He expressed the remarks on Saturday at a reception hosted by the Canadian High Commission in honour of the visit to Guyana by members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of Canada.

The Canadians, while here, were able to meet with the Speaker of the National Assembly, and were facilitated a tour of the Parliament Building.

The Prime Minister is hoping that officials from both countries work together to implement the agreements reached from discussions here, especially as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has a long history of working with Commonwealth Governments in support of good governance, democracy, and human rights. These values, the Prime Minister said, are embraced by the Coalition Government.

With more than 180 branches in nine regions, the wealth of knowledge and experience which the Association possesses can only add value to the close relationship which both countries enjoy since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

“Canada continues to be a reliable partner in Guyana’s development efforts through technical assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for economic and social programmes. The notable levels of Canadian investment, especially in the mining sector, are highly welcomed by my Government and are an indication of the continued confidence which Canada has shown in the Guyanese economy.

“As a developing country, Guyana continues to face challenges as we move forward on the road to developing the lives of our people. However, we have made (some) significant strides. Your visit to Guyana would have given you a firsthand look as to the significant changes that are taking place, especially in the area of infrastructural development,” the Prime Minister indicated.

Over the years, Guyana and Canada have enjoyed firm conventional ties of support and closeness.

Representatives from the Justice Education Society (JES), a Canadian non-profit organisation, visited Guyana in 2015 under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), held a three-day seminar and ‘facilitated dialogue with police, prosecutors, and judicial officials with a view to strengthening Guyana’s Justice System.

The currently ongoing Justice Education Society project has benefited and enhanced the capabilities of members of the Guyana Police Force, the Department of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Legal Affairs, and Guyanese Magistrates through the provision of technical assistance from Canadian experts.

At the international level, Guyana and Canada share close collaboration at the Commonwealth and the United Nations. Canada is a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana, in support of the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and also represents Guyana on the Board of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

“My Government will continue to provide the enabling environment for investments, as we are committed to an enhanced relationship with Canada. We believe that such a relationship can only redound to the mutual benefit of our people,” the Prime Minister said.