In the aftermath of two visits here by Barbados Deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley, a seven-member delegation arrived here for a joint commission meeting aimed at strengthening ties.

At the inaugural session of the Guyana/Barbados Joint Commission, which opened yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, the need for deepened relations in the areas of trade and investment, tourism, air services, education and agriculture, among other areas, was emphasized.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, Teresa Marshall speaking at the opening, said it establishes a framework for deeper relations that will benefit Guyanese and Barbadians. She said Deputy Prime Minister Mottley returned to Barbados following her visit to Guyana so encouraged about the prospects that “she cannot stop talking about it.”

Marshall said they were given instructions by Mottley to explore all avenues where the relationship can grow, adding that they intend to. She noted that areas such as agriculture and tourism are critical but pointed out that they intend to address sensitive areas such as immigration.

Further, she stated that Barbados views the joint commission as a serious forum given the high-level delegation which included Barbados’ newly-appointed Ambassador to Guyana, John Williams, who presented his credentials yesterday.

John Isaacs, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation of Guyana, who opened the session, underscored the importance and timeliness of the forum. He said the agreement that was signed in July between the two countries to deepen bilateral cooperation provides for such a commission for Guyana and Barbados to advance cooperation in fields of mutual interest.

Guyana’s delegation comprised representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Guyana Office for Investment, among other agencies.

The joint commission is expected to agree on a work programme for advancing cooperation between the two countries.