GUYANA and Brazil are seeking to deepen bilateral co-operation in trade, infrastructure and agriculture as senior officials from both countries met in Georgetown on Monday to advance discussions on closer economic integration and regional development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd, met with Ambassador Phillip Fox Drummond Gough, Secretary for Economic and Financial Affairs in Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the diplomat’s May 11-12 visit to Guyana.
Also attending the meeting were Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, Maria Cristina de Castro Martins, Minister Counsellor Jose Renato Ruy Ferreira and Counsellor Paulo Victor Figueiredo Valenca.
During the engagement, Minister Todd reaffirmed President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to closer collaboration with Brazil, which he described as a key strategic partner for Guyana within the hemisphere.
Todd highlighted opportunities for expanded co-operation in energy, agriculture and infrastructure, noting that both countries stand to benefit from deeper economic integration.
The foreign affairs minister also underscored Guyana’s commitment to advancing major infrastructure projects, including the development of a deep-water harbour and the upgrading of the Linden-to-Lethem road corridor.
He said the initiatives are intended to facilitate greater trade and economic activity between Guyana and the Brazilian state of Roraima, as well as other northern Brazilian states, while creating broader economic opportunities for citizens of both countries.
The discussions formed part of ongoing efforts by Georgetown and Brasília to strengthen regional connectivity and expand commercial relations as economic activity accelerates across the Guiana Shield and northern Brazil.