AS Guyana forges ahead with cementing its place as one of the world’s economic superpowers, more and more nations are seeing the need to strengthen relations with this great nation.

Earlier this week, Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali accepted Letters of Credence from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria De Castro Martins, and Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Guyana, Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam.

Before the two officials, President Ali has reiterated Guyana’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations. Both of those countries have thriving economies and Guyana stands to benefit greatly from their advice and collaboration.

Brazil is one of the most developed countries in South and Central America. With a population of 209.5 million and an estimated GDP of US$1.6 trillion, Brazil has the largest economy on the South American continent.
Since Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations on December 18, 1968, they have enjoyed a healthy relationship.

Brazil has shared their expertise in a number of areas including military and transportation, and according to President Ali, collaboration in areas such as energy, agriculture, forest management and infrastructure are on the agenda.

Earlier this month, officials from the two countries met in Boa Vista to discuss the International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA) which aims to foster closer ties and collaboration in the transportation sector. That agreement focuses on the transportation of passengers and cargo and will no doubt become handy upon completion of the highly-anticipated asphalt highway from Linden to Lethem.

Also on the to-do list, is enhanced defence, tourism and private sector cooperation as was revealed during a meeting between President Ali and Brazil’s President , Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva last month. The leaders agreed that there exists an opportunity to integrate their economies and create enormous opportunities for their citizens, which they have every intention of capitalising on. Of great interest is connecting the two nations through roads, ports and air transport.

Similarly, Guyana has also enjoyed good relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Of major significance is the intention to establish an embassy here.
Saudi Arabia is the fifth largest country in Asia and the largest in the Middle East.

With a population of approximately 37 million and a GDP of over $1 trillion at the end of 2023, the Saudi economy depends heavily on the petroleum sector with oil accounting for some 40 per cent of its GDP. This is a crucial point to note as Guyana is undergoing its own transformation largely on the back of oil production.

There is no doubt that the expertise of the Saudis, particularly as it relates to growing the economy, bettering the lives of citizens and developing the country as a whole, will form part of the conversations.

With the accreditation of the ambassador, Guyana and Saudi Arabia will make bilateral trade in food production, energy and oil and gas their main areas of focus.

Stronger ties with Brazil and Saudi Arabia will help catapult the government’s transformation agenda, ensuring a bright, solid future for citizens and a country that is on firmer footing.