-President Ali underscores shared positions on climate change, food security, sovereignty
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday held discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on expanding co-operation between the two countries in various areas.
The two met during President Ali’s visit to Canada where the Guyanese Head of State highlighted the two nations’ very intense and diversified relationship that extends beyond diplomacy.
During the discussions, it was noted that areas touched included investment, innovation, climate leadership, and regional relations.
The President noted that both countries have taken leadership roles on climate issues, tropical forests, and biodiversity, while also sharing common positions on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Canada, at one time, was our largest trading partner,” President Ali added.
He went on to note that part of the discussions focused on how Canada could play a “deeper and greater role” in Guyana’s economic transformation through diversification, innovation, and advancement.
Against this backdrop, he also highlighted the strong people-to-people, cultural and historical ties between the two countries, while pointing to food security as another shared area of leadership.
Guyana, he noted, is keen on strengthening engagements with Canada as they reshape their foreign-policy agenda.
“CARICOM, Guyana, we want to not be behind the curve, but right in your line of sight,” President Ali told the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney welcomed President Ali to Canada and underscored the long-standing ties between the two nations.
He stated that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Guyana’s independence and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“We have lots of ties,” Prime Minister Carney said.
He also referred to the business links between the two countries and acknowledged their shared interests in peace, stability, and territorial integrity within the CARICOM region.
He said, “We have business ties.” We have common interests for peace, stability, territorial integrity in the CARICOM region and all of the countries there.”
