-President Ali says ‘friendly’ resolution being sought
-expresses concern about disruptions to trade, ‘unnecessary’ obstacles for Guyanese businesses
SURINAME’S Foreign Affairs Minister Melvin Bouva has engaged authorities here in Guyana, following concerns raised by President, Dr Irfaan Ali over reports that authorities in Suriname have instituted charges for the use of the Corentyne River.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event on Thursday, President Ali said Guyana is hoping to resolve this matter as ‘friends.’ However, he asserted that he would make the necessary adjustments to protect the country’s private sector and businesses.
“We sent a diplomatic note some time ago. From what I am advised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was no response as yet. The foreign secretary did indicate to me that the foreign minister has engaged him since my post and we are hoping that this can be dealt with as friends,” President Ali told reporters.
Earlier Thursday, President Ali in a statement on his official Facebook page said that Guyana has approached the issue through diplomatic channels, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties.
“We have raised our concerns in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect, mindful of the importance of preserving the co-operative and friendly relations between our countries,” President Ali said.
The Guyanese leader cautioned that such measures could create unnecessary obstacles for businesses and disrupt trade flows between the neighbouring states.
“The Surinamese private sector businesses enjoy the level of freedom and equity and access here like any local business and for me reciprocity is very important,” the President told reporters adding:
“And as a country, we will have to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that we are not placed at a disadvantage with the other businesses from Suriname if this is not corrected.”
The Guyanese leader also stressed the importance of reciprocity in maintaining balanced relations, urging Suriname to revisit the reported charges.
“I can’t say about the macro number. What I can say [is] operators especially in the timber and quarrying industry are facing the brunt of this and you know how important that is for our own development now. So of course there is [sic] trickle down effects for our economy,” he said.
