– to boost bilateral ties

PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips arrived to a warm welcome in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, in a bid to enhance bilateral relations and propel key areas of cooperation.

The visit will further strengthen multifaceted relationship and unique people-to-people linkages that both countries share.
The trajectory of bilateral engagement between India and Guyana has been on an upward curve, marked by substantial visits from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other high-ranking officials over the past year.

Building on the discussions during President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo’s visit to India in January and February 2023, both countries have taken concrete steps by establishing eight Joint Working Groups.

These groups encompass a wide array of domains including agriculture, health, infrastructure development, energy, Ayurveda, technology innovation, defence, and human resources and capacity building. This holistic approach aims to fortify cooperation and leverage each nation’s strengths for mutual gain.

A pivotal aspect of the burgeoning partnership is Guyana’s expressed interest in procuring defence capabilities from India. This initiative stems from Guyana’s imperative to safeguard its maritime boundaries, exclusive economic zones, and burgeoning oil and gas industry from potential threats, notably illegal fishing activities.

Last year, visits by India’s External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, to Guyana, culminating in a Joint Commission meeting with Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Hilton Todd, further cemented the diplomatic ties between the two countries. Discussions during the meeting underscored shared perspectives on global challenges and opportunities for collaborative solutions.

Prime Minister Phillips who assumed office in August 2020, takes a wealth of experience to the discussion table.

His background as the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force lends a strategic edge to the discussions, particularly concerning defence cooperation.

In a recent celebration of India’s 75th Republic Day at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana’s Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira, commended India’s pivotal role in the global community.

Minister Teixeira specifically lauded India’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law, recognising those as integral strengths that underpin its status as the world’s largest democracy, fostering stability and resilience.